Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include counseling and medication. It is important to try both to determine which one is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentive and disorganized, as well as hyperactive. They lack blood flow in the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels are usually increased in the course of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are available in prescription medications such as amphetamines, methylphenidates, and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be illegally used and often mixed with other substances such as cocaine and methcathinone. They are available in the form of pills, liquids, syrups or patches.
They boost concentration by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, and improve working memory. They are among the most commonly used medication prescribed to people suffering from ADHD. They can trigger negative side effects, such as a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They may interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It's important to talk with your doctor regarding any concerns.
Around 70 to 80 percent of those who are taking ADHD medication will experience a reduction in symptoms. However, not everyone responds to the same medication and the effects don't always lasting.
Certain people find that stimulants don't work for them, or they can't tolerate the adverse effects. In this situation doctors will prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants but they can aid in improving attention, focus and control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to begin working and don't work as fast. treatments for adhd affect neurotransmitters differently than stimulants, and don't raise dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine and Guanfacine. The most common side effect of these medications is drowsiness. However the drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dosage or taking them prior to the time of bed. The drowsiness should diminish within a few weeks of beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants change chemicals in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They are classified based on the way they affect these neurotransmitters, with each group having medications that perform in slightly different ways. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
A medical professional might recommend a medication from one of these groups to relieve depression and anxiety symptoms. These medications may not provide immediate relief. It may take several weeks to experience the full benefit. Your doctor and you will decide which medication works best for you. They may combine two antidepressants, or add other medicines to improve the effects of your treatment. This is known as augmenting. The most common augmentation medications are Aripiprazole (Abilify), quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Different antidepressants have different side effects. It is important to discuss these side effects with your doctor since they could cause problems with your daily activities. These effects can be mild or serious, depending on the type antidepressant you're taking. Inform adhd adult treatment if you're taking any other medications, such as herbal remedies and prescription drugs such as St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been proven to have fewer adverse effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. their website is why SNRIs are considered more effective than SSRIs. They also have longer half-lifes than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other drugs. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used to boost your energy levels and help you feel more alert. They could be helpful for those suffering from insomnia or extremely severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These medications can cause jitteriness or insomnia however they can be beneficial for people suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. They are also used for bulimia and as a smoking cessation aid.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems is a well-established treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the belief that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected and can be changed. CBT is a goal-oriented, short-term program that teaches you new strategies to deal with problems and bad habits. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.
The aim of CBT is to reframe unhelpful thoughts into positive feelings and behaviours. It is a combination of two therapies which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. It's a kind of psychotherapy that's usually short-term and can be done in a private or group setting. A therapist will guide you through different methods, and you'll apply them in your daily life. Some of these techniques include being able to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation, and keeping a thought journal.
A therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that lead to maladaptive behaviors and then provide strategies to change these beliefs. They will also show you how to deal with problems in your daily routine. CBT therapists will also guide you to establish SMART goals (specific achievable, measurable, relevant, and time-based) to aid in tracking your progress.
Although each type of CBT has its own approach, all cognitive behavior therapies are focused on identifying and changing the underlying thoughts that contribute to emotional distress. Therapists employ different methods however they all are based on the principles operant and classical conditioning that involves associating stimuli to their effects. While you are in treatment you will be awarded for the accomplishment of tasks. You'll also be punished when you fail to complete them.
In your first few sessions, you and your therapist will look for problematic behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. You might be assigned homework to help you develop the abilities. Based on the severity of your condition, you may require anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT can be used to treat a number of disorders, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). It can also be effective for adults suffering from ADHD which affects individuals as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy which uses regular, scheduled sessions with a therapy (counsellor) to discuss your concerns. These sessions can last up to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or by phone. Counselling can be used to treat a range of mental health issues, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about relationship, friendship and family issues - and also work-related issues.
A counsellor will listen carefully to your problems and offer an objective viewpoint. They will be able identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They will be able to teach you coping skills and techniques for managing stress, anxiety or depression. They can assist you in dealing with major life changes, like divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also show you how to deal with addictions or a chronic illness.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, whereas others are covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health care plan from your doctor.