Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and drugs are both effective treatments for ADD. It is important to try both to determine which is more efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be irritable and disorganized, as well as hyperactive. They lack blood flow to the prefrontal cortex and basal Ganglia. They also have low dopamine levels. Dopamine levels are usually increased in the course of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants speed up the body's systems. They are available as prescription drugs such as amphetamines, methylphenidates and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be illegally used and are often mixed with other substances like cocaine and methcathinone. They are available in the form of syrups, liquids, pills or patches.
They boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain's synapses. This improves concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and enhance working memory. They are among the most commonly used medication prescribed to people suffering from ADHD. They can trigger side effects such as decreased appetite, sleep disturbances and increased blood pressure or heart rate. They may interfere with certain medications and medical conditions Therefore, it's crucial to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
About 70-80 percent of those who use ADHD medication will experience reduced symptoms. Not everyone responds the same way to the medication, and the effects might not last long.
Some people aren't fond of stimulants or don't like their side effects. In this instance, doctors will prescribe nonstimulant medications. These medications may not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can improve concentration and focus and control impulses. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs along with stimulants to boost the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to get started and they don't react as quickly. They don't raise dopamine levels and have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and guanfacine. The most frequent side effect of these medicines is drowsiness. However it is possible to reduce drowsiness by increasing the dosage or taking them at the time of bed. The drowsiness will subside in the following weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants affect the brain's chemical makeup, known as neurotransmitters. The medications are classified according to the way they affect neurotransmitters. Each group is comprised of somewhat different medications. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Your doctor may prescribe a medication that belongs to one of these groups in order to alleviate anxiety or depression symptoms. These medicines may not provide immediate relief, as it can take weeks before you feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide the most effective medication for you. They can mix two antidepressants or other medicines to improve the effectiveness of your treatment. This is called augmentation. The most popular augmentation medicines are Aripiprazole (Abilify) and quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Antidepressants can have different side effects. It is recommended to discuss these side effects with your physician because they could interfere in your daily activities. These side effects may range from mild to severe and can depend on the type of antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications, such as herbal remedies and prescription drugs like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been known to cause less side effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) as well as sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This is the reason SNRIs are regarded as more effective than SSRIs. They also have a shorter half-life and are less likely than SSRIs to interact with other medications. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used to boost energy levels and make you feel more awake. They can be beneficial for people who have insomnia or very severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are two of most common. These medications can cause jitteriness, sleepiness or drowsiness, but they are beneficial to many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia and also to aid smokers in quitting.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems is a well-established treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the belief that feelings, thoughts, and behaviors are connected and can be changed. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented process that helps you discover new strategies to handle stressors and negative habits. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.
The goal of CBT is to change negative thoughts into positive emotions and behavior. It is a combination of two therapies which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. This type of psychotherapy is typically short-term, and can be carried out either in a group setting or on an individual basis. A therapist will teach you different techniques, and you'll be able to apply them in your everyday life. These techniques include learning how to recognize negative automatic thoughts; practicing mindfulness meditation; and keeping an account of your thoughts.
treatments for adhd can also help you identify the negative thoughts that cause maladaptive behaviors and then provide strategies to change these assumptions. They'll also help you develop problem-solving skills so that you can deal with challenges that arise in your daily life. Therapists in CBT will also help you to establish SMART goals (specific achievable, measurable, relevant, and time-based) to aid in tracking your progress.
Although each type of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies focus on identifying and changing fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ a variety of techniques, but most are based on the concepts of operant and classical conditioning, which involves associating the effects of stimuli with the stimulus. During treatment you will be awarded for completing tasks. Additionally, you will be penalized if you fail to complete the task.
During the first few sessions, your therapist will help you identify the problem behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. You may be given homework to help you build the skills. You may need anywhere from six to twenty one-on-one sessions, based on the nature and severity of your condition.
CBT can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also works in treating adult ADHD which is prevalent in children as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy which uses planned, regular meetings with the therapy (counsellor) to discuss your problems. The sessions can last from 30 minutes to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face in groups, or over the phone. Counselling can be used to treat a variety of mental health problems, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to discuss relationship, friendship and family issues as well as issues related to work.
A counsellor will pay attention to your problems and provide an objective viewpoint. They can discern patterns of behavior and suggest ways you can alter them. They can teach you techniques and coping skills for managing anxiety, stress, or depression. They can help you cope with major life events, such as divorce or the loss of a beloved. They can also teach you how to manage addictions or chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, and others are covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health plan from your doctor.