Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Drugs and counseling are both effective treatments for ADD. It is essential to try both to determine which one is more efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD are inattentive, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They suffer from low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, the basal ganglia and thalamus. They also have low dopamine levels. Treatment usually involves increasing dopamine levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are available legally as prescription drugs, including amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) and the methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and also used illegally often in combination with other substances, like cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They are available as liquids, pills, syrups or patches.
They enhance concentration by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, and improve working memory. These are the most common medication prescribed to people suffering from ADHD. They can trigger negative side effects, such as a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping and an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. They can interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It is essential to talk with your physician about any concerns.
About 70% to 80 percent of people who take ADHD medication will experience reduced symptoms. Different people respond in a different way to the medication and the effects may not last long.
Some people aren't fond of stimulants or can't tolerate their side effects. In this situation doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medications. These medications aren't as efficient as stimulants, but they can help improve focus, attention and control impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to get started and don't work as quickly. They affect neurotransmitters differently from stimulants, and they do not increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine, clonidine and the guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most common side result. However the drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dosage or taking them at the time of sleep. The drowsiness should diminish within the following weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants work by changing the brain's chemical makeup, known as neurotransmitters. The drugs are classified based on how they act on neurotransmitters. Each group contains slightly different medications. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Your physician may prescribe a medication that belongs to one of these groups in order to ease anxiety or depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief, as it could take several weeks before you can feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide on the best treatment for you. They can mix two antidepressants or add other medicines to improve the effects of your treatment. This is called augmentation. The most common augmentation medications are Aripiprazole (Abilify) as well as quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Different antidepressants have different side effects. You should discuss these adverse effects with your doctor because they could interfere in your daily activities. she said may be mild or extreme and depend on the type of antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if taking any other medications, including herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications such as St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been proven to cause fewer side effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs boost levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. This is why they're considered to be 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 utilized for their energizing effects which help you feel more alert. They can be beneficial for those suffering from insomnia or very severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness, however they are beneficial to many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. These medications are also used to treat bulimia and to assist smokers in quitting.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a research-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based upon the notion that feelings and thoughts are interconnected and can be changed. Get the facts is a goal-oriented, short-term program that teaches you new strategies to deal with negative stressors and bad habits. It can be used to treat anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
The purpose of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive emotions and behaviors. The method is the combination of two therapies which are cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. This type of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be performed in a group or individually. You will be taught a variety of methods by a therapist and then you'll use them in daily life. Some of these techniques include learning to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, implementing mindfulness meditation and keeping a mental journal.
A therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that cause ineffective behaviors, and then teach you strategies to change these assumptions. They will also show you how to tackle issues in your daily life. CBT therapists encourage you to set SMART goals to help you to track your progress.
While each form 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 a variety of methods, but they are all built on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involve associating the effects of stimuli with the stimulus. While you are in treatment you will be awarded for completing tasks. Additionally, you will be punished when you fail to complete them.
In the first few sessions your therapist will help you identify the problem behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. They may also assign homework to help you learn the skills. Depending on the nature of your condition you could require anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.
add in adults treatment can be used to treat a number of ailments that include depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). It can also be effective in treating adult ADHD, a condition that affects people as young seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that uses regular, scheduled meetings with a therapist to discuss your concerns. The typical session lasts around 50 minutes and may be face-to-face or in groups. They can also be conducted over the telephone. Counselling can be utilized to treat a variety of mental health issues, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to discuss relationship, friendship and family issues - as well as work-related difficulties.
A counselor will listen attentively to your concerns and provide an objective view. They will be able identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can teach you techniques and coping techniques to manage anxiety, stress, or depression. They can assist you in adapting to major life changes such as divorce or the loss of loved ones. They can help you learn to manage chronic illnesses and addictions.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates if you have a mental health plan from your doctor.