Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and medication are both effective treatments for ADD. It is important to try both to determine which one is more efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentional and disorganized, as well as hyperactive. They have a lack of blood flow to the prefrontal cortex and the basal Ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels are usually increased as part of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are available legally as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) and the methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and also used illegally frequently mixed with other substances, including methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They are available as pills, liquids, syrups or patches.
They increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain's synapses, improving concentration. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and enhance working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They can cause negative side effects, such as a decreased appetite, sleep disturbances and increased heart rate or blood pressure. They can interfere with some medications and medical conditions Therefore, it's crucial to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
Medicines can lessen ADHD symptoms in about 70 percent to 80% of people who use them. Not everyone responds the same way to the medication, and the effects may not last for long.
Some people find that stimulants aren't working well or they don't like the adverse effects. If this is the case, doctors might prescribe non-stimulant medications. They aren't as effective as stimulants, but they do aid in improving attention, focus and control impulses. Doctors may prescribe them along with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs are more difficult to use and don't work as quickly. They do not raise dopamine levels, and they have a different effect on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine, clonidine and the guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most common side effect. However, drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dose or taking them before the time of bed. The drowsiness will subside in the following weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical composition in the brain, called neurotransmitters. The medications are classified according to how they interact with neurotransmitters. Each group contains 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 health care provider might prescribe a medication that belongs to one of these groups to ease anxiety or depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief, since it can take weeks before you can feel the full benefits. You and your doctor will decide which medication works best for you. You may mix two antidepressants or add other medicines to boost the effectiveness of your treatment. This is referred to as augmenting. The most common augmentation medications are Aripiprazole (Abilify), quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Different antidepressants have distinct adverse effects. It is important to speak with your doctor about these side effects since some of them could interfere with your daily activities. These effects can be mild or serious dependent on the type of antidepressant you're taking. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medications, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter drugs like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants and are known to have fewer side-effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This is the reason they're believed to be 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 make you feel more awake. They could be helpful for those suffering from insomnia or extremely severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are two of the most popular. These medications can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness, but they can be beneficial for many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. They are also used to treat bulimia and as a smoking cessation aid.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a scientifically-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based upon the belief that thoughts and feelings are connected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented procedure that can help you learn new methods to manage stressors and negative habits. It can also be used to treat depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
CBT aims to transform unhelpful thoughts and feelings into positive emotions or behaviors. The technique is the combination of two therapies which are cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. adhd natural treatment of psychotherapy is typically short-term, and can be carried out either in a group setting or individually. The therapist will instruct you on different methods, and you'll apply them in your everyday life. Some of these techniques include: being able to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, implementing mindfulness meditation and keeping a mental journal.
A therapist can also help you identify the negative thoughts that cause maladaptive behaviors and then provide strategies to change these assumptions. They'll also teach you problem solving techniques to help you handle challenges that come up in your daily life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to develop SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable relevant, time-based, and relevant) to aid in tracking your progress.
Although each type of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavior therapies are focused on identifying and changing the thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. The therapists use different techniques but they all operate on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involves relating stimuli to their effects. In treatment you will be rewarded for completing tasks. Additionally, you will be penalized for failing to complete the task.
In the initial sessions together, your therapist and you will be able to identify the problematic behavior and replace them by healthy ones. You might be assigned homework to help you master the skills. Depending on the severity of your condition it could take between 6 and 20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT can be used to treat a variety of conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is also effective for adults with ADHD, which affects people as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that uses regular, scheduled meetings with a therapist to talk about your issues. These sessions can last up to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or by phone. Counselling can be utilized to treat a variety of mental health issues such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to discuss relationships, friendships and family issues - and also work-related issues.
A counselor will listen attentively to your problems and offer an objective viewpoint. They can identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can help you learn techniques and coping skills for managing anxiety, stress or depression. They can help you deal with major life events, like divorce or the loss of a beloved. They can also help you learn how to deal with addictions or chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, while others may be covered by Medicare rebates if you have a mental health care plan from your doctor.