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 effective.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentive and unorganized, aswell as hyperactive. treatment for adhd adults lack blood flow in the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels tend to increase in the course of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants accelerate the body's systems. They are available in the form of prescription drugs like amphetamines, methylphenidates, as well as diet aids like Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be used illegally and often mixed with other substances like cocaine and methcathinone. They are available as syrups, pills, liquids or patches that are placed on the skin.
They enhance concentration by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and help improve working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They can trigger side effects like a decrease in appetite or difficulties sleeping, as well as an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They may interfere with certain medical treatments and medications, so it's important to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
About 70% to 80% people who take ADHD medications will experience reduced symptoms. However, not everyone responds to the same medication, and the effects don't always long-lasting.
Some people find that stimulants aren't working well or they don't like the adverse effects. If this is the case, doctors could prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These medications aren't as efficient as stimulants, but they can help improve attention, focus and control of impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to begin working, and they don't act as quickly. They don't raise dopamine levels, and they have a different effect on neurotransmitters. Examples include the atomoxetine (clonidine) and guanfacine and Clonidine. The most common side effect of these medicines is sleepiness. The drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dose or taking the medication prior to the time of bed. The drowsiness should diminish within a few weeks of beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They are classified based on the way they affect these neurotransmitters with each group having drugs that work 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 doctor might recommend a medication from one of these groups to relieve depression and anxiety symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief, as it can take weeks before you can feel the full benefits. You and your doctor will decide which medication works best for you. They may add other medications or mix two antidepressants to enhance your treatment. This is referred to as augmenting. The most common augmentation medications are Aripiprazole (Abilify), quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Antidepressants can 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 side effects may be mild or severe, depending on the type antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if taking any other medications, including herbal remedies and prescription drugs like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, and are known to have fewer side-effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) as well as sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This is the reason SNRIs are considered more efficient 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 primarily used to boost your energy levels which help you feel more awake. They may be useful for those suffering from anxiety or insomnia that is very severe. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are two of most popular. These drugs can cause insomnia, jitteriness or drowsiness, but they can be beneficial for many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia, and to help smokers quit.
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 thoughts, feelings and behaviours are all connected and can be altered. CBT is a goal-oriented short-term program that teaches you new strategies to deal with stressors and bad habits. It can also be used to treat anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.
The goal of CBT is to change negative thoughts into positive emotions and behavior. The technique is a mixture of two different therapies which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. It's a type of psychotherapy that is often short-term, and it can be performed in a group or an individual setting. The therapist will instruct you on different techniques, and you'll practice them in your daily life. These techniques include learning to recognize negative thoughts and meditative practices; and keeping an account of your thoughts.
A therapist will also assist you in identifying the negative thoughts that cause maladaptive behaviors and then teach you strategies to change these assumptions. They'll also teach you problem-solving techniques so that you are able to face challenges in your everyday life. CBT therapists advise you to establish SMART goals to aid you to keep track of your progress.
While each type of cognitive behavioral therapy employs an entirely different approach but they all are focused on identifying the thoughts that cause emotional distress and then changing them. The therapists will use different techniques, but the majority are based on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involve associating events with their effects. During treatment, you will be rewarded for completing tasks. You will also be penalized if you fail to complete them.
In the first few sessions with your therapist, you and the therapist will be able to identify the problematic behavior and replace them with healthy ones. You might be given homework to help you master the skills. You may need between six and twenty one-on-one sessions, based on the severity and nature of your illness.
CBT is effective in treating a variety of disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). It is also effective for adults with ADHD that affects people as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy that involves regular, planned meetings with a therapist to discuss your concerns. The sessions can last from 30 minutes to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-to-face, in groups, or over the phone. Counselling can be used to treat a variety of mental health issues that include depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to discuss friendship, family, and relationship issues, as well as workplace-related issues.
A counsellor will pay attention to your issues and provide an objective view. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. treatment for add will be able to teach you coping skills and strategies for managing depression, anxiety, or stress. They can assist you in adapting to major life changes such as divorce or loss of loved ones. They can also help you learn how to manage addictions or a chronic illness.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services while others are covered by Medicare rebates, if you have mental health care plans from your doctor.