Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include counselling and drugs. It is crucial to test both to determine which is more efficient.
People with classic ADD tend to be inattentive and unorganized, as well being hyperactive. They lack blood flow in the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment usually involves increasing dopamine levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are available legally as prescription medications, 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, like methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They can be taken in the form of syrups, pills or liquids, or patches that are applied to the skin.
They boost concentration by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain synapses. They also reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity and help improve working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed medication for people suffering from ADHD. They can cause adverse effects like a decrease in appetite or difficulty sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They may interfere with certain medical and pharmaceutical treatments It is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Medications can reduce ADHD symptoms in around 70% to 80% of those who take them. Different people respond in a different way to the medication and the effects may not last for long.
Some people aren't fond of stimulants or aren't able to tolerate their side effects. If this is the case, doctors might prescribe non-stimulant medications. These drugs might not be as effective as stimulants, but they can boost concentration and focus and control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to get started, and they don't act as fast. They affect neurotransmitters in a different way than stimulants, and they don't increase dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine and clonidine and Guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most commonly reported side result. The drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dose or taking the medication before bedtime. The drowsiness should diminish within the following weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants change chemicals in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They are classified based on how 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 health care provider might suggest you start taking a medication from one of these groups in order to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief. It can take several weeks to experience the full benefit. latest adhd treatments and you will determine the best medication for you. You may also take other medications or mix two antidepressants to enhance your treatment. This is known as augmenting. The most commonly used augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine and lithium.
Antidepressants can have different adverse effects. You should discuss these side effects with your doctor because they could interfere in your daily activities. These effects can be mild or severe dependent on the type of antidepressant you're taking. You should also tell your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're taking, such as herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications such as St. John's wort.
SSRIs are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants and are believed to have less adverse effects than other types of antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is why they're considered to be more efficient 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 and make you feel more alert. They may be useful for those suffering from insomnia or very severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These medications can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness. However, they can be beneficial for many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. They are also used to treat the treatment of bulimia as well as to aid in quitting smoking.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a scientifically-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based on the notion that feelings, thoughts, and behaviors are connected and can be changed. CBT is a measurable, short-term program that teaches you new methods to deal with stressors and bad habits. It can also be used to treat depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
CBT is designed to transform negative thoughts and emotions into positive thoughts or behaviours. The technique is an amalgamation of two treatments: cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. It's a kind of psychotherapy which is usually short-term, and can be performed in a group or an individual setting. You will be taught different techniques by a therapist and then you will practice 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 the negative thoughts that lead to behavior that is not optimal and teach you strategies for changing these assumptions. They'll also teach you problem-solving techniques so that you are able to face challenges in your day-to-day life. CBT therapists will encourage you to set SMART goals to make it easier for you to keep track of your progress.
While each type of CBT takes a different approach, all cognitive behavioral treatments focus on identifying and modifying the fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ a variety of methods, but they are all built on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involves relating the effects of stimuli with the stimulus. During treatment you will be rewarded for the accomplishment of tasks. You'll also be punished when you fail to complete the task.
In the initial sessions with your therapist, you and the therapist will be able to identify the problematic behavior and replace them by healthy ones. They might also assign homework to help you master the skills. Based on the degree of your illness you could require anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT is effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including anxiety depression and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It can also be effective in treating adult ADHD, a condition that affects people as young seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled sessions with the counselor (counsellor) to discuss your issues. These sessions can last up to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or via the phone. Counselling can be utilized to treat a variety of mental health issues, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to talk about friendship, family and relationship issues, as well as workplace-related problems.
A counselor will listen to your concerns and offer an objective perspective. They can identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways you can change them. They can also teach you strategies and coping skills for managing anxiety, stress, or depression. They can assist you in adjusting to major life changes, such as divorce or loss of a loved one. They can teach you how to deal with chronic illnesses and addictions.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates if you have a mental health plan from your doctor.