Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and medication are both effective treatment options for ADD. It is essential to try both to determine which is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD are inattentive, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They have a low blood flow to their prefrontal cortex, the basal ganglia and the thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment usually involves increasing the levels of dopamine.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost 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 methcathinone and cocaine. They are available as syrups, liquids, pills or patches.
They improve concentration by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and improve working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They can cause side-effects such as decreased appetite or difficulties sleeping, as well as an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They can interact with certain medicines and medical conditions. It is important to speak to your doctor about any concerns.
About 70-80 percent of people who use ADHD medications will notice an improvement in symptoms. Different people respond in a different way to the medication and the effects might not last long.
Certain people find that stimulants don't work well or they aren't able to handle the adverse effects. If this is the case, doctors may prescribe non-stimulant medications. These medications may not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can help improve focus and attention and control impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to get started, and they don't act as fast. They affect neurotransmitters differently from stimulants, and they don't increase dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine, clonidine and the guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most common side effect. The drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dose or taking the medication at the time of bed. The drowsiness should diminish within a few weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the brain's chemical makeup, known as neurotransmitters. The drugs are classified based on the way they affect neurotransmitters. Each group is comprised of slightly different medications. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
A medical professional 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, since it can take weeks before you can feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine which medication is best for you. They may combine two antidepressants or add other medications to enhance the effects of your treatment. This is referred to as augmentation. The most commonly used augmentation drugs are aripiprazole (Abilify) and quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Different antidepressants have different side effects. It is recommended to discuss these side effects with your physician, as they may interfere with your daily activities. These adverse effects may vary from mild to severe, and they can be triggered by the type of antidepressant that you're taking. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medications, such as herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants and are believed to have less side-effects than other types of antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. This is why SNRIs are thought to be more efficient than SSRIs. They also have a longer half-life than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other medications. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are utilized to boost your energy levels, helping you to feel more awake. They can be beneficial for those suffering from insomnia or severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These medications can cause jitteriness, sleepiness or drowsiness, but they can be beneficial for many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. They are also used for the treatment of bulimia as well as as a smoking cessation aid.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based on the belief that emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are connected and can be altered. CBT is a measurable, short-term process that can teach you new methods to deal with stressors and bad habits. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.
The aim of CBT is to reframe unhelpful thoughts into positive feelings and behaviors. It is a combination of two therapies, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It's a type of psychotherapy which is usually short-term, and it can be performed in a group or an individual setting. You will be taught various techniques by a therapist and then 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 thought journal.
A therapist will also help you identify negative thoughts that can lead to maladaptive behaviors and then provide strategies to change these beliefs. They'll also teach you problem solving skills so that you can deal with challenges that arise in your everyday life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to develop SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable relevant, time-based, and relevant) to make it easier to track your progress.
Although each type of cognitive behavioral therapy employs a slightly different approach but they all are focused on identifying the mental thoughts that contribute to emotional distress and then changing them. The therapists use different techniques but they are all based on the principle of operant and classic conditioning which involves associating stimuli to their effects. During treatment you will be awarded for the accomplishment of tasks. You'll also be punished if you fail to complete them.
In the first few sessions the therapist will help you identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. They may also assign homework to help you master the abilities. You could require anywhere between six and twenty one-on-one sessions, based on the severity and nature of your condition.
CBT is effective in treating a variety of conditions including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It can also be effective for adults with ADHD that affects people as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that consists of regular, scheduled meetings with the therapy (counsellor) to discuss your problems. 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 help people with many mental health issues like depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. adhd natural treatment can be used to discuss friendship, family, and relationship issues, as well as work-related problems.
A counsellor will listen carefully to your problems and offer an objective viewpoint. They can identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways you can modify them. They can teach you techniques and coping skills for managing stress, anxiety or depression. They can help you deal with major life changes such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also show you how to cope with addictions or chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, and others may be covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health plan from your doctor.