Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and medication are both effective treatments for ADD. Both are crucial to test to see which is more effective.
People with classic ADD are irritable, disorganized and 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 typically involves increasing the levels of dopamine.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are legally available as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), the methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and also used illegally, often mixed with other substances, like methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They are available as pills, liquids, syrups or patches.
They increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain's synapses, thereby improving concentration. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, and improve working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They can cause side-effects like a decrease in appetite or trouble sleeping, as well as an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They can interact with certain medicines and medical conditions. It's important to talk with your doctor regarding any concerns.
Medicines can lessen ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80% of those who use them. However, not all people respond to the same medication and the effects may not be long-lasting.
Some people aren't fond of stimulants or can't tolerate their adverse effects. If this is the case, doctors may prescribe non-stimulant medications. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants, but they do help improve attention, focus and control impulses. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs alongside stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to begin working and don't work as fast. They don't raise dopamine levels and they have a different effect on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and clonidine and guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most common side result. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dosage or taking the medication prior to the time of bed. The drowsiness should subside within a few weeks of beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants change chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters. They are classified based on the way they affect these neurotransmitters with each group having medications that perform 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).
Your physician may prescribe a medicine that belongs to one of these groups to relieve depression or anxiety symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief. It could take a few weeks to experience their full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine which medicine is best for you. They can mix two antidepressants or add other medicines to improve the effectiveness of your treatment. This is referred to as augmentation. The most common augmentation medications are aripiprazole (Abilify), quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Different antidepressants can have different adverse effects. It is important to discuss these adverse effects with your doctor, as they may interfere in your daily activities. These adverse effects may vary from mild to severe, and they can be triggered by the type of antidepressant you're taking. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbs like St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been found to cause fewer side effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs are fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) as well as sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This is the reason SNRIs are thought to be more effective than SSRIs. They also have a longer half-life than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other medications. The SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are utilized to boost your energy levels, helping you to feel more alert. They can be beneficial for those suffering from anxiety or insomnia that is very severe. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are two of most commonly used. These medications can cause jitteriness or insomnia, but can be helpful for many people who suffer from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. These medications are also used to treat bulimia and also to aid smokers in quitting.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems is a well-established treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the belief that feelings and thoughts are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented procedure that can help you learn new methods to manage negative thoughts and stressors. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.
The aim of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive feelings and behaviors. The technique is a mixture of two treatments that are cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It's a type of psychotherapy that's usually short-term, and it can be done in a private or group setting. You will be taught various techniques by a therapist and then you will practice them in your daily life. Some of these techniques include: the ability to recognize negative automatic thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation, and keeping a thought journal.
A therapist will also help you identify the negative thoughts that can lead to ineffective behaviors, and then provide strategies to change these assumptions. They will also help you learn how to deal with problems in your daily life. CBT therapists encourage you to set SMART goals in order to aid you to monitor your progress.
While each type of cognitive behavioral therapy takes a slightly different approach but they all are focused on identifying the fundamental thoughts which contribute to emotional distress and then changing them. Therapists employ different methods but they are all based on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involves relating stimuli to their effects. During treatment you will be awarded for working through tasks. add treatments for adults will also be penalized for failing to complete them.
During the first few sessions your therapist will work with you to identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. You may be given homework to help you master the skills. Depending on the severity of your condition you could require up to 6-20 one-onone sessions.
CBT is effective in treating a wide range of conditions including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). It is also effective for adult ADHD which affects individuals as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled sessions with a therapist to talk about your concerns. The typical session lasts approximately 50 minutes and can be face to face in groups, or over the phone. Counselling can be utilized to treat a variety of mental health problems, 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 attentively to your problems and offer an objective view. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can also teach you strategies and coping skills for managing stress, anxiety, or depression. They can help you deal with major life changes, like divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can teach you how to deal with chronic illnesses and addictions.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services, whereas others are covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have a mental health plan from your doctor.