Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and medication are both effective treatment options for ADD. It is important to try both to determine which is more efficient.
People with classic ADD are disorganized, inattentional and are often hyperactive. They have a lack of blood flow to the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment typically involves increasing dopamine levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are available in prescription medications such as amphetamines, methylphenidates and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They are also illegally abused and often mixed with other substances, such as cocaine and methcathinone. They are available in the form of syrups, pills or liquids, or patches that are applied to the skin.
They enhance concentration by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain synapses. They also reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity and help improve working memory. These are the most common drugs prescribed to adults with ADHD. They can trigger side effects such as a decreased appetite, difficulties sleeping, as well as an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They can interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It is essential to talk to your doctor about any concerns.
About 70% to 80 percent of people who take ADHD medications will notice reduced symptoms. Different people respond in a different way to the medication, and the effects might not last long.
Some people aren't fond of stimulants or don't like their adverse effects. In this situation doctors will prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These medications aren't as efficient as stimulants but they can aid in improving attention, focus and control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to start working and they don't react as quickly. They affect neurotransmitters differently from stimulants, and don't increase dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include Atomoxetine (clonidine) as well as guanfacine and the clonidine. The most frequently reported side effect of these medications is the feeling of drowsiness. However it is possible to reduce drowsiness by increasing the dosage or taking them at the time of bed. The drowsiness will diminish in the following weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical substances in the brain known as neurotransmitters. They are grouped according to 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 doctor may prescribe a medication that belongs to one of these groups in order to alleviate anxiety or depression symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief, as it can take weeks before you experience the full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine which medicine is best for you. They can mix two antidepressants, or add other medications to enhance the effects of your treatment. This is known as augmentation. The most popular enhancement drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine and lithium.
Different antidepressants can have different side effects. It's important to talk to your doctor about these side effects, as some may interfere with your daily activities. These adverse effects may be mild or extreme and depend on the type of antidepressant you're taking. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medications, such as herbal remedies and prescription drugs like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, and are known to have less adverse effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This is why SNRIs are considered 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 for their energizing effects and help you feel more awake. They are beneficial for people suffering from anxiety or insomnia. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These medications can cause jitteriness, sleepiness or drowsiness, but they can be useful for many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. They are also used for bulimia and for smoking cessation.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based on the idea that feelings, thoughts and behaviours are all connected and can be changed. CBT is a goal-oriented, short-term program that teaches you new ways to cope with problems and bad habits. It can be used to treat anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
CBT seeks to transform unhelpful thoughts and emotions into positive feelings or behaviours. The method is a mix of two treatments which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. It's a form of psychotherapy that is often short-term, and is able to be carried out in a group or an individual setting. You will be taught various techniques by a therapist and then you'll apply them in your daily life. These techniques include learning how to recognize negative automatic thoughts; practicing mindfulness meditation; and keeping journals.
A therapist will also help you identify the negative thoughts that cause behavior that is not optimal and teach you strategies for changing these beliefs. They will also teach you how to tackle issues in your daily life. CBT therapists will encourage you to establish SMART goals to make it easier for you to monitor your progress.
While each form of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavior treatments focus on identifying and changing the thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ various methods but they all operate on the principles operant and classical conditioning that involves relating stimuli to their effects. During the treatment, the person who is treating you will give you a reward for completing tasks and will punish you for failing to complete them.
In the initial few sessions the therapist will work with you to identify problem behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. You may be given homework to help you master the skills. You may need anywhere between six and twenty one-on-one sessions, depending on the nature and severity of your illness.
IamPsychiatry is effective in treating a wide range of conditions including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It can also be effective for adult ADHD, which affects people as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled sessions with a therapist to talk about your issues. These sessions can last up to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-to-face, in groups, or over the phone. Counselling can be used to treat a range of mental health issues, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to discuss friendship, family, and relationship issues, as well as work-related issues.
A counsellor will carefully listen to your issues and provide an objective viewpoint. They will be able to detect patterns of behavior and suggest ways you can change them. They can teach you coping strategies and strategies for managing depression, anxiety, or stress. They can assist you in dealing with major life events, like divorce or the loss of a loved. They can also teach you how to deal with addictions or chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, whereas others may be covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have a mental health plan from your doctor.