Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and drugs are both effective treatment options for ADD. Both are crucial to test to see which is more efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD are irritable, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They have a lack of blood flow to the prefrontal cortex and basal Ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels are usually increased in response to treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are legal as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) as well as methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and also used illegally frequently mixed with other substances, such as cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They can be taken in the form of syrups, pills, liquids or patches that are placed on the skin.
They increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain's synapses, improving concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and improve working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed medication for people suffering from ADHD. They can cause adverse effects like a decrease in appetite, insomnia and a rise in blood pressure or heart rate. They can also interfere with certain medications and medical conditions It is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Medications can reduce ADHD symptoms in about 70 percent to 80% of the people who take them. Not everyone responds the same way to the medication, and the effects may not last for long.
Some people find that stimulants aren't working well or they don't like the negative effects. In this instance doctors may prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These medications aren't as efficient as stimulants, but they do aid in improving attention, focus and control of impulses. Doctors often prescribe these medications together with stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to start working and don't work as fast. They affect neurotransmitters differently from stimulants, and they don't raise dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include Atomoxetine (clonidine) and guanfacine and Clonidine. The most frequently reported adverse effect of these drugs is sleepiness. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dose or taking the medication at bedtime. The drowsiness will subside within a few weeks of the beginning of treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. The drugs are classified based on how they act on neurotransmitters. Each group has distinct medications. treatments for adhd 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 medication that belongs to one of these groups to alleviate anxiety or depression symptoms. Suggested Browsing may not provide immediate relief, since it could take a few weeks before you experience the full benefits. You and your doctor will determine which medicine is best for you. They can mix two antidepressants, or add other medications to enhance the effectiveness of your treatment. This is known as augmenting. The most common augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine and lithium.
Antidepressants can cause a variety of side effects. It is important to discuss these side effects with your doctor, as they may interfere in your daily activities. These side effects may be mild or severe, depending on the type antidepressant that you are taking. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medication, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter drugs 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 boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is why they are considered to be more efficient than SSRIs. They also have a longer half-life than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other drugs. SNRIs are duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are primarily used for their energizing effects and help you feel more alert. They can be beneficial for those suffering from anxiety or insomnia that is very severe. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are among the most common. These drugs can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness, however they can be beneficial for many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. These medications are also used to treat bulimia and to assist smokers in quitting.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a tried and true treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the notion that emotions, thoughts and actions are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is an approach that is short-term and goal-oriented that helps you discover new methods to manage negative thoughts and stressors. It can also be used to treat anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
The purpose of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive feelings and behaviours. The method is a mix of two treatments, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It's a kind of psychotherapy that's usually short-term, and can be done in a group or an individual setting. The therapist will instruct you on various techniques, and you'll 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 negative thoughts that lead you to take on a negative behavior and help you learn to change these thoughts. They will also teach you how to solve problems in your daily life. CBT therapists will encourage you to establish SMART goals to help you to track your progress.
Although each type of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavior therapies focus on identifying and modifying the underlying thoughts that contribute to emotional distress. The therapists will use different techniques, but the majority are based on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involves associating events with their effects. In treatment you will be awarded for the accomplishment of tasks. You will also be punished if you fail to complete them.
In your first few sessions with your therapist, you and the therapist will identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. They may also assign homework to help you master the techniques. Based on the severity of your condition, you may require up to 6-20 one-onone sessions.
CBT can be utilized to treat a variety of ailments, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also be effective for adult ADHD, which affects people as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that involves regular, planned meetings with a therapist in order to discuss your issues. The sessions can last from 30 minutes to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face, in groups, or by phone. Counselling can be used to treat a variety of mental health problems, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to discuss relationship, friendship and family issues, as well as work-related difficulties.
A counsellor will carefully listen to your concerns and offer an objective view. They will be able identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They can teach you coping strategies and techniques for managing stress, anxiety or depression. They can help you cope with major life changes, such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also teach you how to manage addictions or a chronic illness.
Some counsellors charge for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates, if you have mental health care plans from your doctor.