Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include drugs and counselling. It is important to try both to determine which is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD are inattentive, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They have low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, the basal ganglia and the thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels are usually increased as part of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants speed up the body's systems. They are legal as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) and methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and are also illegally used often in combination with other substances, like cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They can be taken in the form of syrups, pills, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin.
They increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain's synapses, improving concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and enhance working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed drug for adults with ADHD. They can cause adverse effects such as a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, as well as an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They can interfere with some medical treatments and medications, so it's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
About 70% to 80 percent of people who are taking ADHD medications will experience reduced symptoms. Different people respond in a different way to the medication and the effects may not last long.
Certain people find that stimulants don't work well or they don't like the negative effects. In this instance doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medication. Discover More Here may not be as effective as stimulants, but they can improve concentration and focus and control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to get started and they don't react as quickly. They affect neurotransmitters differently from stimulants, and don't raise dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine, clonidine and the guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most common side consequence. However it is possible to reduce drowsiness by increasing the dosage or taking them at the time of bed. The drowsiness will subside within a few weeks after the beginning of treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants affect chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. The medications are grouped by how they act on neurotransmitters. Each group is comprised of somewhat 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 one of these groups to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief, since it could take a few weeks before you can feel the full benefits. You and your doctor will decide which medication works best for you. They can mix two antidepressants, or add other medications to enhance the effects of your treatment. This is known as augmenting. The most common augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine, and lithium.
Antidepressants can have different side effects. It is essential to talk with your doctor about these side effects, as some may interfere with your daily activities. These side effects may be mild or severe depending on the kind of antidepressant that you are taking. You should also tell your doctor about any other medicines or herbal remedies you're using, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications such as St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been proven to cause fewer side effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs are fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs boost levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is why SNRIs are thought 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 can be used to boost energy levels and make you feel more awake. They could be helpful for people suffering from anxiety or insomnia that is very severe. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are two of the most commonly used. These drugs can cause insomnia, jitteriness or drowsiness, but they are beneficial to many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. They are also used to treat the treatment of bulimia as well as for smoking cessation.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems is a well-established treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the idea that emotions, thoughts and actions are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a measurable, short-term procedure that can teach you new ways to cope with problems and bad habits. It can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety.
CBT seeks to transform unhelpful thoughts and feelings into positive emotions or behaviors. It is a combination of two therapies, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It's a form of psychotherapy which is usually short-term and is able to be carried out in a private or group setting. The therapist will instruct you on different techniques, and you'll practice them in your everyday life. Some of these techniques include: learning to recognize your negative thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a thought journal.
A therapist can assist you in identifying negative thoughts that can lead you to engage in maladaptive behavior and help you learn to change your beliefs. They will also show you how to deal with problems in your daily routine. CBT therapists will encourage you to establish SMART goals to aid you to monitor your progress.
While each form of CBT has its own approach, all cognitive behavior therapies focus on identifying and changing the underlying thoughts that contribute to emotional distress. The therapists will use different techniques, but the majority are built on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involve associating events with their effects. While you are in treatment you will be rewarded for the accomplishment of tasks. You will also be penalized for failing to complete them.
In Discover More Here will work with you to identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. They may also assign homework to help you develop the techniques. 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 disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It also works in treating adult ADHD, a condition that affects people as young seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled meetings with the therapist (counsellor) to discuss your concerns. The sessions can last from 30 minutes to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-to-face in groups, or by phone. Counselling can be used 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 issues and provide an objective viewpoint. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. Discover More Here can help you learn 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 teach you how to manage chronic illnesses and addictions.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health plan from your doctor.