Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Drugs and counseling are both effective treatment options for ADD. 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 suffer from low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia and thalamus. They also have low dopamine levels. Treatment usually involves increasing dopamine levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants speed up the body's systems. They are legally available as prescription medications, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) as well as methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin; and illegally used frequently mixed with other substances, such as methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They can be taken as pills, syrups, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin.
They enhance concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. They also reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity and help improve working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed medication for people suffering from ADHD. They can cause side effects such as decreased appetite, sleep disturbances and a rise in blood pressure or heart rate. They can interact with certain medicines and medical conditions. It's important to talk to your doctor about any concerns.
The use of medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80% of those who take them. However, not all people respond to the same medications, and the effects may not be long-lasting.
Some people don't like stimulants or aren't able to tolerate their adverse effects. In this situation, doctors will prescribe nonstimulant medications. These medications aren't as efficient as stimulants, but they can help improve focus, attention and control of impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to get started, and they don't act as fast. They affect neurotransmitters differently than stimulants, and don't increase dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine, clonidine and guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most common side consequence. However, drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dose or taking them before bedtime. The drowsiness will subside in several weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical composition in the brain, called neurotransmitters. They are classified according to how they affect these neurotransmitters with each group having medications that work 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).
A health care provider may start you on a medication from one of these groups to help relieve depression and anxiety symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief, as it could take several weeks before you experience the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide the most effective medication for you. You may also take additional medications or combine two antidepressants in order to improve your treatment. This is referred to as augmenting. The most popular augmenting drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine, and lithium.
Antidepressants can have different adverse effects. You should discuss these adverse effects with your doctor, as they may interfere with your daily activities. These side effects could be severe or mild, depending on the type antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if taking any other medication, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter drugs such as St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been proven to cause less side effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) as well as sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. treatment for adults with add is why they're considered 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 are utilized for their energizing effects which help you feel more awake. They can be beneficial for people suffering from insomnia or very severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are among the most popular. These medications can cause insomnia or jitteriness, but can be helpful for those suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia and to assist smokers in quitting.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based on the notion that emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are connected and can be changed. treatment for adult add is a goal-oriented short-term program that teaches you new methods to deal with negative 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 emotions and behavior. The method is an amalgamation of two treatments which are cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. This type of psychotherapy is usually short-term, and can be carried out in a group or individually. A therapist will teach you different methods, and you'll apply them in your everyday life. Some of these techniques include: the ability to recognize negative automatic thoughts, implementing mindfulness meditation and keeping a mental journal.
A therapist can assist you in identifying negative thoughts that lead you to take on a negative behavior and teach you how to change your beliefs. They'll also teach you problem solving techniques to help you face challenges in your day-to-day life. CBT therapists encourage you to establish SMART goals to make it easier for you to monitor your progress.
Although each type of CBT has its own approach, all cognitive behavior treatments focus on identifying and modifying the thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. The therapists use different techniques however they all are based on the principles operant and classical conditioning that involves the association of stimuli with their effects. During the treatment, the person who is treating you will be rewarded for your accomplishments and will punish those who fail to complete them.
In the initial few sessions your therapist will assist you to identify the problem behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. You may be given homework to help you develop the abilities. You could require anywhere from six to twenty one-onone sessions, based on the degree and nature of your illness.
CBT is effective in treating a variety of conditions, including anxiety depression and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It also works in treating adult ADHD, a condition that can affect people as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that consists of regular, scheduled sessions with a therapy (counsellor) to discuss your concerns. The sessions can last from 30 minutes to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or by phone. Counselling can be used to treat a range of mental health issues such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to discuss relationship, friendship and family issues, as well as issues related to work.
A counsellor will listen carefully to your problems and offer an objective perspective. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can help you learn techniques and coping strategies to manage anxiety, stress, or depression. They can help you deal with major life changes, like divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also teach you how to manage addictions and chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services, and others may be covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health plan from your doctor.