Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and drugs are both effective treatments for ADD. Both are important to test to see which is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD are inattentive, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They have a low blood flow to their prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and the thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels tend to increase in the course of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants accelerate the body's systems. They are available as prescription drugs such as amphetamines, methylphenidates, as well as diet aids like Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They are also illegally abused and often mixed with other substances like methcathinone and cocaine. They are available as pills, liquids, syrups or patches.
They enhance concentration by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, and improve working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed drug for adults with ADHD. They can trigger side effects such as a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, as well as an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They may interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It's important to talk with your doctor regarding any concerns.
The use of medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms in around 70 percent to 80% of people who use them. However, not everyone responds to the same medication and the effects aren't always lasting.
Some people don't like stimulants or aren't able to tolerate their negative effects. If this is the case, doctors may prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These medications may not be as effective as stimulants, but they can improve concentration and focus as well as control impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to start working and don't work as quickly. They do not raise dopamine levels and have a different impact on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and the guanfacine. The most common adverse effect of these drugs is drowsiness. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dose or taking the medication before bedtime. The drowsiness will subside in a few weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the brain's chemical makeup, known as neurotransmitters. add natural treatment are classified according to how they interact with neurotransmitters. Each group contains slightly 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 may start you on one of these groups in order to relieve depression and anxiety symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief, as it can take weeks before you feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide on the most effective medication for you. They can also add other medications or combine two antidepressants in order to improve your treatment. This is called an augmentation. The most popular enhancement drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine and lithium.
Antidepressants can cause a variety of adverse effects. It is important to speak with your doctor about these side effects as some may interfere with your daily activities. These effects can be mild or serious depending on the kind of antidepressant you're taking. It is also important to inform 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 known to have fewer adverse effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs boost 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 shorter half-life and are less likely than SSRIs to interact with other drugs. SNRIs are duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are utilized to boost your energy levels which help you feel more awake. They can be beneficial for people suffering from insomnia or very severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause insomnia or jitteriness however they can be beneficial for many people who suffer from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. They are also used for the treatment of bulimia as well as as a smoking cessation aid.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a research-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based on the idea that feelings and thoughts are connected and can be altered. CBT is an approach that is short-term and goal-oriented that helps you discover new methods to manage stressors and negative habits. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.
CBT aims to transform unhelpful thoughts and feelings into positive emotions or behaviors. The method is a mix of two different therapies, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This type of psychotherapy is typically short-term, and can be carried out either in a group setting or in a private setting. You will be taught a variety of techniques by a therapist and then you will practice them in your everyday 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 assist you in identifying negative thoughts that lead you to take on a negative behavior, and show you how to change these thoughts. They'll also help you develop problem-solving techniques to help you deal with challenges that arise in your day-to-day life. CBT therapists advise you to set SMART goals to help you to keep track of your progress.
While each form of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavioral treatments focus on identifying and changing the fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress. The therapists use different techniques however they all are based on the principles of operant and classic conditioning which involves the association of stimuli with their effects. During the therapy the trainer will give you a reward for completing tasks and will punish you for failing to complete the tasks.
In your initial sessions with your therapist, you and the therapist will be able to identify the problematic behavior and replace them with healthy ones. You may be given homework to help you develop the abilities. You may need anywhere from six to twenty one-onone sessions, based on the severity and nature of your condition.
CBT is effective in treating a wide range 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.
Counseling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy that consists of planned, regular meetings with an therapy (counsellor) to discuss your issues. The 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 that include depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about relationship, friendship and family issues, and also work-related issues.
A counselor will listen attentively to your concerns and provide an objective perspective. They can identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can also teach you strategies and coping strategies to manage anxiety, stress or depression. They can assist you in adjusting to major life changes, such as divorce or the loss of loved ones. They can also help you learn how to deal with addictions or chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, and others are covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health plan from your doctor.