Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include drugs and counselling. Both are important to determine which is more efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentional and unorganized, aswell being hyperactive. They lack blood flow to the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment typically involves increasing the levels of dopamine.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are available legally as prescription medications, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) and the methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin; and illegally used frequently mixed with other substances, including cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They are available as pills, liquids, syrups or patches.
They improve concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and help improve working memory. They are the most frequently used medication prescribed to people suffering from ADHD. They can cause side-effects like a decrease in appetite or difficulty sleeping, and an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They may interfere with certain medications and medical conditions Therefore, it's crucial to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Around 70 to 80 percent of people who take ADHD medications will experience reduced symptoms. Not all people respond the same way to the medication, and the effects may not last for long.
Some people discover that stimulants don't work for them or they aren't able to handle the adverse effects. In this instance, doctors will prescribe nonstimulant medication. These drugs might not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can improve concentration and focus and control impulses. Doctors may prescribe them along with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to begin working and they don't react as quickly. They don't increase dopamine levels, and they have a different effect on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and guanfacine. The most frequent side effect of these medications is drowsiness. The drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dosage or taking the medication before the time of bed. The drowsiness will subside in the following weeks after beginning 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 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 might recommend one of these groups in order to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief, since it could take a few weeks before you experience the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide on the best medication for you. They may combine two antidepressants, or add other medications to enhance the effects of your treatment. This is called an augmentation. The most common augmentation medications are Aripiprazole (Abilify) as well as quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Different antidepressants have different side effects. It is recommended to discuss these side effects with your physician since they could cause problems with your daily activities. These adverse effects can range from mild to severe and can depend on the type of antidepressant that you're taking. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medication, including herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been found to have fewer adverse effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is why they're considered 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 include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are primarily used for their energizing effects and help you feel more awake. They are beneficial for people suffering from insomnia or severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are among the most common. I Am Psychiatry can cause insomnia or jitteriness, but can be helpful for those suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. They are also used for the treatment of bulimia as well as to aid in quitting smoking.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a tried and true treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the idea that feelings and thoughts are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a goal-oriented, short-term procedure that can teach you new ways to cope with problems and bad 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 combination of two therapies that include cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This type of psychotherapy is usually short-term and can be performed either in a group setting or on an individual basis. You will be taught different methods by a therapist and then you'll use them in daily life. Some of these techniques include: being able to recognize your negative thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a thought journal.
A therapist can help you identify the negative thoughts that lead to behavior that is not optimal and teach you strategies to change these beliefs. They'll also teach you problem-solving techniques to help you handle challenges that come up in your daily life. CBT therapists advise you to set SMART goals to aid you to monitor your progress.
While each type of cognitive behavioral therapy takes an approach that is slightly different but they all are focused on identifying the underlying mental thoughts that contribute to emotional distress and transforming them. Therapists employ various methods but they are all based on the principle of operant and classical conditioning, which involves associating stimuli to their effects. During the treatment the person who is treating you will give you a reward for completing tasks and penalize you for failing to complete them.
In the initial few sessions the therapist will help you identify the problem behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. They might also assign homework to help you master the skills. You may need anywhere between six and twenty one-onone sessions, based on the severity and nature of your condition.
CBT can be used to treat a variety of ailments that include depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also works for adult ADHD that affects people as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy that uses regular, scheduled sessions with a therapist in order to discuss your concerns. These sessions can last up to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or via the phone. Counselling can assist people suffering from various mental health issues, including schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about relationship, friendship and family issues and also work-related issues.
A counsellor will pay attention to your concerns and offer an objective viewpoint. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They can also teach you strategies and coping techniques to manage stress, anxiety, or depression. They can help you cope with major life changes such as divorce or the loss of a loved. They can also help you learn how to manage addictions or chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge for their services while others are covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have mental health plans from your doctor.