Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include counseling and medication. It is crucial to test both to determine which one is more effective.
People with classic ADD are disorganized, inattentional and often hyperactive. They lack blood flow in the prefrontal cortex and basal Ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels tend to increase in the course of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants speed up the body's systems. They are available in prescription medications such as amphetamines, methylphenidates, and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They are also illegally abused and often mixed with other substances like cocaine and methcathinone. They can be taken in the form of syrups, pills, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin.
They increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain's synapses, improving concentration. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and enhance working memory. They are among the most commonly used medication prescribed to people suffering from ADHD. treating add in adults can trigger negative side effects, such as a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping and increased heart rate or blood pressure. They can also interfere with certain medications and medical conditions Therefore, it's crucial to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
About 70% to 80 percent of people who are taking ADHD medications will notice reduced symptoms. However, not everyone responds to the same medication, and the effects don't always long-lasting.
Certain people find that stimulants don't work for them, or they can't tolerate the adverse effects. In this case, doctors will prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants, but they do help improve attention, focus and control of impulses. Doctors often prescribe these medications alongside stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to start working, and they don't act as fast. They affect neurotransmitters differently than stimulants, and they don't increase dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine and clonidine and the guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most frequent side effect. However, drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dosage or taking them at bedtime. The drowsiness will subside within a few weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants work by changing the brain's chemical makeup, known as neurotransmitters. They are grouped according to the way they affect these neurotransmitters with each class having a variety of medications that perform 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 medical professional might suggest you start taking a medication from one of these groups in order to relieve depression and anxiety symptoms. These medicines may not provide immediate relief, as it could take a few weeks before you feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide on the best medication for you. They may combine two antidepressants or other medications to enhance the effectiveness of your treatment. This is called augmenting. The most common augmentation medications are aripiprazole (Abilify) and quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Different antidepressants have distinct side effects. It's important to talk to your doctor about the side effects because some could affect your daily activities. These side effects can be mild or severe, and they can be triggered by the type of antidepressant you're taking. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medicines or herbal remedies you're taking, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies such as St. John's wort.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, and are known to have fewer side-effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This is the reason SNRIs are regarded as 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 for their energizing effects, helping you to feel more alert. They can be helpful for those suffering from insomnia or severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These medications can cause insomnia, jitteriness or drowsiness, however they can be useful for many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. They are also used to treat bulimia and for smoking cessation.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a scientifically-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based on the notion that feelings, thoughts and actions are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented procedure which can help you develop new strategies to handle stressors and negative habits. It can be used to treat depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
CBT is designed to transform negative thoughts and emotions into positive feelings or behaviours. The method is the combination of two therapies: cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is usually short-term and can be performed in a group setting or in a private setting. The therapist will instruct you on different methods, and you'll apply 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 assist you in identifying the negative thoughts that cause behavior that is not optimal and teach you strategies to change these beliefs. They will also show you how to deal with problems that arise in your daily life. CBT therapists advise you to set SMART goals to make it easier for you to track your progress.
While each kind of cognitive behavioral therapy employs an approach that is slightly different however, they all concentrate on identifying the mental thoughts that contribute to emotional distress and transforming them. The therapists use different techniques but they all operate on the principle of operant and classical conditioning that involves associating stimuli to their effects. During treatment you will be rewarded for the accomplishment of tasks. Additionally, you will be punished if you fail to complete the task.
During your first few sessions together, your therapist and you will identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. You might be assigned homework to help you develop the skills. Based on the degree of your illness it could take between 6 and 20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT is effective in treating a range of disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). It can also be effective in treating adult ADHD, a condition that can affect people as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that uses regular, scheduled meetings with a therapist in order 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 help people with various mental health issues like schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to discuss family, friendship, and relationship issues - as well as work-related difficulties.
A counselor will listen to your problems and provide an objective perspective. They will be able to identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways you can modify them. They can also teach you strategies and coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety or depression. They can assist you in adjusting to major life changes such as divorce or the loss of loved ones. They can help you learn to manage chronic illnesses and addictions.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, and others may be covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health care plan from your doctor.