Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include counseling and medication. Both are crucial to test to determine which is more effective.
People with classic ADD are irritable, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They lack blood flow to 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 boost the body's systems. They are available in the form of prescription drugs like amphetamines, methylphenidates and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be used illegally and often mixed with other substances like cocaine and methcathinone. They are available as pills, liquids, syrups or patches.
They increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain's synapses, improving concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity 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 or difficulties sleeping, as well as an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They may interfere with certain medical treatments and medications It is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
The use of medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms in 70 percent to 80% of people who are taking them. Different people respond in a different way to the medication and the effects might not last long.
Some people don't like stimulants or aren't able to tolerate their negative effects. In this instance, doctors will prescribe nonstimulant medication. These drugs may not be as effective as stimulants, but they can help improve concentration and focus and control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to effect and aren't as effective. They don't raise dopamine levels and have a different impact on neurotransmitters. Examples include the atomoxetine (clonidine) and guanfacine and clonidine. Drowsiness is the most common side result. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dosage or taking the medication at the time of sleep. The drowsiness should diminish within several weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical composition in the brain, called neurotransmitters. The medications are grouped by how they act on neurotransmitters. Each group is comprised of distinct medications. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Your physician may prescribe a medicine that belongs to one of these groups to ease anxiety or depression symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief. It may take several weeks before you feel the full benefit. You and your doctor will determine which medicine is best for you. They may add additional medications or combine two antidepressants in order to improve your treatment. This is called an augmentation. The most common enhancement drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine, and lithium.
Antidepressants can have different adverse effects. It is important to discuss these adverse effects with your doctor since they could cause problems in your daily activities. These adverse effects may vary from mild to extreme and depend on the type of antidepressant that you're taking. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medications, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter drugs like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants and are known to have less adverse effects than other types of antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) as well as sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs boost levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. This is the reason they're believed 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 utilized to boost your energy levels which help you feel more alert. They are beneficial for people suffering from insomnia or severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These medications can cause insomnia, jitteriness or drowsiness, however they can be beneficial for many people with 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 behavioural therapy (CBT) is a scientifically-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based on the idea that feelings and thoughts are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented procedure which can help you develop new ways to deal with stressors and negative habits. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.
The aim of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive feelings and behaviours. The method is a mix of two different therapies which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. It's a kind of psychotherapy which is usually short-term and can be done in a group or individual setting. You will be taught a variety of techniques by a therapist and then you will practice them in your daily life. Some of these techniques include being able to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, implementing mindfulness meditation and keeping a thought journal.
A therapist can also assist you in identifying the negative thoughts that can lead to maladaptive behaviors and then teach you strategies for changing these assumptions. They will also show you how to solve problems in your daily life. CBT therapists will also guide you to develop SMART goals (specific achievable, measurable relevant, time-based, and relevant) to help you track your progress.
While each type of CBT takes a different approach, all cognitive behavior therapies are focused on identifying and changing thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ different methods but they all operate on the principle 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 them.
During your first few sessions together, your therapist and you will be able to identify the problematic behavior and replace them with healthy ones. You might be assigned homework to help you develop the abilities. Depending on the nature of your condition it could take anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT can be used to treat a number of ailments such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is also effective in treating adult ADHD, a condition that affects people as young seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled sessions with a therapist in order to discuss your issues. The typical session lasts around 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face or in groups. They can also be conducted via telephone. Counselling can be used to treat a range of mental health issues, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about relationships, friendships and family issues - as well as work-related difficulties.
A counselor will listen to your concerns and offer an objective view. They will be able identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They can help you learn techniques and coping techniques to manage anxiety, stress or depression. They can assist you in adjusting to major life changes such as divorce or loss of loved ones. They can teach you how to manage chronic illnesses and addictions.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have a mental health plan from your doctor.