Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include counseling and medication. Both are important to test to see which is more efficient.
People with classic ADD are disorganized, inattentional and are often hyperactive. They have low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia and the thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels are typically increased as part of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are legal as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) and methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and also used illegally frequently mixed with other substances, such as methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They can be taken as syrups, pills or liquids, or patches that are applied to the skin.
They boost concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and help improve working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed medication for people suffering from ADHD. They can cause side effects such as decreased appetite, trouble sleeping and increased heart rate or blood pressure. They can also interfere with certain medical and pharmaceutical treatments, so it's important to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
Around 70 to 80 percent of those who use ADHD medications will experience reduced symptoms. Different people respond in a different way to the medication, and the effects might not last long.
Certain people find that stimulants don't work for them, or they can't tolerate the side effects. In this instance doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medication. These drugs may not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can improve concentration and focus and control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these drugs together with stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to effect and aren't as effective. They affect neurotransmitters differently than stimulants, and don't increase dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include the atomoxetine (clonidine), guanfacine, and the clonidine. Drowsiness is the most common side result. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dose or taking the medication at the time of sleep. The drowsiness should subside within a few weeks of the beginning of treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical composition in the brain, which are known as neurotransmitters. They are grouped according to the way they affect these neurotransmitters, with each class having a variety of medications that act 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).
Your doctor may prescribe a medication belonging to one of these groups to ease anxiety or depression 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 on the best treatment for you. They may add additional medications or combine two antidepressants in order to improve your treatment. This is referred to as an augmentation. The most popular augmentation medicines are aripiprazole (Abilify) as well as quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Different antidepressants can have different side effects. It is important to speak with your doctor about these side effects since some of them could interfere with your daily activities. These side effects may be mild or serious depending on the kind of antidepressant that you are taking. You should also inform your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're using, including over-the-counter drugs and herbs such as St. John's wort.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants and are known to have less adverse effects than other types of antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is the reason they're believed to be more effective than SSRIs. They also have longer half-lifes than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other drugs. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used to boost energy levels and make you feel more alert. They are beneficial for people suffering from insomnia or severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are two of most popular. These drugs can cause jitteriness or insomnia however they can be beneficial for those suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. They can also be used to treat the treatment of bulimia as well as to aid in quitting smoking.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a scientifically-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based on the notion that emotions, thoughts and behaviours are all connected and can be altered. CBT is a goal-oriented, short-term procedure that can teach you new ways to cope with stressors and bad habits. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.
treatment for adhd in adults is designed to transform negative thoughts and feelings into positive feelings or behaviours. The technique is a mixture of two different therapies which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. This type of psychotherapy is usually short-term, and can be carried out either in a group setting or individually. A therapist will guide you through different methods, and you'll apply them in your everyday life. These techniques include: understanding how to recognize negative automatic thoughts; practicing mindfulness meditation; and keeping a journal.
A Therapist can also assist you in identifying negative thoughts that cause you to take on a negative behavior and teach you how to change your beliefs. They will also help you learn how to tackle issues that arise in your daily life. CBT therapists encourage you to set SMART goals to help you to keep track of your progress.
While each kind of cognitive behavioral therapy takes a slightly different approach but they all are focused on identifying the underlying thoughts that cause emotional distress and then changing them. Therapists employ different methods but they all operate on the principles operant and classic conditioning which involves associating stimuli to their effects. During the treatment the trainer will be rewarded for your accomplishments and will punish you for not completing them.
During your first few sessions together, your therapist and you will identify problematic behaviors and replace them by healthy ones. You might be assigned homework to help you develop the skills. Depending on the nature of your condition, you may require anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT is effective in treating a variety of conditions, including anxiety depression and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It is also effective for adults with ADHD, which affects 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 concerns. try these out can last up to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or by phone. Counselling can be utilized to treat a variety of mental health problems 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 counselor will pay attention to your issues and provide an objective view. They can identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways you can modify them. They will be able to teach you coping skills and techniques to manage depression, anxiety, or stress. They can help you deal with major life changes, like divorce or the loss of a loved. They can also teach you how to deal with chronic illnesses and addictions.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, and others may be covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have a mental health plan from your doctor.