Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and drugs are both effective treatments for ADD. Both are crucial to test to determine which is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD are inattentive, disorganized and often hyperactive. They lack blood flow to the prefrontal cortex as well as the 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 drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), the methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin; and illegally used, often mixed with other substances, including methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They can be taken as syrups, pills or liquids, or patches that are applied to the skin.
They increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain's synapses. This improves concentration. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and enhance working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They can cause side effects such as decreased appetite, sleep disturbances and increased blood pressure or heart rate. They can also interfere with certain medical and pharmaceutical treatments Therefore, it's crucial to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
Around 70 to 80 percent of people who use ADHD medication will experience a reduction in symptoms. However, not all people respond to the same medication and the effects aren't always lasting.
Some people discover that stimulants don't work well, or they can't tolerate the negative effects. In this instance, doctors will prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These medications aren't as efficient as stimulants but they can help improve focus, attention and control impulses. Doctors may prescribe them along with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to effect and don't work as quickly. They affect neurotransmitters differently than stimulants, and don't raise dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine and clonidine and the guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most common side result. The drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dose or taking the medication before the time of sleep. The drowsiness should diminish within a few weeks of beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters. They are classified based on the way they affect neurotransmitters, with each group having drugs 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).
A doctor might recommend one of these groups in order to relieve depression and anxiety symptoms. These medications may not provide immediate relief. It may take several weeks to feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide the best medication for you. You may also take other medications or combine two antidepressants to enhance your treatment. This is known as an augmentation. The most common augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine, and lithium.
Different antidepressants have distinct adverse effects. It is important to speak with your doctor about these side effects, since some of them could interfere with your daily activities. These effects can be mild or serious, depending on the type antidepressant that you are taking. You should also inform your doctor about any other medicines or herbal remedies you're using, including over-the-counter drugs and herbs like St. IamPsychiatry .
SSRIs have been proven to cause less side effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is why SNRIs are regarded as more efficient than SSRIs. They also have longer half-lifes than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other drugs. The SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants can be used to boost energy levels and make you feel more awake. They can be beneficial for people suffering from insomnia or severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause insomnia or jitteriness, but can be helpful for those suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. These medications are also used to treat bulimia, and to assist smokers in quitting.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a research-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based on the belief that feelings, thoughts and behaviours are all connected and can be altered. CBT is a goal-oriented, short-term procedure that can teach you new methods to deal with problems and bad habits. It can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
The goal of CBT is to change negative thoughts into positive emotions and behaviours. The technique is a mixture of two treatments which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. This type of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be done in a group setting or on an individual basis. A therapist will teach you various techniques, and you'll practice them in your everyday life. These techniques include learning how to recognize negative automatic thoughts; practicing mindfulness meditation; and keeping journals.
A Therapist can also assist you in identifying negative thoughts that can lead you to take on a negative behavior and teach you how to change these thoughts. They will also show you how to deal with problems in your daily routine. CBT therapists will also encourage you to set goals that are SMART (specific goals that are measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based) to make it easier to track your progress.
Although each type of cognitive behavioral therapy employs an approach that is slightly different, they all focus on identifying the thoughts that cause emotional distress and transforming them. The therapists will use different techniques, but most are based on the concepts of operant and classical conditioning, which involves relating stimuli with their effects. During the treatment, the therapist will be rewarded for your accomplishments and will punish you for not completing them.
In the first few sessions, you and your therapist will identify problematic behaviors and replace them by healthy ones. You may be given homework to help you master the abilities. Depending on the nature of your condition it could take up to 6-20 one-onone sessions.
CBT can be used to treat a number of disorders that include depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). It can also be effective in treating adult ADHD which 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 concerns. Typically, these sessions last around 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face in groups, or via telephone. Counselling can aid people suffering from various mental health issues like schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to talk about relationship, family and friendship issues as well as work-related problems.
A counselor will pay attention to your issues and provide an objective view. They can discern patterns of behavior and suggest ways you can change them. They can teach you techniques and coping skills for managing stress, anxiety, or depression. They can assist you in adjusting to major life changes such as divorce or loss of a loved one. They can also teach you how to manage chronic illnesses and addictions.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, whereas others may be covered by Medicare rebates if you have a mental health care plan from your doctor.