Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include drugs and counselling. It is important to try both to determine which one is more efficient.
People with classic ADD are irritable, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They have low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, the basal ganglia, and thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment typically involves increasing dopamine levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are available in prescription medications such as amphetamines, methylphenidates and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be used illegally and are often mixed with other substances like methcathinone and cocaine. They can be consumed as syrups, pills or liquids, or patches which are placed on the skin.
They boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain's synapses, improving concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and help improve working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed drug for adults with ADHD. treatment for add in adults 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 medical treatments and medications, so it's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Medicines can lessen ADHD symptoms in 70 percent to 80% of those who are taking them. However, not all people respond to the same medication, and the effects may not be long-lasting.
Some people don't like stimulants or don't like their adverse effects. If this is the case, doctors may prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These drugs may not be as effective as stimulants, but they can improve focus and attention as well as control impulses. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs alongside stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to work and aren't as effective. They don't raise dopamine levels, and they have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and clonidine and guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most frequent side consequence. 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 after the beginning of treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters. They are classified based on the way they affect these 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 may start you on one of these groups to help alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief. It could take a few weeks to feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine the best medication for you. They can also add additional medications or combine two antidepressants to enhance your treatment. This is known as augmentation. The most common enhancement drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine, and lithium.
Antidepressants may have a variety of side effects. It is important to speak with your doctor about the side effects since some of them could interfere with your daily activities. These effects can range from mild to extreme and depend on the type of antidepressant you're taking. You should also tell your doctor about any other medicines or herbal remedies you're taking, such as prescription drugs and herbal remedies such as St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been found to cause fewer side effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) as well as sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine within the brain. This is why they are considered to be more effective than SSRIs. They also have a longer half-life than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other medications. The SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants can be utilized to boost energy and help you feel more awake. They may be useful for those suffering from insomnia or very severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are among the most common. These medications can cause insomnia or jitteriness however they can be beneficial for many people who suffer from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia, and to assist smokers in quitting.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems is a well-established treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the belief that emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are connected and can be changed. CBT is a measurable, short-term program that teaches you new ways to cope with negative stressors and bad habits. It can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
The purpose of CBT is to change negative thoughts into positive feelings and behaviors. It is a combination of two treatments, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is usually short-term, and can be carried out in a group or individually. You will be taught various techniques by a therapist, and then you will practice them in your everyday life. Some of these techniques include learning to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, implementing mindfulness meditation, and keeping a thought journal.
A therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that lead you to engage in maladaptive behavior and teach you how to change your beliefs. They will also teach you how to tackle issues in your daily life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to establish SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable relevant, time-based, and relevant) to make it easier to track your progress.
Although each type of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies are focused on identifying and changing thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. The therapists will use different methods, but they are all based on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involves relating stimuli with their effects. During the therapy, the therapist will be rewarded for your accomplishments and penalize those who fail to complete the tasks.
During your first few sessions with your therapist, you and the therapist will look for problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. They might also assign homework to help you develop the skills. Depending on the degree of your illness it could take between 6 and 20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT is effective in treating a variety of conditions including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It also works in treating adult ADHD, a condition that affects people as young seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that uses regular, scheduled sessions with a therapist 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 be utilized to treat a variety of mental health issues such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to discuss relationship, family and friendship issues as well as work-related issues.
A counselor will listen to your concerns and offer an objective view. They will be able to detect patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They will be able to teach you coping skills and techniques for managing depression, anxiety, or stress. They can help you adjust to major life changes, such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can help you learn to manage chronic illnesses and addictions.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, whereas others may be covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have a mental health plan from your doctor.