Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Drugs and counseling are both effective treatment options for ADD. Both are essential to test to see which is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD are inattentive, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They suffer from low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, the basal ganglia and the thalamus. They also have low dopamine levels. Treatment usually involves increasing the levels of dopamine.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the efficiency of the body's systems. They are available in prescription medications such as amphetamines, methylphenidates and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They are also illegally abused and are often mixed with other substances, such as cocaine and methcathinone. They can be taken as syrups, pills or liquids, or patches which are applied to 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 enhance working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed drug for adults with ADHD. They can trigger side effects such as a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They can interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It is essential to talk to your doctor about any concerns.
Around 70 to 80% people who use ADHD medication will experience an improvement in symptoms. Not everyone responds the same way to the medication, and the effects may not last for long.
Some people aren't a fan of stimulants or aren't able to tolerate their adverse effects. If this is the case, doctors might prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These medications may not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can improve focus and attention as well as control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to effect and don't perform as efficiently. They don't raise dopamine levels and have a different effect on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and the guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most common side result. However the drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dose or taking them before bedtime. The drowsiness should diminish within a few weeks after starting 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 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 one of these groups in order to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief, since it can take weeks before you experience the full benefits. You and your doctor will determine which medicine is best for you. You may also take other medications or mix two antidepressants to improve your treatment. This is called augmenting. The most commonly used augmentation drugs are Aripiprazole (Abilify) and quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Antidepressants may have a variety of side effects. It is recommended to discuss these adverse effects with your doctor because they could interfere in your daily activities. These adverse effects can be mild or severe, and they can be triggered by the type of antidepressant you're taking. Inform treatment of add if taking any other medication, including herbal remedies and prescription drugs such as St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been found to have fewer adverse effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs are fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs boost levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine within 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 can be utilized to boost energy levels and help you feel more awake. They may be useful for those suffering from insomnia or extremely severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause jitteriness or insomnia but they can be helpful for those suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia, and to help smokers quit.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems is a well-established treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the idea that emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are connected and can be changed. CBT is a measurable, short-term procedure that can teach you new methods to deal with negative stressors and bad habits. It can also be used to treat anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.
CBT seeks to transform unhelpful thoughts and emotions into positive thoughts or behaviours. The method is an amalgamation of two treatments which are cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. It's a type of psychotherapy that is often short-term, and it is able to be carried out in a group or an individual setting. The therapist will instruct you on various techniques, and you'll practice them in your daily routine. These techniques include: learning how to recognize negative automatic thoughts and meditative practices; and keeping journals.
A therapist can also assist you in identifying the negative thoughts that lead to maladaptive behaviors and then teach you strategies to change these beliefs. They will also help you learn how to deal with problems in your daily life. CBT therapists will encourage you to establish SMART goals to aid you to keep track of your progress.
Although each type of cognitive behavior therapy has an entirely different approach but they all are focused on identifying the fundamental thoughts which contribute to emotional distress and changing them. The therapists will use different techniques, but most are based on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involve associating events with their effects. During the treatment, the trainer will give you a reward for completing tasks and punish you for not completing them.
In the first few sessions, your therapist will work with you to identify problem behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. You may be given homework to help you master the abilities. You may need anywhere from six to twenty one-on-one sessions, based on the nature and severity of your illness.
CBT is effective in treating a wide range 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.
Counselling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy which uses planned, regular meetings with the therapist (counsellor) to discuss your problems. Typically, these sessions last approximately 50 minutes and may be face-to-face in groups, or over the phone. Counselling can help people with many mental health issues including schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to discuss friendship, family, and relationship issues, as well as workplace-related problems.
A counsellor will pay attention to your issues and provide an objective view. They can discern patterns of behavior and suggest ways to modify 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 loss of a loved one. They can teach you how to deal with chronic illnesses and addictions.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services, and others may be covered by Medicare rebates if you have a mental health plan from your doctor.