Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and drugs are both effective treatments for ADD. It is essential to try both to determine which one is more efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentional and unorganized, aswell as hyperactive. They lack blood flow to the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels are usually increased in response to treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants accelerate the body's systems. They are available legally as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) as well as methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin; and illegally used often in combination with other substances, like cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They can be taken as pills, syrups, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin.
They increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain's synapses. This improves concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and help improve working memory. These are the most common drugs prescribed to adults with ADHD. They can cause adverse effects like a decrease in appetite or difficulty sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They may interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It's important to talk with your physician about any concerns.
The use of medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80% of those who use them. Different people respond in a different way to the medication, and the effects may not last for long.
Some people don't like stimulants or aren't able to tolerate their negative effects. In this situation, doctors will prescribe nonstimulant medications. These drugs might not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can help improve focus and attention as well as control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to begin working and don't work as quickly. They do not raise dopamine levels, and they have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and Guanfacine. The most common adverse effect of these drugs is drowsiness. The drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dosage or taking the medication prior to bedtime. The drowsiness should diminish within several weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants work by changing the brain's chemical makeup, known as neurotransmitters. The drugs are classified based on how they act on neurotransmitters. Each group has somewhat different medications. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
how to treat adhd might prescribe a medication that belongs to one of these groups in order to alleviate anxiety or depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief. It can take several weeks before you feel the full benefit. You and your doctor will determine which medicine is best for you. You may mix two antidepressants or add other medications to enhance the effects of your treatment. This is known as augmenting. The most common enhancement drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine and lithium.
Different antidepressants have different adverse effects. It's important to talk to your doctor about the side effects as some may interfere with your daily activities. These effects can be mild or severe, depending on the type antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications, such as herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, and are known to have fewer side-effects than other types of antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. This is why SNRIs are regarded as more effective than SSRIs. They also have a longer half-life than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other drugs. SNRIs are duloxetine, (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used for their energizing effects, helping you to feel more awake. They can be helpful for those suffering from anxiety or insomnia. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are two of the most commonly used. These drugs can cause jitteriness, sleepiness or drowsiness, however they are beneficial to many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. They can also be used to treat bulimia and to aid in quitting smoking.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a proven treatment for mental disorders. It is based upon the idea that feelings and thoughts are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented process which can help you develop new ways to deal with negative thoughts and stressors. It can also be used to treat anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.
The aim of CBT is to reframe unhelpful thoughts into positive feelings and behavior. The method is a mix of two different therapies, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is typically short-term, and can be carried out in a group setting or on an individual basis. The therapist will instruct you on various methods, and you'll apply them in your everyday life. Some of these techniques include: being able to recognize your negative thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a mental journal.
A therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that can lead to behavior that is not optimal and teach you strategies to change these assumptions. They will also show you how to tackle issues that arise in your daily life. CBT therapists will encourage you to set SMART goals to make it easier for you to monitor your progress.
While how to treat adhd of CBT takes a different approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies are focused on identifying and changing the fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ a variety of methods, but they are all built on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involves associating the effects of stimuli with the stimulus. During treatment you will be awarded for working through tasks. You will also be punished for failing to complete the task.
In your first few sessions together, your therapist and you will look for problematic behaviors and replace them by healthy ones. They might also assign homework to help you learn the techniques. Depending on the severity of your condition you could require anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT can be utilized to treat a variety of conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). add in adults treatment works in treating adult ADHD, a condition that is prevalent in children as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy that involves regular, planned meetings with a therapist to talk about your issues. The sessions can last up to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or via the 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 talk about family, friendship, and relationship issues - as well as issues related to work.
A counselor will listen to your problems and provide an objective view. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can also teach you strategies and coping skills for managing anxiety, stress or depression. They can help you cope with major life changes such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also show you how to deal with addictions or chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services, whereas others may be covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health plan from your doctor.