Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and drugs are both effective treatments for ADD. It is crucial to test both to determine which is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentive and disorganized, as well being hyperactive. They suffer from low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia and thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels are usually increased in the course of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the efficiency of the body's systems. They are available legally as prescription medications, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and also used illegally frequently mixed with other substances, including methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They are available in the form of syrups, liquids, pills or patches.
They boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain's synapses, improving concentration. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, and improve working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They can cause side-effects such as decreased appetite or trouble sleeping, as well as an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They can also interfere with certain medications and medical conditions Therefore, it's crucial to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
The use of medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms in around 70% to 80% of people who are taking them. However, not everyone responds to the same medication, and the effects don't always long-lasting.
Some people aren't a fan of stimulants or can't tolerate their negative effects. In this case doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medications. These drugs may not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can help improve concentration and focus and control impulses. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs alongside stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to work and don't perform as efficiently. They affect neurotransmitters differently than stimulants, and don't raise dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include the atomoxetine (clonidine), guanfacine, and Clonidine. Drowsiness is the most frequent side consequence. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dosage or taking the medication at bedtime. The drowsiness will diminish in the following weeks after beginning treatment.
adhd natural treatment alter chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters. The medications are classified according to how they interact with neurotransmitters. Each group contains distinct medications. 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 a medication from one of these groups in order to relieve depression and anxiety symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief, since it can take weeks before you feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine which medicine is best for you. They may combine two antidepressants, or add other medicines to improve the effects of your treatment. This is referred to as augmenting. The most popular augmenting drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine, and lithium.
Antidepressants can have different side effects. It is important 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 can depend on the type of antidepressant that you're taking. Inform your doctor if taking any other medication, including herbal remedies and prescription drugs such as St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been known to cause less side effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This is why they're considered to be 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 are utilized to boost your energy levels which help you feel more awake. They could be helpful for those suffering from anxiety or insomnia that is very severe. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These medications can cause insomnia, jitteriness or drowsiness, however they are beneficial to many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. These medications are also used to treat bulimia and to assist smokers in quitting.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a proven treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the notion that emotions, thoughts and actions are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a goal-oriented, short-term procedure that can teach you new strategies to deal with problems and bad habits. It can also be used to treat depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
CBT is designed to transform negative thoughts and feelings into positive feelings or behaviours. It is an amalgamation of two treatments which are cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. It's a type of psychotherapy that's usually short-term, and it is able to be carried out in a private or group setting. You will be taught various techniques by a therapist and then you'll use them in your everyday life. These techniques include understanding how to recognize negative thoughts; practicing mindfulness meditation; and keeping an account of your thoughts.
A therapist will also help you identify negative thoughts that cause behavior that is not optimal and teach you strategies for changing these beliefs. They will also teach you how to tackle issues that arise in your daily life. CBT therapists will also guide you to develop goals that are SMART (specific achievable, measurable, relevant, and time-based) to make it easier to track your progress.
Although each type of cognitive behavioral therapy takes an entirely different approach, they all focus on identifying the thoughts that cause emotional distress and changing them. The therapists will use different methods, but they are all built on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involves associating the effects of stimuli with the stimulus. During the treatment the person who is treating you will be rewarded for your accomplishments and penalize you for failing to complete them.
In the initial few sessions the therapist will help you identify problem behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. You might be given homework to help you master the skills. Based 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 disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). It is also effective for adults with ADHD, which affects people as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled meetings with an therapist (counsellor) to discuss your issues. These sessions can last up to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-to-face in groups, or by phone. Counselling can aid people suffering from various mental health issues including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about family, friendship, and relationship issues - as well as issues related to work.
A counsellor will pay attention to your problems and provide an objective perspective. They will be able identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They can also teach you strategies and coping strategies to manage anxiety, stress, or depression. They can assist you in adapting to major life changes, such as divorce or the loss of loved ones. They can also show you how to manage addictions or a chronic illness.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates if you have a mental health plan from your doctor.