It's The Complete Cheat Sheet On Treatments For ADD
Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include counseling and medication. It is essential to try both to determine which one is more efficient.
People with classic ADD are disorganized, inattentional and are often hyperactive. They lack blood flow in the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment usually involves increasing the levels of dopamine.
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 such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and are also illegally used frequently mixed with other substances, such as cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They can be consumed as syrups, pills or liquids, or patches which are applied to the skin.
They boost concentration by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and enhance working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They can trigger side effects such as decreased appetite, trouble sleeping and increased blood pressure or heart rate. They may interfere with certain medical and pharmaceutical treatments, so it's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
The use of medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms in about 70 percent to 80% of the people who take them. Different people respond in a different way to the medication and the effects might not last long.
Some people find that stimulants aren't working well, or they can't tolerate the negative effects. If this is the case, doctors might prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants, but they do aid in improving attention, focus and control impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to work and don't work as quickly. They affect neurotransmitters differently than stimulants, and don't increase dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include the atomoxetine (clonidine) and guanfacine and Clonidine. The most frequent side effect of these medications is the feeling of drowsiness. However it is possible to reduce drowsiness by increasing the dosage or taking them at the time of bed. The drowsiness should diminish within a few weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants change chemicals in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They are grouped according to how 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 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 could take several weeks before you feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine the best medication for you. They can also add other medications or combine two antidepressants to improve your treatment. This is referred to as augmenting. The most commonly used enhancement drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine, and lithium.
Different antidepressants have different adverse effects. It is important to discuss these side effects with your doctor since they could cause problems in your daily activities. These side effects could be mild or severe dependent on the type of antidepressant that you are taking. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medicines or herbal remedies you're taking, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications like St. John's wort.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants and are believed to have fewer side-effects than other types of antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) as well as sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is the reason SNRIs are regarded as more efficient than SSRIs. They also have longer half-lifes than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other medications. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are utilized for their energizing effects, helping you to feel more alert. They can be helpful for people suffering from anxiety or insomnia. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness, however they can be useful for many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. These medications are also used to treat bulimia and also to aid smokers in quitting.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a proven treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the idea that thoughts, feelings and actions are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is an approach that is short-term and goal-oriented that helps you discover new methods to manage negative thoughts and stressors. 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 method is the combination of two therapies: cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. This type of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be performed in a group setting or on an individual basis. You will be taught various methods by a therapist and then you will practice them in daily 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 lead you to adopting maladaptive behavior, and show you how to change these beliefs. They'll also teach you problem solving skills so that you can handle challenges that come up in your everyday life. CBT therapists will encourage you to set SMART goals to make it easier for you to keep track of your progress.
While each type of CBT has its own approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies are focused on identifying and changing the fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ various methods but they are all based on the principles of operant and classical conditioning that involves the association of stimuli with their effects. While you are in treatment you will be awarded for completing tasks. Additionally, you will be punished if you fail to complete them.
In your first few sessions with your therapist, you and the therapist will identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. You may be given homework to help you master the skills. Depending on the degree of your illness, 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 can also be effective in treating adult ADHD, a condition that can affect people as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that consists of regular, scheduled sessions with a counselor (counsellor) to discuss your problems. Usually adhd untreated in adults for approximately 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face or in groups. They can also be conducted via phone. Counselling can be used to treat a range of mental health problems that include depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to discuss relationships, friendships and family issues as well as work-related difficulties.
A counselor will pay attention to your issues and provide an objective perspective. They will be able to identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways you can change them. They can teach you strategies for coping and strategies for managing stress, anxiety or depression. They can help you cope with major life changes, such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also help you learn how to manage addictions or chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have a mental health care plan from your doctor.