treat adhd in adults For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and drugs are both effective treatment options for ADD. Both are crucial to determine which is more efficient.
People with classic ADD tend to be inattentional and unorganized, as well being hyperactive. They lack blood flow in the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia. 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 legal as prescription medications, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), the methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and also used illegally often in combination with other substances, including cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They can be consumed as syrups, pills or liquids, or patches which are placed on the skin.
They enhance concentration by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and help improve working memory. They are among the most commonly used medications prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD. They can trigger side effects such as decreased appetite, sleep disturbances and increased blood pressure or heart rate. They can interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It is important to speak to your doctor about any concerns.
About 70-80 percent of those who take ADHD medication will experience a reduction in symptoms. However, not all people respond to the same medication and the effects aren't always long-lasting.
Some people aren't a fan of stimulants or aren't able to tolerate their side effects. If this is the case, doctors might prescribe non-stimulant medications. These drugs might not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can improve attention and focus and control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs are more difficult to use and don't perform as efficiently. They do not raise dopamine levels and they have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and clonidine and guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most commonly reported side result. The drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dosage or taking the medication before the time of bed. The drowsiness should subside within a few weeks of beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants change chemicals in the brain, which are known as neurotransmitters. The medications are classified according to the way they affect neurotransmitters. Each group is comprised of 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 might recommend a medication from one of these groups to help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief. It can take several weeks to experience the full benefits. You and your doctor will determine which medicine is best for you. They may add other medications or mix two antidepressants to improve your treatment. This is referred to as augmentation. The most commonly used augmenting drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine and lithium.
Different antidepressants can have different side effects. It is important to discuss these side effects with your doctor since they could cause problems in your daily activities. These side effects may be mild or severe, and they can be triggered by the type of antidepressant that you're taking. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're using, including over-the-counter drugs and herbs such as St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been known to cause less side effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs are fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) as well as sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs boost levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. This is the reason they're believed to be more efficient than SSRIs. They also have a shorter half-life and are less likely than SSRIs to interact with other drugs. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used to boost your energy levels which help you feel more awake. They are beneficial for those 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 drugs are also used to treat bulimia and also to aid smokers in quitting.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a tried and true treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the idea that thoughts, feelings and actions are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented procedure that helps you discover new methods to manage anxiety and negative habits. It can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety.
The goal of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive emotions and behaviors. The method is the combination of two therapies that include cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be performed in a group setting or in a private setting. You will be taught different methods by a therapist and then you'll apply them in daily life. These techniques include learning how to recognize negative automatic thoughts; practicing mindfulness meditation; and keeping journals.
A therapist will also help you identify the negative thoughts that lead to maladaptive behaviors and then teach you strategies for changing these assumptions. They'll also teach you problem solving skills so that you can face challenges in your daily life. CBT therapists advise you to set SMART goals in order to aid you to keep track of your progress.
While each kind of cognitive behavior therapy has an entirely different approach however, they all concentrate on identifying the fundamental mental thoughts that contribute to emotional distress and then changing them. The therapists use different techniques however they all are based on the principles of operant and classic conditioning which involves the association of stimuli with their effects. In treatment you will be awarded for completing tasks. Additionally, you will be punished when you fail to complete the task.
In the initial few sessions your therapist will work with you to identify problem behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. You might be assigned homework to help you develop the skills. You may need between six and twenty one-on-one sessions, based on the severity and nature of your condition.
CBT can be used to treat a variety of conditions that include depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also be effective for adult ADHD, which affects people as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled sessions with an therapist (counsellor) to discuss your concerns. The sessions can last up to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-to-face, in groups, or via the phone. Counselling can assist people suffering from many mental health issues like depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to talk about relationship, family and friendship issues, as well as workplace-related issues.
A counsellor will carefully listen to your problems and provide an objective view. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They can teach you coping skills and strategies for managing depression, anxiety, or stress. They can help you cope with major life changes, like divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also show you how to cope with addictions or a chronic illness.
Some counsellors charge for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have mental health care plans from your doctor.