Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include counselling and drugs. Both are important to test to determine which is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD are inattentive, disorganized and often hyperactive. They suffer from low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia and thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels tend to increase as part of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the efficiency of the body's systems. They are available in prescription medications such as amphetamines, methylphenidates, and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be illegally used and are often mixed with other substances like methcathinone and cocaine. They are available in the form of syrups, liquids, pills or patches.
They enhance concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and enhance working memory. They are the most frequently used medications prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD. They can trigger negative side effects, such as a decreased appetite, insomnia and a rise in heart rate or blood pressure. They can also interfere with certain medications and medical conditions Therefore, it's crucial to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Around 70 to 80 percent of people who use ADHD medications will experience a reduction in symptoms. However, not everyone responds to the same medication, and the effects aren't always long-lasting.
Some people aren't a fan of stimulants or don't like their side effects. In this case doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medication. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants, but they can help improve focus, attention and control impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to work and don't perform as efficiently. They do not raise dopamine levels and have a different effect on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine, clonidine and Guanfacine. The most frequent adverse effect of these drugs is drowsiness. The drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dosage or taking the medication at the time of bed. The drowsiness will subside within a few weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants change chemicals in the brain, which are known as neurotransmitters. The drugs are classified based on how they act on neurotransmitters. i loved this is comprised of slightly different medications. 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 a medication from one of these groups in order to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief. It may take several weeks to feel the full benefit. Your doctor and you will decide on the best medication for you. They can mix two antidepressants, or add other medicines to improve the effects of your treatment. This is referred to as an augmentation. The most common augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine, and lithium.
Antidepressants may have a variety of side effects. It is essential to talk with your doctor about the side effects because some could affect your daily activities. These side effects may be mild or serious depending on the kind of antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medication, including herbal remedies and prescription drugs such as St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been proven to have fewer adverse effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) as well as sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. This is the reason they're believed to be more effective 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 can be used to boost energy and make you feel more alert. i loved this can be beneficial for those suffering from insomnia or severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are two of most commonly used. These medications can cause jitteriness or insomnia, but can be helpful for people suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. They are also used to treat bulimia and as a smoking cessation aid.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems is a well-established treatment for mental disorders. It is based upon the belief that feelings and thoughts are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented process that can help you learn new ways to deal with anxiety and negative habits. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.
The goal of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive emotions and behaviors. The technique is a mixture of two different therapies, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This type of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be performed in a group setting or in a private setting. The therapist will instruct you on different methods, and you'll apply them in your daily routine. These techniques include: learning to recognize negative automatic thoughts and meditative practices; and keeping a journal.
A therapist will also assist you in identifying the negative thoughts that cause maladaptive behaviors and then provide strategies to change these beliefs. They will also help you learn how to solve problems in your daily routine. CBT therapists will also guide you to establish SMART goals (specific achievable, measurable relevant, and time-based) to help you track your progress.
Although each type of cognitive behavioral therapy takes an entirely different approach, they all focus on identifying the fundamental thoughts which contribute to emotional distress and transforming them. Therapists employ different methods but they all operate on the principles of operant and classical conditioning that involves the association of stimuli with their effects. During the treatment, the trainer will reward you for completing tasks and penalize those who fail to complete them.
In the initial few sessions your therapist will work with you to identify the problem behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. They may also assign homework to help you develop the techniques. You could require between six and twenty one-on-one sessions, based on the nature and severity of your illness.
CBT can be used to treat a variety of disorders, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). It can also be effective for adults with ADHD that affects people as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that uses regular, planned meetings with a therapist 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 be used to treat a range of mental health problems such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about relationship, friendship and family issues - and also work-related issues.
A counsellor will pay attention to your problems and provide an objective view. They can discern patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They can help you learn techniques and coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, or depression. They can help you adjust to major life changes such as divorce or loss of a loved one. They can help you learn to manage addictions and chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health care plan from your doctor.