Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and drugs are both effective treatment options for ADD. Both are essential to test to determine which is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be irritable and disorganized, as well being hyperactive. They lack blood flow to the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels are usually increased in response to 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 used illegally and are often mixed with other substances like methcathinone and cocaine. They are available in the form of syrups, liquids, pills or patches.
They increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain's synapses, thereby improving concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, and improve working memory. They are among the most commonly used medication prescribed to people suffering from ADHD. They can trigger negative side effects, such as a decreased appetite, sleep disturbances and increased heart rate or blood pressure. They can also interfere with certain medications and medical conditions Therefore, it's crucial to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
Around 70 to 80 percent of those who use ADHD medication will experience reduced symptoms. However, similar webpage responds to the same medications, and the effects don't always long-lasting.
Some people don't like stimulants or don't like their side effects. In this case, doctors will prescribe nonstimulant medication. They aren't as effective as stimulants, but they can help improve focus, attention and control of impulses. Doctors may prescribe them along with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to start working and don't work as fast. They affect neurotransmitters in a different way than stimulants, and they do not increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine (clonidine) as well as guanfacine and clonidine. The most frequently reported adverse effect of these drugs is the feeling of drowsiness. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dose or taking the medication prior to the time of bed. The drowsiness should diminish within a few weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants work by changing chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. They are classified based on the way 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).
Your physician may prescribe a medicine that belongs to one of these groups to relieve depression or anxiety 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 decide on the best medication for you. You may mix two antidepressants or add other medicines to improve the effects of your treatment. This is known as augmentation. The most popular augmenting drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine and lithium.
Antidepressants can have different side effects. You should discuss these side effects with your doctor since they could cause problems in your daily activities. These adverse effects may range from mild to extreme and depend on the type of antidepressant that you're taking. Inform your doctor if taking any other medications, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter drugs such as St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants, and are known to have fewer side-effects than other types of antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine within the brain. This is the reason SNRIs are thought to be more efficient than SSRIs. They also have a longer half-life than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other medications. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants can be used to boost energy levels and make you feel more alert. They are beneficial for people suffering from insomnia or severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness. However, they can be useful for many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. These medications are also used to treat bulimia, and to help smokers quit.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a research-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based on the belief that emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are connected and can be changed. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented procedure that helps you discover new methods to manage stressors and negative habits. It can also be used to treat depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
The goal of CBT is to change negative thoughts into positive feelings and behaviors. The method is a combination of two therapies that include cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It's a form of psychotherapy that's usually short-term and can be performed in a group or an individual setting. A therapist will teach you different techniques, and you'll be able to apply them in your daily routine. These techniques include understanding how to recognize negative thoughts and meditative practices; and keeping an account of your thoughts.
A therapist can also help you identify the negative thoughts that lead to ineffective behaviors, and then provide strategies to change these beliefs. They will also show you how to solve problems in your daily life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to develop goals that are SMART (specific, measurable, attainable relevant, and time-based) to aid in tracking your progress.
While each type of CBT has its own approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies focus on identifying and modifying the underlying thoughts that contribute to emotional distress. Therapists employ various methods but they are all based on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involves relating stimuli to their effects. During the treatment, the person who is treating you will reward you for completing tasks and penalize you for not completing the tasks.
During your first few sessions, you and your therapist will be able to identify the problematic behavior and replace them by healthy ones. You may be given homework to help you build the skills. You may need between six and twenty one-on-one sessions, depending on the degree and nature of your condition.
CBT is effective in treating a variety of conditions, including anxiety depression, and post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). It is also effective for adults suffering from ADHD, which affects people as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled meetings with a therapist in order to discuss your issues. The sessions can last from 30 minutes to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or by phone. Counselling can be used to treat a variety of mental health issues such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to talk about relationship, family and friendship issues as well as work-related issues.
A counsellor will pay attention to your issues and provide an objective viewpoint. They can identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They can teach you strategies for coping and techniques to manage depression, anxiety, or stress. They can assist you in dealing 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 a chronic illness.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health plan from your doctor.