Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include counselling and drugs. Both are important to determine which is more efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD are inattentive, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They suffer from low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia and the thalamus. They also have low dopamine levels. Treatment usually involves increasing dopamine levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate the body's systems. They are available legally as prescription drugs, including amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) as well as methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and also used illegally often in combination with other substances, including methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They are available as syrups, pills or liquids, or patches which are applied to the skin.
They enhance concentration by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, and improve working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed drug for adults with ADHD. They can trigger side effects such as decreased appetite, insomnia and a rise in blood pressure or heart rate. They can also interfere with certain medications and medical conditions Therefore, it's crucial to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Medications can reduce ADHD symptoms in around 70 percent to 80% of the people who use them. Not everyone responds the same way to the medication, and the effects might not last long.
Some people find that stimulants don't work well or they aren't able to handle the negative effects. If https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adhd-treatment-for-adults/ is the case, doctors may prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These drugs might not be as effective as stimulants, but they can improve concentration and focus as well as control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these medications alongside stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to work and don't perform as efficiently. They do not raise dopamine levels and they have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include the atomoxetine (clonidine) and guanfacine and clonidine. Drowsiness is the most frequent side result. However the drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dosage or taking them prior to the time of bed. The drowsiness will diminish in a few weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical composition in the brain, called neurotransmitters. The medications are grouped by the way they affect neurotransmitters. Each group has distinct medications. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
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A medical professional may start you on one of these groups to help reduce 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 determine the most effective medication for you. They can mix two antidepressants, or add other medicines to improve the effectiveness of your treatment. This is referred to as augmenting. The most common enhancement drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine, and lithium.
Antidepressants can cause a variety of adverse effects. It is recommended to discuss these adverse effects with your doctor, as they may interfere with your daily activities. These side effects can be mild or severe and can depend on the type of antidepressant that you're taking. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medicines or herbal remedies you're taking, such as over-the-counter drugs and herbs such as St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been found to cause less side effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. This is why they're considered to be more efficient than SSRIs. They also have a shorter half-life, and are less likely than SSRIs to interact with other medications. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants can be used to boost energy and help you feel more awake. They may be useful for people suffering from insomnia or very severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These medications can cause insomnia or jitteriness however they can be beneficial for many people who suffer from 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 (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based on the notion that feelings, thoughts and actions are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a goal-oriented short-term program that teaches you new methods to deal with negative stressors and bad habits. It can be used to treat anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.
The purpose of CBT is to change negative thoughts into positive feelings and behavior. The technique is a combination of two therapies which are cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is usually short-term and can be done either 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 your everyday life. Some of these techniques include: the ability to recognize negative automatic thoughts, implementing mindfulness meditation and keeping a mental journal.
A therapist will also help you identify the negative thoughts that can lead to ineffective behaviors, and then teach you strategies for changing these beliefs. They'll also help you develop problem-solving skills so that you can face challenges in your everyday life. CBT therapists will also guide you to set SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable relevant, and time-based) to make it easier to track your progress.
Although each type of CBT takes a different approach, all cognitive behavior therapies are focused on identifying and changing underlying thoughts that contribute to emotional distress. Therapists employ various methods but they are all based on the principle of operant and classical conditioning that involves the association of stimuli with their effects. During the treatment the person who is treating you will reward you for completing tasks and punish you for not completing the tasks.
In your initial sessions, you and your therapist will look for problematic behaviors and replace them by healthy ones. You might be given homework to help you develop the skills. Depending on the nature of your condition you could require anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT is effective in treating a range of conditions including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It also works for adults with ADHD which affects individuals as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy which uses regular, scheduled sessions with a therapist (counsellor) to discuss your problems. The typical session lasts around 50 minutes and can be face to face in groups, or via the phone. Counselling can aid people suffering from various mental health issues including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to discuss family, friendship, and relationship issues - and also work-related issues.
A counsellor will carefully listen to your concerns and offer an objective viewpoint. They will be able to discern patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can also teach you strategies and coping skills for managing stress, anxiety or depression. They can assist you in dealing with major life changes, like divorce or the loss of a beloved. They can help you learn to deal with chronic illnesses and addictions.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, and others may be covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health plan from your doctor.
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