Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Drugs and counseling are both effective treatment options for ADD. secret info is crucial to test both to determine which is more effective.
People with classic ADD are irritable, disorganized and often hyperactive. They have a lack of blood flow to the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. They also have low dopamine levels. Treatment usually involves increasing the levels of dopamine.
Stimulants
Stimulants accelerate the body's systems. They are available as prescription drugs such as amphetamines, methylphenidates, as well as diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be illegally used and are often mixed with other substances, such as cocaine and methcathinone. They can be taken in the form of syrups, pills, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin.
They boost concentration by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and help improve working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They can cause side effects such as decreased appetite, insomnia and an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. They can interfere with some medical treatments and medications, so it's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
About 70% to 80 percent of those who use ADHD medication will experience a reduction in symptoms. However, not everyone responds to the same medication, and the effects may not be lasting.
Certain people find that stimulants don't work for them or they don't like the negative effects. If this is the case, doctors may prescribe non-stimulant medications. They aren't as effective as stimulants, but they can help improve attention, focus and control of impulses. Doctors often prescribe these medications together with stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines are more difficult to use and don't perform as efficiently. They don't increase dopamine levels and they have a different effect on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and clonidine and the guanfacine. The most common adverse effect of these drugs is sleepiness. However the drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dose or taking them before the time of bed. The drowsiness should diminish within a few weeks of the beginning of treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants affect the chemical substances in the brain known as neurotransmitters. The medications are grouped by how they act on neurotransmitters. Each group contains 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 may start you on a medication from one of these groups in order to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not offer 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 other medicines to boost the effects of your treatment. This is known as augmenting. The most common enhancement drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine and lithium.
Antidepressants can have different side effects. It is important to discuss these adverse effects with your doctor, as they may interfere in your daily activities. These effects can be mild or serious depending on the kind of antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications, including herbal remedies and prescription drugs such as St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been found to have fewer adverse effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine levels in the brain. This is the reason SNRIs are thought 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 can be used to boost energy and help you feel more awake. They could be helpful for people who have insomnia or very severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness, however they are beneficial to many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia and to assist smokers in quitting.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a proven treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the belief that emotions and thoughts are connected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented procedure that helps you discover new strategies to handle negative thoughts and stressors. It can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
The goal of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive feelings and behavior. The method is a mix of two different therapies which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be performed either in a group setting or individually. You will be taught different techniques by a therapist and then you will practice them in your everyday life. Some of these techniques include learning to recognize your negative thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a mental journal.
A therapist can assist you in identifying negative thoughts that can lead you to take on a negative behavior, and show you how to change these beliefs. They will also teach you how to deal with problems in your daily routine. CBT therapists will encourage you to establish SMART goals to help you to monitor your progress.
While each type of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavior therapies are focused on identifying and modifying the fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress. The therapists will use different techniques, but most are based on the concepts of classical and operant conditioning, which involves associating the effects of stimuli with the stimulus. During treatment, you will be rewarded for working through tasks. Additionally, you will be punished for failing to complete the task.
In the initial few sessions, your therapist will work with you to identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. They may also assign homework to help you learn the skills. You could require anywhere from six to twenty one-on-one sessions, based on the nature and severity 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 in treating adult ADHD, a condition that can affect people as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy that consists of planned, regular meetings with a therapy (counsellor) to discuss your issues. Typically, these sessions last approximately 50 minutes and can be face to face or in groups. They can also be conducted via the telephone. Counselling can be used to treat a range of mental health issues, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to discuss friendship, family and relationship issues, as well as work-related issues.
A counselor will pay attention to your problems and offer an objective viewpoint. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can also teach you strategies and coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, or depression. They can assist you in dealing with major life events, such as divorce or the loss of a loved. They can also show you how to cope with addictions or a chronic illness.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services while others are covered by Medicare rebates, if you have mental health plans from your doctor.