Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Drugs and counseling are both effective treatment options for ADD. Both are crucial to determine which is more efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD are disorganized, inattentional and are often hyperactive. They lack blood flow in the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal Ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment usually involves increasing dopamine levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are available legally as prescription medications, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin; and illegally used frequently mixed with other substances, like cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They are available as liquids, pills, syrups or patches.
They enhance concentration by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and enhance working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed medication for people suffering from ADHD. They can cause adverse effects such as a decreased appetite, difficulties sleeping, as well as an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They may interfere with certain medical and pharmaceutical treatments It is important to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
Medications can reduce ADHD symptoms in about 70% to 80% of the people who take them. Not all people respond the same way to the medication and the effects may not last for long.
Some people don't like stimulants or don't like their side effects. In this instance doctors will prescribe non-stimulant medications. These medications aren't as efficient as stimulants but they can help improve attention, focus and control of impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to effect and don't perform as efficiently. They don't raise dopamine levels, and they have a different impact on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine (clonidine), guanfacine, and Clonidine. Drowsiness is the most common side result. However it is possible to reduce drowsiness by increasing the dosage or taking them prior to the time of bed. The drowsiness should diminish within a few weeks of beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical composition in the brain, which are known as neurotransmitters. They are classified according to how they affect these neurotransmitters with each group having medications 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).
A health care provider may start you on one of these groups in order to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief, as it could take several weeks before you experience the full benefits. You and your doctor will determine which medicine is best for you. adhd natural treatment I Am Psychiatry may combine two antidepressants or add other medications to enhance the effectiveness of your treatment. This is called an augmentation. The most commonly used enhancement drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine and lithium.
Different antidepressants can have different side effects. It is essential to talk with your doctor about these side effects since some of them could interfere with your daily activities. These adverse effects can range from mild to extreme and depend on the type of antidepressant that you're taking. You should also inform your doctor about any other medicines or herbal remedies you're taking, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies such as St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been found to have fewer adverse effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This is why they are considered to be more effective than SSRIs. They also have a shorter half-life, and are less likely than SSRIs to interact with other drugs. The SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used for their energizing effects and help you feel more awake. They can be helpful for people suffering from anxiety or insomnia. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause insomnia, jitteriness or drowsiness. However, they can be useful for many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. They are also used to treat the treatment of bulimia as well as to aid in quitting smoking.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a scientifically-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based upon the idea that feelings and thoughts are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented process that helps you discover new strategies to handle anxiety and negative habits. It can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
The aim of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive emotions and behavior. It is a combination of two different therapies which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is typically short-term, and can be carried out in a group setting or in a private setting. You will be taught various techniques by a therapist and then you will practice them in your daily life. Some of these techniques include the ability to recognize negative automatic thoughts, implementing mindfulness meditation and keeping a mental journal.
A therapist can help you identify negative thoughts that can lead you to take on a negative behavior, and show you how to change these thoughts. They will also teach you how to solve problems in your daily life. CBT therapists will encourage you to establish SMART goals to make it easier for you to track your progress.
While each kind of cognitive behavioral therapy employs an approach that is slightly different however, they all concentrate on identifying the underlying thoughts that cause emotional distress and then changing them. The therapists will use different techniques, but most are built on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involves associating stimuli with their effects. During treatment you will be awarded for the accomplishment of tasks. You will also be punished for failing to complete the task.
In the first few sessions your therapist will help you identify the problem behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. You may be given homework to help you build the skills. Based on the nature of your condition, you may require up to 6-20 one-onone sessions.
CBT is effective in treating a range of disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It also works for adult ADHD which affects individuals as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy which uses regular, scheduled sessions with an counselor (counsellor) to discuss your concerns. The typical session lasts approximately 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face in groups, or over the 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 as well as work-related difficulties.
A counselor will listen to your issues and provide an objective viewpoint. They can detect patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can teach you techniques and coping techniques to manage anxiety, stress, or depression. They can assist you in dealing with major life changes such as divorce or the loss of a loved. They can also show you how to deal with addictions or chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates when you have mental health plans from your doctor.