Treatments For ADD – Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and medication are both effective treatment options for ADD. Both are important to determine which is more effective.
People with classic ADD tend to be inattentive and unorganized, as well being hyperactive. They suffer from low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, the basal ganglia, and the thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment usually involves increasing dopamine levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate the body’s systems. They are available as prescription drugs such as amphetamines, methylphenidates and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be used illegally and often mixed with other substances such as cocaine and methcathinone. They are available as pills, liquids, syrups or patches.
They improve concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and enhance working memory. They are among the most commonly used medication prescribed to people suffering from adhd treatment for adults uk (klinge-borre.federatedjournals.com). They can cause side effects such as decreased appetite, insomnia and increased heart rate or blood pressure. They can interact with certain medicines and medical conditions. It’s important to talk to your doctor about any concerns.
Around 70 to 80% people who use ADHD medications will experience a reduction in symptoms. Different people respond in a different way to the medication and the effects might not last long.
Some people aren’t fond of stimulants or don’t like their side effects. In this instance doctors will prescribe non-stimulant medication. They aren’t as effective as stimulants, but they do help improve attention, focus and control impulses. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs alongside stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to work and aren’t as effective. They don’t increase dopamine levels and they have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include the atomoxetine (clonidine) as well as guanfacine and Clonidine. Drowsiness is the most frequent side consequence. However it is possible to reduce drowsiness by increasing the dosage or taking them at the time of sleep. The drowsiness should diminish within the following weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants affect chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. The medications are classified according to how they interact with 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).
Your physician may prescribe a medication that belongs to one of these groups to alleviate anxiety or depression symptoms. These medications may not provide immediate relief. It can take several weeks to experience the full benefits. You and your doctor will determine which medication is best for you. You may mix two antidepressants, or add other medicines to improve the effectiveness of your treatment. This is called augmentation. The most popular augmenting drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine and lithium.
Antidepressants can have different side effects. It is important to discuss these adverse effects with your doctor because they could interfere in your daily activities. These side effects may be mild or serious depending on the kind of antidepressant that you are taking. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medicines or herbal remedies you’re using, including over-the-counter drugs and herbs like St. John’s wort.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, and are known to have less adverse effects than other types of antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This is the reason SNRIs are regarded as 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 are used to boost your energy levels, helping you to feel more awake. They are beneficial for those suffering from insomnia or severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are two of the most popular. These drugs can cause jitteriness, sleepiness or drowsiness, but they can be useful for many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. They are also used for the treatment of bulimia as well as to aid in quitting smoking.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a research-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based upon the notion that thoughts and feelings are connected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented procedure which can help you develop new strategies to handle anxiety and negative habits. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.
CBT is designed to transform negative thoughts and emotions into positive emotions or behaviors. The technique is a mixture of two therapies that are cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This type of psychotherapy is usually short-term and can be performed either in a group setting or individually. The therapist will instruct you on various methods, and you’ll apply them in your daily life. These techniques include: understanding how to recognize negative automatic thoughts and meditative practices; and keeping a journal.
A therapist can assist you in identifying negative thoughts that cause you to engage in maladaptive behavior, and show you how to change your beliefs. They’ll also help you develop problem-solving techniques so that you are able to handle challenges that come up in your daily life. CBT therapists will also guide you to develop goals that are SMART (specific goals that are measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based) to make it easier to track your progress.
Although each type of cognitive behavior therapy has an entirely different approach but they all are focused on identifying the underlying thoughts which contribute to emotional distress and changing them. Therapists employ different methods however they all are based on the principles of operant and classical conditioning that involves the association of stimuli with their effects. During the therapy the trainer will be rewarded for your accomplishments and penalize you for not completing the tasks.
In the initial sessions together, your therapist and you will be able to identify the problematic behavior and replace them by healthy ones. You might be given homework to help you master the abilities. It is possible that you will require anywhere between six and twenty one-on-one sessions, based on the degree and nature of your condition.
CBT is effective in treating a wide range of disorders, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It can also be effective in treating adult adhd diagnostic assessment and treatment adhd treatment options which affects people as young seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that involves planned, regular meetings with the therapy (counsellor) to discuss your issues. Usually these sessions last for about 50 minutes. They may be face-to-face or in groups. They can also be conducted over the phone. Counselling can help people with many mental health issues like depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to talk about friendship, family, and relationship issues, as well as workplace-related issues.
A counselor will listen to your issues and provide an objective view. They will be able to detect patterns of behavior and suggest ways you can alter them. They can teach you coping skills and techniques for managing depression, anxiety, or stress. They can help you deal with major life changes such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also teach you how to manage addictions or a chronic illness.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services, while others may be covered by Medicare rebates if you have a mental health care plan from your doctor.
