The Most Profound Problems In Treatments For ADD
Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and medication are both effective treatment options for ADD. Both are crucial to test to determine which is more effective.
People with classic ADD tend to be irritable and unorganized, as well being hyperactive. They have a low blood flow to their prefrontal cortex, basal Ganglia and the thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment typically involves increasing dopamine levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants speed up the body's systems. They are legally available as prescription medications, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), the methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin; and illegally used often in combination with other substances, including cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They are available in the form of pills, liquids, syrups or patches.
They increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain's synapses, thereby improving concentration. They also reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity and enhance working memory. They are among the most commonly used drugs prescribed to adults with ADHD. They can trigger side effects such as decreased appetite, sleep disturbances and increased blood pressure or heart rate. They can also interfere with certain medical treatments and medications It is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Around 70 to 80 percent of those who use ADHD medications will notice reduced symptoms. However, not all people respond to the same medication and the effects may not be long-lasting.
Some people discover that stimulants don't work for them or they don't like the negative effects. In this case doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medication. These medications may not be as effective as stimulants, but they can improve attention and focus as well as control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these drugs along with stimulants to boost the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to work and aren't as effective. They affect neurotransmitters differently than stimulants, and they don't increase dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine (clonidine), guanfacine, and clonidine. The most common side effect of these medicines is drowsiness. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dosage or taking the medication at the time of bed. The drowsiness will diminish in the following weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants work by changing the brain's chemical makeup, known as neurotransmitters. treatment for add are classified according to the way they affect neurotransmitters. Each group contains somewhat different 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 belonging to one of these groups in order to ease anxiety or depression symptoms. These medications may not provide immediate relief. It can take several weeks to experience the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide which medication works best for you. They can mix two antidepressants or other medications to enhance the effects of your treatment. This is called augmenting. The most popular augmentation medicines are aripiprazole (Abilify) as well as quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Different antidepressants can have different adverse effects. It is important to speak with your doctor about these side effects, as some may interfere with your daily activities. These side effects may vary from mild to severe and can depend on the type of antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if taking any other medications, including herbal remedies and prescription drugs such as St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants and are believed to have less side-effects than other 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 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 medications. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used to boost energy levels and make you feel more awake. They are beneficial for people suffering from insomnia or severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are two of most popular. These drugs can cause jitteriness, sleepiness or drowsiness, however they can be beneficial for 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 behavioral therapy is a tried and true treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the notion that emotions, thoughts and actions are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a measurable, short-term process that can teach you new methods to deal with problems and bad habits. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.
CBT aims to transform unhelpful thoughts and emotions into positive emotions or behaviors. It is a combination of two different therapies that are cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It's a form of psychotherapy which is usually short-term, and is able to be carried out in a group or an individual setting. You will be taught various techniques by a therapist, and then you'll apply them in daily life. These techniques include learning to recognize negative automatic thoughts and meditative practices; and keeping an account of your thoughts.
A Therapist can also assist you in identifying negative thoughts that lead you to take on a negative behavior and help you learn to change these thoughts. They will also help you learn how to deal with problems in your daily routine. CBT therapists advise you to set SMART goals to aid you to monitor your progress.
Although each type of cognitive behavioral therapy takes an approach that is slightly different but they all are focused on identifying the underlying mental thoughts that contribute to emotional distress and transforming them. Therapists employ various methods but they are all based on the principles of operant and classical conditioning that involves relating stimuli to their effects. During the treatment, the person who is treating you will give you a reward for completing tasks and penalize you for not completing the tasks.
In your initial sessions, you and your therapist will identify problematic behaviors and replace them by healthy ones. They may also assign homework to help you develop the abilities. Depending on the degree of your illness you could require up to 6-20 one-onone sessions.
CBT is effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including anxiety depression and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It can also be effective for adults suffering from ADHD which affects individuals as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that uses regular, planned meetings with a therapist to discuss your issues. The sessions can last from 30 minutes to 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 issues that include depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to discuss family, friendship, and relationship issues, as well as issues related to work.
A counsellor will carefully listen to your concerns and offer an objective view. They will be able to identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways you can change them. They can also teach you strategies and coping techniques to manage stress, anxiety or depression. They can help you adjust to major life changes like divorce or loss of loved ones. They can also teach you how to deal with chronic illnesses and addictions.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services while others are covered by Medicare rebates, if you have mental health plans from your doctor.