Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/human-givens-institute-logo.png)Counseling and drugs are both effective treatment options for ADD. Both are crucial to determine which is more efficient.
People with classic ADD tend to be inattentive and disorganized, as well as hyperactive. They suffer from low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, basal Ganglia and thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels are typically increased in the course of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants speed up the body's systems. They are available in the form of prescription drugs like amphetamines, methylphenidates, and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be illegally used and are often mixed with other substances such as methcathinone and cocaine. They are available in the form of pills, liquids, syrups or patches.
They increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain's synapses, thereby improving concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and enhance working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed medication for people suffering from ADHD. They can trigger side effects such as decreased appetite or trouble sleeping, as well as an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They can also interfere with certain medical and pharmaceutical treatments, so it's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Around 70 to 80 percent of those who take ADHD medication will experience an improvement in symptoms. However, not everyone responds to the same medication and the effects aren't always lasting.
Some people aren't fond of stimulants or don't like their side effects. If this is the case, doctors may prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants, but they do help improve attention, focus and control of impulses. Doctors often prescribe these drugs together with stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to start working and they don't react as fast. They affect neurotransmitters differently than stimulants, and do not increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine, clonidine and Guanfacine. The most frequent side effect of these medications is sleepiness. However, drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dosage or taking them prior to the time of sleep. The drowsiness should subside within a few weeks after the beginning of treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. They are grouped according to how they affect neurotransmitters, with each group having medications that perform in slightly different natural ways to treat adhd (http://demo2-ecomm.in.ua). 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 one of these groups to relieve depression and anxiety symptoms of adhd in adults treatment. These medications might not provide immediate relief. It may take several weeks to feel the full benefit. Your doctor and you will decide the best treatment for you. They may combine two antidepressants or add other medicines to boost the effectiveness of your treatment. This is called an augmentation. The most commonly used augmentation drugs are aripiprazole (Abilify) as well as quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Antidepressants can cause a variety of side effects. It is recommended to discuss these adverse effects with your doctor because they could interfere with your daily activities. These effects can be mild or severe and can depend on the type of antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if taking any other medication, including herbal remedies and prescription drugs such as St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been known to have fewer adverse effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is why they're 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. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used to boost your energy levels, helping you to feel more alert. They can be helpful for people with anxiety or insomnia. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These medications can cause insomnia, jitteriness or drowsiness, however they can be beneficial for many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. These medications are also used to treat bulimia and also to aid smokers in quitting.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems is a well-established treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the notion that thoughts, feelings and behaviours are all connected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented process that can help you learn new methods to manage anxiety and negative habits. It can be used to treat depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
The aim of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive emotions and behavior. The method is a mix of two different therapies that are cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This type of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be done in a group or in a private setting. You will be taught various techniques by a therapist and then you'll apply them in your everyday life. Some of these techniques include: learning to recognize your negative thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation, and keeping a thought journal.
A therapist can also assist you in identifying the negative thoughts that can lead to maladaptive behaviors and then provide strategies to change these assumptions. They'll also teach you problem solving skills so that you can face challenges in your day-to-day life. CBT therapists will also guide you to establish SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based) to aid in tracking your progress.
While each form of CBT takes a different approach, all cognitive behavior treatments focus on identifying and changing thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ a variety of techniques, but most are based on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involves associating the effects of stimuli with the stimulus. During the treatment the person who is treating you will be rewarded for your accomplishments and punish you for failing to complete them.
During the first few sessions the therapist will assist you to identify problem behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. You might be assigned homework to help you master the abilities. Based on the severity of your condition, you may require up to 6-20 one-onone sessions.
CBT is effective in treating adhd without medication a variety of disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It also works for adults suffering from ADHD which affects individuals as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled sessions with a therapist to discuss your issues. The sessions can last up to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or by phone. Counselling can be used to treat a range of mental health issues, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to discuss family, friendship, and relationship issues, as well as work-related difficulties.
A counsellor will listen carefully to your concerns and provide an objective perspective. They can detect patterns of behavior and suggest ways you can modify them. They can teach you strategies for coping and strategies for managing stress, anxiety or depression. They can help you deal with major life events, such as divorce or the loss of a beloved. They can also help you learn how to deal with addictions or chronic illnesses.
(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/psychology-today-logo.png)Some counsellors charge fees for their services while others are covered by Medicare rebates, if you have mental health plans from your doctor.
