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Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling Treatment options for ADD include counselling and drugs. Both are important to test to determine which is more efficient. People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentional and unorganized, as well as hyperactive. They lack blood flow to the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels tend to increase in response to treatment. Stimulants
They increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain's synapses, improving concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and enhance working memory. They are the most frequently used drugs prescribed to adults with ADHD. They can trigger side effects like a decrease in 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 you have with your doctor. The use of medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80% of those who use them. Not all people respond the same way to the medication and the effects may not last long. Certain people find that stimulants aren't working well, or they can't tolerate the negative effects. In this situation doctors will prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These medications may not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can help improve attention and focus and control impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. Nonstimulant drugs take longer to effect and don't work as quickly. They affect neurotransmitters differently than stimulants, and they don't increase dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include the atomoxetine (clonidine), guanfacine, and Clonidine. Drowsiness is the most commonly reported side effect. However the drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dose or taking them before bedtime. The drowsiness should diminish within several weeks after starting treatment. Antidepressants Most antidepressants affect chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. The medications are grouped by 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 health care provider might prescribe a medication belonging to one of these groups in order to ease anxiety or depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief, since it can take weeks before you can feel the full benefits. You and your doctor will determine which medicine is best for you. They can mix two antidepressants, or add other medications to enhance the effects of your treatment. This is called augmentation. The most commonly used augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine, and lithium. Different antidepressants can have different side effects. It's important to talk to your doctor about these side effects, as some may interfere with your daily activities. These effects can range from mild to severe, and they can be triggered by the type of antidepressant that you're taking. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbs like St. John's wort. SSRIs have been known to cause fewer side effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs are fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) as well as sertraline (Zoloft). The SNRIs boost levels of both serotonin and 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. The SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor). Atypical antidepressants are utilized to boost your energy levels and help you feel more alert. They can be beneficial for people suffering from insomnia or severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are two of most common. These drugs can cause jitteriness or insomnia however they can be beneficial for people suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia, and also to aid 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 belief that emotions, thoughts and behaviours are all connected and can be changed. CBT is a measurable, short-term program that teaches you new ways to cope with stressors and bad habits. It can also be used to treat anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. CBT is designed to transform negative thoughts and feelings into positive emotions or behaviors. The method is the combination of two therapies which are cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. It's a form of psychotherapy that's usually short-term, and it is able to be carried out in a group or individual setting. You will be taught a variety of techniques by a therapist, and then you'll use them in your daily life. Some of these techniques include the ability to recognize negative automatic thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation, and keeping a thought journal. A therapist can assist you in identifying negative thoughts that cause you to take on a negative behavior, and show you how to change these beliefs. They will also help you learn how to deal with problems in your daily routine. CBT therapists encourage you to set SMART goals in order to aid you to keep track of your progress. While each type of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavior therapies focus on identifying and changing the thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. The therapists use different techniques but they all operate on the principles operant and classic conditioning which involves associating stimuli to their effects. While you are in treatment, you will be rewarded for working through tasks. You'll also be punished when you fail to complete the task. In the first few sessions your therapist will help you identify problem behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. They might also assign homework to help you master the techniques. Based on the degree of your illness, you may require anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions. CBT is effective in treating a variety of conditions including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It is also effective for adults suffering from ADHD that affects people as young as seven. A counsellor will listen carefully to your problems and offer an objective viewpoint. They can detect patterns of behavior and suggest ways you can alter them. They can teach you strategies for coping and techniques to manage depression, anxiety, or stress. They can help you cope with major life events, such as divorce or the loss of a loved. They can help you learn to deal with chronic illnesses and addictions. Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health plan from your doctor. |
