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Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling Counseling and medication are both effective treatments for ADD. Both are crucial to determine which is more effective. People suffering from classic ADD are irritable, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They lack blood flow to the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia. They also have low dopamine levels. Dopamine levels are usually increased as part of treatment. Stimulants Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are legal as prescription medications, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) and methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin; and illegally used, often mixed with other substances, such as cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They are available as syrups, liquids, pills or patches. They boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain's synapses, improving concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and enhance working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They can trigger adverse effects like a decrease in appetite, sleep disturbances and a rise in blood pressure or heart rate. They can interact with certain medicines and medical conditions. It is essential to talk with your doctor regarding any concerns. About 70% to 80 percent of people who are taking ADHD medications will experience a reduction in symptoms. However, not everyone responds to the same medications, and the effects aren't always long-lasting. Some people don't like stimulants or don't like their negative effects. In this case, doctors will prescribe nonstimulant drugs. They aren't as effective as stimulants, but they can help improve attention, focus and control impulses. Doctors may prescribe them along with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. Nonstimulant drugs take longer to begin working and they don't react as fast. They don't increase dopamine levels and they have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and clonidine and guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most commonly reported side effect. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dose or taking the medication prior to bedtime. The drowsiness will diminish in a few weeks after starting treatment. Antidepressants Most antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters. They are classified based on the way they affect these neurotransmitters with each group having medications that perform 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). Different antidepressants can have different adverse effects. It's important to talk to your doctor about the side effects as some may interfere with your daily activities. These adverse effects may vary from mild to severe and can depend on 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 such as St. John's wort. SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, and are known to have fewer side-effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft). The SNRIs boost levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This is why they're considered to be more effective than SSRIs. They also have longer half-lifes than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other drugs. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor). Atypical antidepressants are primarily used to boost your energy levels, helping you to feel more alert. They can be beneficial for people who have insomnia or extremely severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are among the most commonly used. These drugs can cause jitteriness or insomnia, but can be helpful for those suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. They can also be used to treat bulimia and for smoking cessation. Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems is a well-established treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the notion that emotions and thoughts are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a goal-oriented short-term program that teaches you new methods to deal with problems and bad habits. It can also be used to treat depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. CBT seeks to transform unhelpful thoughts and emotions into positive thoughts or behaviours. The method is a mix of two therapies that are cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This type of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be performed in a group or on an individual basis. You will be taught different techniques by a therapist and then you will practice them in your daily life. These techniques include understanding how to recognize negative automatic thoughts as well as practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping journals. A therapist can help you identify negative thoughts that lead to behavior that is not optimal and teach you strategies to change these beliefs. They will also help you learn how to tackle issues in your daily life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to set SMART goals (specific goals that are measurable, achievable relevant, and time-based) to aid in tracking your progress. Although 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 however they all are based on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involves associating stimuli to their effects. While you are in treatment you will be awarded for the accomplishment of tasks. Additionally, you will be punished when you fail to complete them.
During the first few sessions the therapist will assist you to identify the problem behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. You might be assigned homework to help you develop the skills. You could require between six and twenty one-onone sessions, based on the degree and nature of your condition. CBT is effective in treating a variety of disorders, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It can also be effective in treating adult ADHD, a condition that is prevalent in children as young as seven. Counselling Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that consists of planned, regular meetings with a therapy (counsellor) to discuss your concerns. The sessions can last up to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face, in groups, or over the phone. Counselling can assist people suffering from a range of mental health issues like schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to discuss friendship, family and relationship issues as well as work-related problems. A counsellor will carefully listen to your concerns and offer an objective perspective. They will be able identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They will be able to teach you coping skills and techniques to manage 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 help you learn how to cope with addictions or a chronic illness. Some counsellors charge fees for their services while others are covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have mental health care plans from your doctor. |
