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Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling Treatment options for ADD include drugs and counselling. It is important to try both to determine which is more efficient. People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentive and disorganized, as well being hyperactive. They suffer from low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and thalamus. They also have low dopamine levels. Dopamine levels are typically increased in response to treatment. Stimulants Stimulants speed up the body's systems. They are legal as prescription drugs, 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, like methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They are available as pills, syrups or liquids, or patches which are applied to the skin. They increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain's synapses, thereby improving concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and improve working memory. These are the most common drugs prescribed to adults with ADHD. They can cause adverse effects like a decrease in appetite, insomnia and a rise in heart rate or blood pressure. They may interfere with certain medical treatments and medications Therefore, it's crucial to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Medications can reduce ADHD symptoms in about 70 percent to 80% of the people who use them. Not all people respond the same way to the medication and the effects might not last long. Some people discover that stimulants aren't working well or they aren't able to handle the adverse effects. If this is the case, doctors might prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These drugs might not be as effective as stimulants, but they can help improve attention and focus and control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to boost their effectiveness. Nonstimulant medications take longer to begin working and don't work as quickly. They do not raise dopamine levels and they have a different impact on neurotransmitters. Examples include the atomoxetine (clonidine), guanfacine, and Clonidine. Drowsiness is the most frequent side effect. However the drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dose or taking them before the time of sleep. The drowsiness should subside within a few weeks of the beginning of treatment. Antidepressants The majority of antidepressants alter the brain's chemical makeup, known as neurotransmitters. They are grouped according to the way they affect these neurotransmitters, with each group having medications that work 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). A health care provider may start you on one of these groups to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief, as it could take a few weeks before you can feel the full benefits. You and your doctor will determine which medication is best for you. You may mix two antidepressants or other medicines to boost the effects of your treatment. This is referred to as augmentation. The most common augmentation medications are aripiprazole (Abilify) as well as quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid). Antidepressants can cause a variety of adverse effects. It is important to discuss these side effects with your physician since they could cause problems in your daily activities. These side effects could be severe or mild 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 taking, such as prescription drugs and herbal remedies such as St. John's wort. SSRIs have been known to cause less side effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft). The SNRIs increase levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine within the brain. This is why they're considered to be more efficient 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 can be used to boost energy levels and make you feel more alert. They are beneficial for those suffering from insomnia or severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are two of the most commonly used. These medications can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness, but they can be useful for many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. They are also used for the treatment of bulimia as well as as a smoking cessation aid. Cognitive behavioural therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy is a tried and true treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the idea that emotions, thoughts and behaviours are all connected and can be altered. CBT is an approach that is short-term and goal-oriented which can help you develop new ways to deal with stressors and negative habits. It can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety.
A therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that lead you to engage in maladaptive behavior, and show you how to change your beliefs. They will also help you learn how to tackle issues in your daily life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to develop goals that are SMART (specific achievable, measurable, relevant, and time-based) to help you track your progress. While each type of cognitive behavioral therapy takes an entirely different approach however, they all concentrate on identifying the underlying thoughts that cause emotional distress and changing them. The therapists use a variety of methods, but they are all based on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involves associating stimuli with their effects. During treatment, you will be rewarded for completing tasks. You'll also be punished if you fail to complete the task. In the initial few sessions the therapist will work with you to identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. They may also assign homework to help you learn the skills. Based on the degree of your illness, you may require anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions. CBT can be used to treat a number of ailments that include depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). It can also be effective for adults suffering from ADHD, which affects people as young as seven. Counselling Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled meetings with a therapist to talk about your concerns. These sessions can last up to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or via the phone. Counselling can assist people suffering from many mental health issues including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adhd-treatment-for-adults/ can also be used to talk about family, friendship, and relationship issues, and also work-related issues. A counselor will listen to your concerns and offer an objective view. They will be able identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can teach you techniques and coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety or depression. They can help you cope with major life changes like divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also show you how to manage addictions or a chronic illness. Some counsellors charge fees for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates, if you have mental health care plans from your doctor. |
