20 Myths About Treatments For ADD: Busted
Treatments For ADD – Drugs and Counselling Treatment options for ADD include counselling and drugs. It is important to try both to determine which is more effective. People suffering from classic ADD are disorganized, inattentional and often hyperactive. They lack blood flow to the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels are usually increased in response to treatment. Stimulants Stimulants boost 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 such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin; and illegally used often in combination with other substances, like cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They are available as syrups, liquids, pills or patches. They increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain's synapses, thereby improving concentration. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, and improve working memory. They are the most frequently used medications prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD. They can trigger side effects such as decreased appetite or difficulties sleeping, as well as an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They may interfere with certain medical and pharmaceutical treatments Therefore, it's crucial to discuss any concerns with your doctor. About 70% to 80 percent of those who take ADHD medications will experience an improvement in symptoms. However, not everyone responds to the same medication, and the effects don't always lasting. Some people discover that stimulants aren't working well or they aren't able to handle the negative effects. If this is the case, doctors could prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These medications aren't as efficient as stimulants, but they do help improve focus, attention and control of impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. Nonstimulant medications take longer to work and don't work as quickly. They do not raise dopamine levels and have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine (clonidine), guanfacine, and the clonidine. The most frequently reported side effect of these medicines is drowsiness. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dose or taking the medication prior to bedtime. The drowsiness will subside in a few weeks after starting treatment. Antidepressants The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical composition 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). A medical professional might recommend a medication from one of these groups to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief, since it could take several weeks before you feel the full benefits. You and your doctor will determine which medication is best for you. You may mix two antidepressants, or add other medications to enhance the effects of your treatment. This is known as augmenting. The most popular augmenting drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine and lithium. Antidepressants can cause a variety of adverse effects. It is important to discuss these adverse effects with your doctor because they could interfere with your daily activities. These effects can be mild or serious depending on the kind of antidepressant you're taking. Tell iampsychiatry if you're taking any other medication, including herbal remedies and prescription drugs such as St. John's Wort. SSRIs have been proven to cause fewer side effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs are fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) as well as sertraline (Zoloft). The SNRIs increase the levels of both serotonin and 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 drugs. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor). Atypical antidepressants can be utilized to boost energy levels and make you feel more alert. They can be beneficial for people with insomnia or severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are two of the most common. These medications can cause jitteriness, sleepiness or drowsiness, however 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 behavioural therapy (CBT) is a research-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based on the notion that feelings, thoughts and behaviours are all connected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented process which can help you develop new strategies to handle negative thoughts and stressors. It can be used to treat depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. The purpose of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive feelings and behavior. The method is the combination of two therapies: cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. This type of psychotherapy is usually short-term, and can be carried out either in a group setting or in a private setting. A therapist will teach you different techniques, and you'll practice them in your daily life. Some of these techniques include being able to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, implementing mindfulness meditation and keeping a thought journal. A therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that can lead you to adopting maladaptive behavior, and show you how to change these beliefs. They'll also help you develop problem-solving techniques to help you face challenges in your everyday life. CBT therapists advise you to establish SMART goals to help you to track your progress. While each type of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies focus on identifying and changing the thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ a variety of techniques, but the majority are based on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involves relating events with their effects. During treatment you will be rewarded for completing tasks. Additionally, you will be punished when you fail to complete the task. In your initial sessions with your therapist, you and the therapist will identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. They may also assign homework to help you master the skills. Based on the degree of your illness, you may require up to 6-20 one-onone sessions. CBT can be utilized to treat a variety of disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also works for adults suffering from ADHD that affects people as young as seven. Counseling Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that consists of regular, scheduled sessions with an therapist (counsellor) to discuss your issues. The sessions can last up to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or via the phone. Counselling can be used to treat a range of mental health problems that include depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about family, friendship, and relationship issues – and also work-related issues. A counsellor will pay attention to your problems and provide an objective view. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They can help you learn techniques and coping skills for managing stress, anxiety, or depression. They can help you adjust to major life changes such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also teach you how to manage addictions and chronic illnesses. Some counsellors charge for their services while others are covered by Medicare rebates when you have mental health plans from your doctor.