Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Royal_College_of_Psychiatrists_logo.png)Treatment options for ADD include drugs and counselling. Both are crucial to determine which is more efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD are inattentive, disorganized and often hyperactive. They lack blood flow to the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal Ganglia. They also have low dopamine levels. Treatment typically involves increasing the levels of dopamine.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate the body's systems. They are legally available as prescription medications, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) as well as methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin; and illegally used frequently mixed with other substances, like methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They can be taken as pills, syrups or liquids, or patches that are applied to the skin.
They boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain's synapses. This improves concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and help improve working memory. They are among the most commonly used medication prescribed to people suffering from ADHD. They can cause adverse effects such as a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, as well as an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They may interfere with certain medications and medical conditions It is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Medicines can lessen adhd treatment without meds symptoms in 70 percent to 80% of the people who use them. However, not everyone responds to the same medications used to treat adhd, and the effects may not be long-lasting.
Some people aren't a fan of stimulants or don't like their adverse effects. If this is the case, doctors may prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These medications may not be as effective as stimulants, but they can improve focus and attention and control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these drugs alongside stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs are more difficult to use and aren't as effective. They don't raise dopamine levels and have a different impact on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine, clonidine and the guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most common side effect. However, drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dosage or taking them prior to bedtime. The drowsiness should diminish within several weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants work by changing the chemical substances in the brain known as neurotransmitters. The drugs are classified based on how they act on neurotransmitters. Each group contains slightly different medications. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Your doctor may prescribe a medicine that belongs to one of these groups in order to relieve depression or anxiety symptoms of untreated adhd. These medicines may not provide immediate relief, as it could take a few weeks before you feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide the best medication for you. They can also add other medications or combine two antidepressants to improve your treatment. This is referred to as an augmentation. The most popular augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine, and lithium.
Different antidepressants have distinct adverse effects. It is important to discuss these adverse effects with your doctor because they could interfere in your daily activities. These side effects could be severe or mild, depending on the type antidepressant you're taking. You should also tell your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're taking, such as prescription drugs and herbal remedies such as St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been proven to have fewer adverse effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. This is the reason they're believed to be more effective than SSRIs. They also have longer half-lifes than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other medications. The SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants can be used to boost energy and help you feel more awake. They could be helpful for people suffering from insomnia or very severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are two of most common. These medications can cause jitteriness or insomnia but they can be helpful for those suffering from depression, adhd in adults treatment, and anxiety. These medications are also used to treat bulimia, and to assist smokers in quitting.
(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/coe-2023.png)Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a research-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based upon the belief that feelings and thoughts are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented procedure which can help you develop new methods to manage anxiety and negative habits. It can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
The aim of CBT is to reframe unhelpful thoughts into positive feelings and behaviors. The method is a mix of two therapies which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. This type of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be performed in a group or individually. A therapist will teach you different techniques, and you'll be able to apply them in your everyday life. These techniques include: understanding how to treat anxiety and adhd to recognize negative thoughts and meditative practices; and keeping a journal.
A therapist will also help you identify the negative thoughts that can lead to ineffective behaviors, and then teach you strategies to change these beliefs. They will also show you how to get adhd treatment to deal with problems that arise in your daily life. CBT therapists encourage you to set SMART goals in order to aid you to monitor your progress.
While each type of CBT has its own approach, all cognitive behavior therapies are focused on identifying and changing the underlying thoughts that contribute to emotional distress. Therapists employ a variety of methods, but they are all built on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involves relating stimuli with their effects. During the therapy, the person who is treating you will be rewarded for your accomplishments and punish you for not completing them.
In your first few sessions with your therapist, you and the therapist will look for problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. They may also assign homework to help you master the skills. It is possible that you will require between six and twenty one-on-one sessions, based on the nature and severity of your condition.
CBT can be used to treat a number of disorders, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). It is also effective in treating adult ADHD which affects people as young seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy which uses planned, regular meetings with the therapy (counsellor) 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 help people with many mental health issues like schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about relationships, friendships and family issues, as well as issues related to work.
A counsellor will carefully listen to your issues and provide an objective view. They will be able to identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways you can modify 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 help you learn to manage addictions and chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services, and others may be covered by Medicare rebates if you have a mental health plan from your doctor.