It's The Ugly Truth About Treatments For ADD
Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include counselling and drugs. Both are important to determine which is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentional and unorganized, aswell being hyperactive. They lack blood flow to the prefrontal cortex and basal Ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels are usually increased as part of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate the body's systems. They are available legally as prescription medications, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) and the methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and also used illegally often in combination with other substances, such as cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They are available in the form of liquids, pills, syrups or patches.
They enhance concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and improve working memory. These are the most common medications prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD. They can trigger negative side effects, such as a decreased appetite, sleep disturbances and an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. They may interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It's important to talk to your doctor about any concerns.
Around 70 to 80 percent of those who are taking ADHD medication will experience an improvement in symptoms. Not everyone responds the same way to the medication, and the effects may not last long.
Some people don't like stimulants or can't tolerate their adverse effects. In this instance doctors will prescribe non-stimulant medication. These medications aren't as efficient as stimulants, but they do aid in improving attention, focus and control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these medications along with stimulants to boost the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to start working, and they don't act as quickly. They do not raise dopamine levels and they have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine, clonidine and Guanfacine. The most common side effect of these medications is the feeling of drowsiness. However it is possible to reduce drowsiness by increasing the dosage or taking them at the time of bed. The drowsiness will subside within a few weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants work by changing the brain's chemical makeup, known as neurotransmitters. The drugs are classified based on the way they affect neurotransmitters. Each group is comprised of 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 physician may prescribe a medication belonging to one of these groups to alleviate anxiety or depression symptoms. These medications may not provide immediate relief. It may take several weeks before you feel the full benefits. You and your doctor will determine which medication is best for you. You may also take other medications or mix two antidepressants to improve your treatment. This is referred to as an augmentation. The most commonly used augmentation drugs are Aripiprazole (Abilify), quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Antidepressants can cause a variety of side effects. You should discuss these side effects with your doctor, as they may interfere with your daily activities. These side effects may be mild or extreme and depend on the type of antidepressant that you're taking. You should also tell your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're using, including over-the-counter drugs and herbs like St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been proven to cause fewer side effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs boost levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. This is why SNRIs are thought to be more effective 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 and make you feel more alert. They could be helpful for people who have insomnia or very severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These medications can cause jitteriness, sleepiness or drowsiness, but they can be useful for many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. These medications are also used to treat bulimia, and to assist smokers in quitting.
his response for behavioural problems
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a proven treatment for mental disorders. It is based upon the idea that emotions and thoughts are connected and can be altered. CBT is an approach that is short-term and goal-oriented that helps you discover new strategies to handle negative thoughts and stressors. It can be used to treat depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
CBT aims to transform unhelpful thoughts and feelings into positive emotions or behaviors. The method is a mix of two therapies, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It's a form of psychotherapy that is often short-term, and can be done in a private or group setting. You will be taught various techniques by a therapist, and then you will practice them in your everyday life. These techniques include learning how to recognize negative automatic thoughts and meditative practices; and keeping journals.
A therapist can also help you identify the negative thoughts that cause behavior that is not optimal and teach you strategies for changing these beliefs. They will also teach you how to solve problems that arise in your daily life. Therapists in CBT will also help you to establish SMART goals (specific achievable, measurable relevant, time-based, and relevant) to help you track your progress.
Although each type of CBT takes a different approach, all cognitive behavior treatments focus on identifying and changing the underlying thoughts that contribute to emotional distress. Therapists employ a variety of techniques, but the majority are based on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involves relating stimuli with their effects. During the treatment the trainer will reward you for completing tasks and will punish you for failing to complete the tasks.
In the first few sessions the therapist will help you identify problem behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. You may be given homework to help you master the skills. Depending on the severity of your condition it could take up to 6-20 one-onone sessions.
CBT can be used to treat a number of ailments such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). It can also be effective in treating adult ADHD which is prevalent in children as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy which uses planned, regular meetings with a therapy (counsellor) to discuss your issues. Typically, these sessions last approximately 50 minutes and can be face to face or in groups. They can also be conducted over the telephone. Counselling can assist people suffering from a range of mental health issues, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to talk about friendship, family and relationship issues as well as work-related problems.
A counsellor will carefully listen to your problems and provide an objective view. They will be able to detect patterns of behavior and suggest ways you can change them. They can teach you coping skills and techniques for managing depression, anxiety, or stress. They can help you deal with major life events, such as divorce or the loss of a beloved. They can also help you learn how to cope with addictions or a chronic illness.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services, and others may be covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health plan from your doctor.