Blog entry by Brigette Comeaux
Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Drugs and counseling are both effective treatment for severe adhd in adults options for ADD. Both are essential to test to determine which is more efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentional and unorganized, aswell as hyperactive. They have a low blood flow to their prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia and thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels tend to increase as part of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are legal as prescription drugs, including amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), the methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and are also illegally used, often mixed with other substances, like methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They can be taken as pills, syrups, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin.
They enhance concentration by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, and improve working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed drug for adults with untreated adhd life expectancy (My Web Page). They can trigger side effects such as a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They can interfere with some medical and pharmaceutical treatments, so it's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
About 70-80% people who can diagnose and treat adhd are taking ADHD medications will notice reduced symptoms of adhd in adults and treatment. Not all people respond the same way to the medication, and the effects may not last long.
Some people aren't a fan of stimulants or aren't able to tolerate their adverse effects. In this case doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medications. They aren't as effective as stimulants, but they do help improve focus, attention and control of impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to get started and they don't react as fast. 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 commonly reported side result. However, drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dosage or taking them at bedtime. The drowsiness will subside within a few weeks of starting treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical composition in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. The medications are grouped by how they interact with 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).
A doctor might suggest you start taking one of these groups in order to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief. It may take several weeks to feel the full benefits. You and your doctor will determine which medication is best for you. They can also add other medications or mix two antidepressants to enhance your treatment. This is referred to as augmenting. The most commonly used augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine and lithium.
Different antidepressants have different side effects. It is important to speak with your doctor about these side effects since some of them could interfere with your daily activities. These effects can be mild or severe and can depend on the type of antidepressant you're taking. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medication, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter drugs such as St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been proven to cause fewer side effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This is why they are considered to be more efficient than SSRIs. They also have longer half-lifes than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other medications. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used to boost your energy levels and make you feel more alert. They can be helpful for those suffering from insomnia or severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are two of the most common. These medications can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness, but they are beneficial to many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. They are also used to treat the treatment of bulimia as well as to aid in quitting smoking.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a tried and true treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the notion that feelings and thoughts are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented procedure that can help you learn new ways to deal with anxiety and negative habits. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.
CBT seeks to transform unhelpful thoughts and feelings into positive thoughts or behaviours. The technique is a mixture of two therapies that are cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This type of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be performed either in a group setting or in a private setting. The therapist will instruct you on various methods, and you'll apply them in your daily life. These techniques include: learning how to recognize negative automatic thoughts and meditative practices; and keeping an account of your thoughts.
A therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that can lead to behavior that is not optimal and teach you strategies to change these beliefs. They will also show you how to deal with problems in your daily life. CBT therapists encourage you to establish SMART goals to aid you to track your progress.
While each type of cognitive behavior therapy has an entirely different approach however, they all concentrate on identifying the thoughts that cause emotional distress and changing them. The therapists will use different techniques, but most are based on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involves relating stimuli with their effects. During the treatment, the therapist will reward you for completing tasks and will punish those who fail to complete them.
During your first few sessions with your therapist, you and the therapist will be able to identify the problematic behavior and replace them with healthy ones. They might also assign homework to help you master the skills. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may require between 6 and 20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT is effective in treating a range of disorders, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It also works in treating adult ADHD, a condition that is prevalent in children as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy that involves regular, planned meetings with a therapist to discuss your concerns. These sessions can last up to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or by phone. Counselling can aid people suffering from various 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 issues.
A counsellor will pay attention 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 coping skills and techniques for managing stress, anxiety or depression. They can assist you in adapting to major life changes, such as divorce or loss of a loved one. They can also show you how to cope with addictions or a chronic illness.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, while others may be covered by Medicare rebates if you have a mental health plan from your doctor.