The History Of Treatments For ADD
Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and drugs are both effective treatment options for ADD. Both are crucial to determine which is more efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD are irritable, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They lack blood flow to the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment usually involves increasing the levels of dopamine.
Stimulants
Stimulants accelerate the body's systems. They are available legally 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 mixed with other substances, like methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They can be consumed in the form of syrups, pills, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin.
They boost concentration by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and enhance working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed drug for adults with ADHD. They can trigger side effects such as decreased appetite, sleep disturbances and an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. They can interfere with some medications and medical conditions Therefore, it's crucial to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
About 70-80 percent of those who are taking ADHD medications will notice reduced symptoms. However, not everyone responds to the same medications, and the effects don't always long-lasting.
Some people discover that stimulants don't work well or they aren't able to handle the negative effects. In this instance doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medication. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants, but they can help improve focus, attention and control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these medications together with stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to start working, and they don't act as fast. They don't increase dopamine levels, and they have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine (clonidine), guanfacine, and Clonidine. The most frequent 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 sleep. The drowsiness will subside within a few weeks after the beginning of treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical composition in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. The medications are classified according to 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).
Your doctor may prescribe a medication belonging to one of these groups in order to ease anxiety or depression symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief. It can take several weeks to feel the full benefit. Your doctor and you will decide the best medication for you. You may also take other medications or combine two antidepressants to enhance your treatment. This is referred to as an augmentation. The most commonly used augmentation drugs are Aripiprazole (Abilify) and quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Antidepressants can 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 severe or mild, depending on the type antidepressant that you are taking. You should also inform your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're taking, such as over-the-counter drugs and herbs such as St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been known to have fewer adverse effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. This is why they are considered to be more effective than SSRIs. They also have a shorter half-life, and are less likely than SSRIs to interact with other medications. treating add include duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used to boost your energy levels and make you feel more awake. They can be beneficial for those suffering from anxiety or insomnia that is very severe. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are among the most common. These medications can cause insomnia or jitteriness however they can be beneficial for those suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. They are also used for bulimia and to aid in quitting smoking.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a research-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based on the idea that thoughts and feelings are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a goal-oriented, short-term procedure that can teach you new methods to deal with negative stressors and bad 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 the combination of two therapies: cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. It's a form of psychotherapy which is usually short-term, and it is able to be carried out in a group or individual setting. A therapist will guide you through various methods, and you'll apply them in your everyday life. Some of these techniques include being able to recognize your negative thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a mental journal.
A therapist will also help you identify the negative thoughts that cause ineffective behaviors, and then teach you strategies for changing these assumptions. They'll also teach you problem solving techniques to help you face challenges in your daily life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to develop SMART goals (specific goals that are measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based) to aid in tracking your progress.
Although each type of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavior treatments focus on identifying and changing the thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ 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 the accomplishment of tasks. You'll also be penalized for failing to complete the task.
In the first few sessions with your therapist, you and the therapist will identify problematic behaviors and replace them by healthy ones. You may be given homework to help you develop the skills. Based on the nature of your condition it could take anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT is effective in treating a range of disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). It is also effective for adults suffering from ADHD which affects individuals as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled sessions with a therapist in order to discuss your concerns. The typical session lasts approximately 50 minutes and may be face-to-face, in groups or via phone. 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 listen carefully to your concerns and provide an objective perspective. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. treating add can teach you techniques and coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, or depression. They can assist you in adjusting to major life changes like divorce or loss of loved ones. They can also show you how to cope with addictions or chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates, if you have mental health care plans from your doctor.