Blog entry by Angelo Huggins

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Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling

iampsychiatry-logo-wide.pngTreatment options for ADD include counselling and drugs. It is crucial to test both to determine which one is more efficient.

People suffering from classic ADD are inattentive, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They lack blood flow in the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment usually involves increasing the levels of dopamine.

Stimulants

Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are available legally as prescription medications, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and also used illegally, often mixed with other substances, like methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They can be taken as syrups, pills, liquids or patches that are placed on the skin.

They improve concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and improve working memory. They are the most frequently used drugs prescribed to adults with ADHD. They can cause negative side effects, such as a decreased appetite, treatment for inattentive adhd in Adults insomnia and an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. They can interact with certain medicines and medical conditions. It is important to speak to your doctor about any concerns.

Medicines can lessen ADHD symptoms in around 70% to 80% of people who use them. However, not all people respond to the same medications, and the effects may not be lasting.

Some people aren't fond of stimulants or aren't able to tolerate their negative effects. If this is the case, doctors might prescribe non medication treatment for adhd-stimulant medications. These medications aren't as efficient as stimulants but they can help improve focus, attention and control impulses. Doctors may prescribe them along with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.

Nonstimulant medicines take longer to work and aren't as effective. They affect neurotransmitters differently from stimulants, and don't raise dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine and the guanfacine. The most common side effect of these medicines is drowsiness. However, drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dosage or taking them at bedtime. The drowsiness should diminish within several weeks after starting treatment for inattentive Adhd in adults.

Antidepressants

The majority of antidepressants alter the brain's chemical makeup, known as neurotransmitters. The drugs are classified based on the way they affect 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 medication that belongs to one of these groups in order to alleviate anxiety or treatment for inattentive adhd in adults depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief. It could take a few weeks to feel the full benefit. You and your doctor will determine which medicine is best for you. You may also take additional medications or combine two antidepressants in order to improve your treatment. This is known as augmentation. The most commonly used augmentation drugs are Aripiprazole (Abilify) and quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).

Different antidepressants can have different adverse effects. It is recommended to discuss these adverse effects with your doctor because they could interfere in your daily activities. These adverse effects can be mild or severe and can depend on the type of antidepressant that you're taking. You should also inform your doctor about any other medicines or herbal remedies you're taking, such as over-the-counter drugs and herbs like St. John's wort.

SSRIs have been proven to have fewer adverse effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).

SNRIs increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is why SNRIs are regarded as more effective 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 are primarily used to boost your energy levels which help you feel more alert. They can be beneficial for those suffering from anxiety or insomnia. 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. They can also be used to treat the treatment of bulimia as well as to aid in quitting smoking.

Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based on the idea that thoughts, feelings and behaviours are all connected and can be altered. CBT is an approach that is short-term and goal-oriented that helps you discover new methods to manage anxiety and negative habits. It can also be used to treat anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

CBT seeks to transform unhelpful thoughts and feelings into positive thoughts or behaviours. The technique is a combination of two therapies that include cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It's a form of psychotherapy which is usually short-term and is able to be carried out in a private or group setting. A therapist will teach you various techniques, and you'll practice them in your everyday life. Some of these techniques include: the ability to recognize negative thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a mental journal.

A Therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that can lead you to engage in maladaptive behavior, and show you how to change your beliefs. They'll also help you develop problem-solving skills so that you can face challenges in your day-to-day life. CBT therapists advise you to set SMART goals in order to help you to track your progress.

Although each type of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavior therapies are focused 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 classical and operant conditioning, which involves associating events with their effects. During the treatment the person who is treating you will give you a reward for completing tasks and punish you for not completing the tasks.

In the initial sessions together, your therapist and you will look for problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. You might be assigned homework to help you build the skills. Depending on the nature of your condition, you may require anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.

CBT is effective in treating a range of conditions, including anxiety depression, and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It is also effective for adults with ADHD, which affects people as young as seven.

Counselling

Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that uses regular, planned meetings with a therapist to talk about your issues. The typical session lasts approximately 50 minutes and can be face to face or in groups. They can also be conducted via the telephone. Counselling can be used to treat adhd a range of mental health problems, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to discuss friendship, family and relationship issues, as well as workplace-related issues.

A counselor will pay attention to your concerns and provide an objective viewpoint. They will be able to detect patterns of behavior and suggest ways to modify them. They can also teach you strategies and coping techniques to manage anxiety, stress or depression. They can assist you in dealing with major life events, like divorce or the loss of a beloved. They can also teach you how to get adhd treatment to cope with addictions or a chronic illness.

Royal_College_of_Psychiatrists_logo.pngSome counsellors charge a fee for their services, while others may be covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health plan from your doctor.