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 inattentive, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They suffer from low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia and the thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment usually involves increasing the levels of dopamine.

Stimulants

Stimulants accelerate the body's systems. They are legally available as prescription drugs, including amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), the methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and also used illegally, often mixed with other substances, like cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They can be consumed in the form of syrups, pills or liquids, or patches which are applied to the skin.

They increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain's synapses, improving concentration. They also reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity and enhance working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed medication for people suffering from ADHD. They can cause adverse effects such as a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, as well as an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They can interfere with some medications and medical conditions, so it's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.

Medications can reduce ADHD symptoms of adhd in adults and treatment in about 70 percent to 80% of the people who use them. However, not all people respond to the same medications, and the effects may not be lasting.

Some people discover that stimulants don't work well or they aren't able to handle the adverse effects. In this situation doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medication. They aren't as effective as stimulants, but they can aid in improving attention, focus and control of impulses. Doctors often prescribe these drugs together with stimulants to increase the effectiveness.

Nonstimulant medicines take longer to begin working and don't work as quickly. They don't increase dopamine levels and they have a different impact on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and the guanfacine. The most frequently reported side effect of these medicines is the feeling of drowsiness. However it is possible to reduce drowsiness by increasing the dosage or taking them at bedtime. The drowsiness will diminish in a few weeks after starting treatment.

Antidepressants

Most antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They are grouped according to the way they affect these neurotransmitters, with each group having medications that perform in slightly different natural ways to treat adhd. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

A health care provider might suggest you start taking a medication from one of these groups to help alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms of adhd in adults and treatment. These medicines may not provide immediate relief, as it could take several weeks before you experience the full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine which medication is best for you. They can also add other medications or combine two antidepressants in order to improve your treatment. This is referred to as an augmentation. The most commonly used augmentation drugs are aripiprazole (Abilify) and quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).

Different antidepressants have different adverse effects. It is important to discuss these side effects with your doctor since they could cause problems with your daily activities. These adverse effects can range from mild to extreme and depend on the type of antidepressant you're 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 cause less side effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).

SNRIs increase levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine within the brain. This is why they're considered to be more efficient than SSRIs. They also have a shorter half-life, and are less likely than SSRIs to interact with other medications. SNRIs are duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor).

Atypical antidepressants are primarily used to boost your energy levels and help you feel more alert. They can be beneficial for those suffering from anxiety or insomnia that is very severe untreated adhd in adults. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause insomnia or jitteriness, but can be helpful for those suffering from depression, adhd and anxiety treatment, and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia and to assist smokers in quitting.

Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based upon 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 negative thoughts and stressors. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.

CBT aims to transform unhelpful thoughts and emotions into positive emotions or behaviors. The technique is a mixture of two therapies, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This type of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be performed in a group setting or on an individual basis. A therapist will teach you different techniques, and you'll be able to apply them in your daily life. These techniques include learning how to recognize negative automatic thoughts; practicing mindfulness meditation; and keeping an account of your thoughts.

A therapist can help you identify negative thoughts that cause you to engage in maladaptive behavior and teach you how to change these thoughts. They'll also help you develop problem-solving techniques to help you deal with challenges that arise in your daily life. CBT therapists encourage you to set SMART goals to help you to track your progress.

Although each type of CBT takes a different approach, all cognitive behavioral treatments focus on identifying and modifying the fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ a variety of techniques, but most are built on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involve associating events with their effects. During the treatment, the therapist will reward you for completing tasks and punish those who fail to complete the tasks.

In the initial few sessions the therapist will assist you to identify problem behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. You might be given homework to help you master the abilities. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may require anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.

CBT can be used to treat a variety of conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also be effective in treating adult adhd diagnostic assessment and treatment (read here) ADHD which can affect people as young as seven.

Counselling

Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that involves planned, regular meetings with a therapy (counsellor) to discuss your problems. These sessions can last up to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or via the phone. Counselling can be used to treat a range of mental health problems, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about family, friendship, and relationship issues - as well as issues related to work.

A counsellor will carefully listen to your concerns and offer an objective perspective. They can discern patterns of behavior and suggest ways you can modify them. They can teach you techniques and coping strategies to manage anxiety, stress or depression. They can assist you in adapting to major life changes such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also teach you how to manage addictions and chronic illnesses.

Some counsellors charge for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates when you have mental health plans from your doctor.