Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling

Counseling and drugs are both effective treatments for ADD. It is important to try both to determine which is more efficient.

People suffering from classic ADD are inattentive, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They have low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, the basal Ganglia and thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment typically involves increasing dopamine levels.

Stimulants

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

They improve concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and enhance working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed drug for adults with ADHD. They can cause adverse effects such as decreased appetite or difficulty sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They may interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It is important to speak with your physician about any concerns.

About 70-80 percent of people who use adhd treatment in adults medications will notice an improvement in symptoms of adhd in adults and treatment. However, not all people respond to the same medications, and the effects aren't always long-lasting.

Some people aren't a fan of stimulants or can't tolerate their side effects. In this situation, doctors will prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These drugs may not be as effective as stimulants, but they can boost focus and attention and control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these medications alongside stimulants to increase the effectiveness.

Nonstimulant drugs take longer to get started and don't work as quickly. They don't raise dopamine levels and have a different impact on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine (clonidine), guanfacine, and Clonidine. The most frequent adverse effect of these drugs is sleepiness. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dosage or taking the medication prior to bedtime. The drowsiness should diminish within several weeks after starting treatment.

Antidepressants

The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical substances in the brain known as neurotransmitters. The drugs are classified based on how they act on 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 belonging to one of these groups to ease anxiety or depression symptoms. These medicines may not provide immediate relief, as it can take weeks before you feel the full benefits. You and your doctor will determine which medicine is best for you. They may add additional medications or combine two antidepressants to improve your treatment. This is referred to as an augmentation. The most popular augmentation medicines are Aripiprazole (Abilify), quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).

Different antidepressants have distinct side effects. You should discuss these side effects with your doctor, as they may interfere in your daily activities. These effects may range from mild to severe, and they can be triggered by the type of antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications, such as herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications like St. John's Wort.

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

The SNRIs boost levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is why they're 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. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).

Atypical antidepressants can be used to boost energy and make you feel more alert. They may be useful for people who have anxiety or insomnia that is very severe. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are two of most popular. These medications can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness, however they can be beneficial for many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. These medications are also used to treat bulimia and also to aid smokers in quitting.

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 emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are connected and can be changed. CBT is a goal-oriented, short-term procedure that can teach you new ways to cope with problems and bad habits. It can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.

The aim of CBT is to change negative thoughts into positive emotions and behaviors. The method is the combination of two therapies that include cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It's a form of psychotherapy that is often short-term and can be performed in a private or group setting. You will be taught different techniques by a therapist, and then you'll use them in your daily life. Some of these techniques include learning to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, implementing mindfulness meditation and keeping a mental journal.

A therapist can also help you identify the negative thoughts that lead to maladaptive behaviors and then provide strategies to change these assumptions. They'll also teach you problem solving techniques to help you handle challenges that come up in your daily life. CBT therapists encourage you to set SMART goals in order to help you to track your progress.

While each form of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies are focused on identifying and modifying the fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress. The therapists use a variety of techniques, but the majority are based on the concepts of classical and operant conditioning, which involves associating events with their effects. During the treatment, the trainer will be rewarded for your accomplishments and punish you for failing to complete the tasks.

In the first few sessions the therapist will work with you to identify the problem behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. You might be given homework to help you develop the skills. You could require anywhere from six to twenty one-on-one sessions, based on the degree and nature of your illness.

CBT is effective in treating a variety of disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). It can also be effective in treating adult adhd diagnosis and treatment for adhd (this page) ADHD, a condition that is prevalent in children as young as seven.

Counselling

Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that uses regular, scheduled sessions with a therapist to discuss your issues. The typical session lasts around 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face in groups, or over the telephone. Counselling can aid people suffering from many mental health issues like depression, schizophrenia 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 to identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways to modify them. They can also teach you strategies and coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety or depression. They can help you adjust to major life changes like divorce or the loss of loved ones. They can help you learn to manage addictions and chronic illnesses.

Some counsellors charge fees for their services, and others may be covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have a mental health care plan from your doctor.