Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling

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

People suffering from classic ADD are irritable, 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 usually involves increasing the levels of dopamine.

Stimulants

Stimulants increase the efficiency of the body's systems. They are available in prescription medications such as amphetamines, methylphenidates and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They are also illegally abused and are often mixed with other substances like methcathinone and cocaine. They are available in the form of pills, liquids, syrups or patches.

They enhance concentration by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. They also reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity and enhance working memory. They are the most frequently used medications prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD. They can cause side-effects such as decreased appetite or difficulties sleeping, as well as an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They may interfere with certain medical and pharmaceutical treatments, so it's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.

The use of medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms in around 70% to 80% of the people who use them. However, not everyone responds to the same medication and the effects aren't always lasting.

Some people discover that stimulants aren't working well, or they can't tolerate the negative effects. If this is the case, doctors might prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These medications aren't as efficient as stimulants, but they can help improve focus, attention and control of impulses. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs along with stimulants to boost the effectiveness.

Nonstimulant medications are more difficult to use and aren't as effective. They affect neurotransmitters differently from stimulants, and don't increase dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include Atomoxetine (clonidine) and guanfacine and Clonidine. Drowsiness is the most common side result. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dosage or taking the medication at the time of sleep. The drowsiness will subside within a few weeks of the beginning of treatment for inattentive adhd in adults.

Antidepressants

Most antidepressants work by changing the brain's chemical makeup, known as neurotransmitters. They are grouped according to how they affect neurotransmitters, with each class having a variety of medications that work in slightly different ways. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

A doctor may start you on a medication from one of these groups to help relieve depression and anxiety symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief, as it could take a few weeks before you feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide the best treatment for you. You may also take other medications or mix two antidepressants to improve your treatment for inattentive adhd. This is called augmentation. The most common augmentation medications are aripiprazole (Abilify) as well as quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).

Antidepressants can cause a variety of side effects. It is important to speak with your doctor about the side effects as some may interfere with your daily activities. These effects may vary from mild to severe, and they can be triggered by the type of antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if taking any other medications, including herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications such as St. John's Wort.

SSRIs have been found to cause less side effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) as well as sertraline (Zoloft).

The SNRIs increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is why SNRIs are considered more efficient 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 utilized to boost your energy levels which help you feel more awake. They could be helpful for those suffering from anxiety or insomnia that is very severe. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are two of the most common. These drugs can cause insomnia, jitteriness or drowsiness. However, they can be useful for many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia and also to aid smokers in quitting.

Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a proven treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the idea that feelings, thoughts and actions are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a goal-oriented short-term program that teaches you new strategies to deal with problems and bad habits. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.

CBT seeks to transform unhelpful thoughts and emotions into positive thoughts or behaviours. The method is a mix of two treatments which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be done in a group setting or on an individual basis. The therapist will instruct you on different techniques, and you'll be able to apply them in your daily life. These techniques include learning how to recognize negative thoughts and meditative practices; and keeping a journal.

A therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that can lead to maladaptive behaviors and then teach you strategies for changing these assumptions. They will also help you learn how to tackle issues that arise in your daily life. CBT therapists advise you to establish SMART goals to aid you to keep track of your progress.

While each kind of cognitive behavioral therapy takes a slightly different approach but they all are focused on identifying the mental thoughts that contribute to emotional distress and changing them. The therapists will use different methods, but they are all built on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involve associating stimuli with their effects. In treatment, you will be rewarded for working through tasks. You will also be penalized when you fail to complete them.

In the first few sessions, your therapist will help you identify problem behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. You might be given homework to help you develop the skills. Based on the nature of your condition it could take 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 can also be effective in treating adult adhd treatment for adults without medication, a condition that is prevalent in children as young as seven.

Counseling

Counselling is a type of psychotherapy which uses regular, scheduled meetings with a counselor (counsellor) to discuss your problems. The typical session lasts about 50 minutes. They can be face to face in groups, or over the telephone. Counselling can be used to treat adhd a variety of mental health problems, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to talk about relationship, family and friendship issues, as well as work-related issues.

A counsellor will carefully listen to your issues and provide an objective viewpoint. They can identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways you can alter them. They can also teach you strategies and coping skills for managing stress, anxiety or depression. They can assist you in adjusting to major life changes such as divorce or loss of a loved one. They can also help you learn how to deal with addictions or chronic illnesses.

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