Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling

Drugs and counseling are both effective treatments for ADD. It is essential to try both to determine which is more effective.

People suffering from classic ADD are irritable, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They have a low blood flow to their prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and the thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment usually involves increasing dopamine levels.

Stimulants

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

They increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain's synapses, thereby improving concentration. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and enhance working memory. These are the most common drugs prescribed to adults with ADHD. They can cause side-effects such as decreased appetite or difficulties sleeping, as well as an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They can interact with certain medicines and medical conditions. It is essential to talk with your doctor regarding any concerns.

The use of medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms in about 70% to 80% of people who are taking them. However, not all people respond to the same medication, and the effects may not be 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 medications aren't as efficient as stimulants, but they can help improve focus, attention and control of impulses. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs together with stimulants to increase the effectiveness.

Nonstimulant drugs are more difficult to use and aren't as effective. They affect neurotransmitters differently from stimulants, and they do not increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine, clonidine and guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most frequent side consequence. The drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dosage or taking the medication at the time of sleep. The drowsiness should diminish within several weeks after starting treatment.

Antidepressants

Most antidepressants affect the brain's chemical makeup, known as neurotransmitters. The medications are classified according to how they interact with 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).

A doctor may start you on one of these groups to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief. It may take several weeks to feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine which medication is best for you. They can mix two antidepressants, or add other medications to enhance the effects of your treatment. This is called augmenting. The most common augmentation medications are aripiprazole (Abilify), quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).

Antidepressants can have different side effects. You should discuss these side effects with your physician because they could interfere in your daily activities. These side effects could be mild or serious dependent 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 prescription drugs and herbal remedies such as St. John's wort.

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

SNRIs increase levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine levels in the brain. This is the reason 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 medications. SNRIs are duloxetine, (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).

Atypical antidepressants are used to boost your energy levels which help you feel more awake. They can be beneficial for people suffering from insomnia or very severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These medications can cause jitteriness or insomnia however they can be beneficial for many people who suffer from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia, and also to aid smokers in quitting.

Cognitive behavioural therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a tried and true treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the notion that thoughts, feelings and actions are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a goal-oriented, short-term process that can teach you new strategies to deal with negative stressors and bad habits. It can be used to treat anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.


CBT seeks to transform unhelpful thoughts and emotions into positive thoughts or behaviours. The technique is a combination of two therapies: cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. This type of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be performed either in a group setting or individually. You will be taught different methods by a therapist and then you will practice them in your daily life. Some of these techniques include the ability to recognize negative automatic thoughts, implementing mindfulness meditation, and keeping a thought journal.

A therapist can assist you in identifying negative thoughts that lead you to take on a negative behavior, and show you how to change these thoughts. They'll also teach you problem solving techniques to help you face challenges in your day-to-day life. CBT therapists will encourage you to establish SMART goals to make it easier for you to monitor your progress.

Although each type of cognitive behavior therapy has a slightly different approach but they all are focused on identifying the fundamental thoughts which contribute to emotional distress and transforming them. Therapists employ a variety of techniques, but the majority are built on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involves relating stimuli with their effects. During the therapy the trainer will reward you for completing tasks and punish you for failing to complete them.

During the first few sessions the therapist will work with you to identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. They may also assign homework to help you learn the skills. Depending on the severity of your condition it could take up to 6-20 one-onone sessions.

CBT is effective in treating a range of conditions including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). It is also effective in treating adult ADHD which can affect people as young as seven.

Counseling

Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that uses regular, scheduled sessions with a therapist to talk about your issues. The sessions can last up to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or by phone. Counselling can be used to treat a range of mental health issues, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to discuss family, friendship, and relationship issues - as well as issues related to work.

A counselor will pay attention to your issues and provide an objective view. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change 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, such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. treat adult add can also teach you how to manage chronic illnesses and addictions.

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