Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling

Counseling and medication are both effective treatments for ADD. It is crucial to test both to determine which is more effective.

People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentive and disorganized, as well being hyperactive. They have a low blood flow to their prefrontal cortex, basal Ganglia and the thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels are typically increased in the course of treatment.

Stimulants

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

They enhance concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, and improve working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed drug for adults with adhd overstimulation treatment. They can trigger side effects such as decreased appetite, insomnia and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They may interfere with certain medical treatments and medications, so it's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.

The use of medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms in 70 percent to 80% of the people who can treat adhd in adults use them. Not everyone responds the same way to the medication and the effects might not last long.

Some people aren't a fan of stimulants or don't like their adverse effects. If this is the case, doctors might prescribe non-stimulant medications. These drugs might not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can improve attention and focus as well as control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.

Nonstimulant drugs take longer to work and don't perform as efficiently. They affect neurotransmitters in a different way than stimulants, and they do not increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine and the guanfacine. The most frequently reported side effect of these medications is sleepiness. However it is possible to reduce drowsiness by increasing the dosage or taking them prior to the time of bed. The drowsiness should diminish within several weeks after starting treatment.

Antidepressants

Most antidepressants work by changing chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. They are classified based on how they affect these neurotransmitters with each group having drugs that perform 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 might suggest you start taking a medication from one of these groups to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not provide immediate relief. It can take several weeks before you feel their full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide the most effective medication for you. They can mix two antidepressants or other medicines to boost the effectiveness of your treatment. This is known as an augmentation. The most common enhancement drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine and lithium.

Antidepressants can have different adverse effects. You should discuss these adverse effects with your doctor, as they may interfere in your daily activities. These side effects could be severe or mild dependent on the type of antidepressant you're taking. You should also tell your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're using, including prescription drugs used to treat adhd and herbal remedies such as St. John's wort.

SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants and are known to have fewer side-effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) as well as sertraline (Zoloft).

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

Atypical antidepressants are used for their energizing effects which help you feel more alert. They could be helpful for those suffering from insomnia or very severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness. However, they can be beneficial for many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. They are also used to treat bulimia and for smoking cessation.

Cognitive behavioural therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based on the belief that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected 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 depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.

The aim of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive feelings and behavior. The method is a mix of two different therapies, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This type of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be done in a group setting or in a private setting. The therapist will instruct you on various methods, and you'll apply them in your daily life. These techniques include: learning how to recognize negative automatic thoughts as well as practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping journals.

A therapist can also assist you in identifying negative thoughts that can lead you to take on a negative behavior, and show you how to change these beliefs. They will also teach you how to solve problems that arise in your daily life. Therapists in CBT will also help you to establish goals that are SMART (specific, measurable, attainable relevant, and time-based) to aid in tracking your progress.

While each type 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 then changing them. Therapists employ a variety of techniques, but most are based on the concepts of operant and classical conditioning, which involves associating stimuli with their effects. During treatment you will be awarded for completing tasks. Additionally, you will be penalized if you fail to complete the task.

In the initial sessions with your therapist, you and the therapist will be able to identify the problematic behavior and replace them by healthy ones. You might be given homework to help you develop the skills. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may require anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.

CBT is effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including anxiety depression, and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It also works for adult Adhd Symptoms Treatment which affects individuals as young as seven.

Counseling

Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled sessions with a therapist in order to discuss your issues. The typical session lasts around 50 minutes and may be face-to-face or in groups. They can also be conducted via the telephone. Counselling can be utilized to treat a variety of mental health problems such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about relationships, friendships and family issues and also work-related issues.

A counselor will pay attention to your issues and provide an objective view. They can identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They will be able to teach you coping strategies and techniques for managing stress, anxiety or depression. They can assist you in dealing with major life changes, like divorce or the loss of a beloved. They can teach you how to deal with addictions and chronic illnesses.

Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, whereas others are covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health plan from your doctor.