Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling

Treatment options for ADD include counseling and medication. It is important to try both to determine which one is more efficient.

People with classic ADD are inattentive, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They have a low blood flow to their prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment typically involves increasing dopamine levels.

Stimulants

Stimulants stimulate the body's systems. They are available legally as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) and methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and also used illegally frequently mixed with other substances, such as methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They are available in the form of pills, liquids, syrups or patches.

They boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain's synapses, improving concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and help improve working memory. These are the most common 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 can interfere with some medical and pharmaceutical treatments, so it's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.

About 70% to 80 percent of those who use ADHD medication will experience an improvement in symptoms. However, not all people respond to the same medication, and the effects may not be long-lasting.

Some people don't like stimulants or aren't able to tolerate their negative effects. In this instance, doctors will prescribe nonstimulant medications. These drugs might not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can improve focus and attention as well as control impulses. Doctors may prescribe them along with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.

Nonstimulant medicines are more difficult to use and don't perform as efficiently. They affect neurotransmitters differently from stimulants, and do not increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine, clonidine and the guanfacine. The most frequent side effect of these medications is drowsiness. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dose or taking the medication at the time of bed. The drowsiness should diminish within the following weeks after beginning treatment.

Antidepressants

Most antidepressants change chemicals in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. The medications are grouped by how they act on neurotransmitters. Each group has distinct medications. 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 one of these groups to relieve depression and anxiety symptoms. These medicines may not provide immediate relief, since it could take several weeks before you can feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine which medicine is best online adhd treatment for you. They may combine two antidepressants or add other medicines to boost the effectiveness of your treatment. This is referred to as an augmentation. The most commonly used augmentation drugs are aripiprazole (Abilify) as well as quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).

Antidepressants may have a variety of adverse effects. It is important to speak with your doctor about these side effects, because some could affect your daily activities. These effects can be severe or mild, depending on the type antidepressant that you are taking. You should also tell your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're taking, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies such as St. John's wort.

SSRIs are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants and are known to have less side-effects than other types of antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).

SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine levels 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 medications. The SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor).

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

Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a scientifically-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based upon the belief that feelings and thoughts are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a measurable, short-term program that teaches you new strategies to deal with problems and bad habits. It can be used to treat depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.

CBT is designed to transform negative thoughts and feelings into positive emotions or behaviors. The method is a mix of two treatments, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This type 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 various techniques, and you'll practice them in your daily routine. These techniques include: understanding how to recognize negative automatic thoughts and meditative practices; and keeping journals.

A therapist can also assist you in identifying the negative thoughts that can lead to maladaptive behaviors and then teach you strategies for changing these beliefs. They will also teach you how to deal with problems in your daily life. Therapists in CBT will also help you to set goals that are SMART (specific achievable, measurable relevant, time-based, and relevant) to aid in tracking your progress.

While each form of CBT has its own approach, all cognitive behavior therapies focus on identifying and changing thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ various methods but they all operate on the principles operant and classic conditioning which involves associating stimuli to their effects. During the treatment, the therapist will give you a reward for completing tasks and will punish you for not completing the tasks.

In the first few sessions, you and your therapist will be able to identify the problematic behavior and replace them by healthy ones. You might be given homework to help you build the skills. Depending on the severity of your condition it could take between 6 and 20 one-on-one sessions.

CBT is effective in treating adhd naturally a range of conditions including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). It also works for adults suffering from adhd and anxiety treatment, which affects people as young as seven.

Counseling

Counselling is a form of psychotherapy which uses planned, regular meetings with an therapy (counsellor) to discuss your problems. The sessions can last from 30 minutes to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or by phone. Counselling can be used to treat a variety of mental health problems such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to talk about friendship, family and relationship issues as well as work-related issues.

A counsellor will carefully listen to your concerns and offer an objective perspective. They will be able to discern patterns of behavior and suggest ways to treat adhd to change them. They can teach you techniques and coping strategies to manage anxiety, stress, or depression. They can help you deal with major life events, like divorce or the loss of a loved. They can help you learn to deal with chronic illnesses and addictions.

Some counsellors charge fees for their services, while others may be covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health care plan from your doctor.