Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling

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

People suffering from classic ADD are irritable, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They suffer from low blood flow in 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 legal as prescription drugs, including amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) and methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and also used illegally often in combination with other substances, such as cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They are available as liquids, pills, syrups or patches.

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 frequently prescribed medication for people suffering from ADHD. They can cause adverse effects such as a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They can interfere with some 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 people who use them. However, not all people respond to the same medication, and the effects aren't always long-lasting.

Some people find that stimulants don't work for them or they aren't able to handle the side effects. If this is the case, doctors might prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These medications may not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can help improve focus and attention as well as control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these drugs together with stimulants to increase the effectiveness.

Nonstimulant medicines take longer to get started and they don't react as fast. They affect neurotransmitters differently from stimulants, and they don't raise dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include the atomoxetine (clonidine) as well as guanfacine and clonidine. Drowsiness is the most common side effect. However it is possible to reduce drowsiness by increasing the dose or taking them before the time of sleep. The drowsiness will subside in several weeks after starting treatment.

Antidepressants

The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical composition in the brain, called neurotransmitters. They are classified based on how to Get Adhd treatment they affect these 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 might recommend one of these groups in order to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief, since it could take several weeks before you experience the full benefits. You and your doctor will determine which medicine is best for you. You may mix two antidepressants or other medicines to boost the effectiveness of your treatment. This is known as augmenting. The most popular augmentation medicines are Aripiprazole (Abilify) and quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).

Antidepressants can have different adverse effects. It is important to speak with your doctor about these side effects, as some may interfere with your daily activities. These effects can be mild or severe dependent on the type of antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if taking any other medication, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter drugs such as St. John's Wort.

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

The SNRIs increase the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine within 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 can be used to boost energy and help you feel more awake. They can be beneficial for those suffering from insomnia or severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause insomnia, jitteriness or drowsiness, however they are beneficial to many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. They can also be used to treat bulimia and as a smoking cessation aid.

Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a scientifically-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based on the belief that thoughts and feelings are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented process that can help you learn new ways to deal with negative thoughts and stressors. It can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety.

The goal of CBT is to change negative thoughts into positive feelings and behaviors. The method is an amalgamation of two treatments: cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. It's a type of psychotherapy which is usually short-term, and is able to be carried out in a group or individual setting. The therapist will instruct you on various methods, and you'll apply them in your everyday life. These techniques include learning to recognize negative thoughts; practicing mindfulness meditation; and keeping a journal.

A therapist can help you identify the negative thoughts that lead to behavior that is not optimal and teach you strategies for changing these assumptions. They'll also help you develop problem-solving techniques so that you are able to handle challenges that come up in your day-to-day life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to establish goals that are SMART (specific, measurable, attainable relevant, and time-based) to aid in tracking your progress.

While each type of CBT has its own approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies are focused on identifying and modifying the thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ different methods but they are all based on the principles operant and classic conditioning which involves the association of stimuli with their effects. In treatment, you will be rewarded for the accomplishment of tasks. You'll also be punished when you fail to complete the task.

During the first few sessions, your therapist will work with you to identify the problem behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. They may also assign homework to help you develop the skills. You could require anywhere from six to twenty one-on-one sessions, based on the nature and severity of your illness.

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 untreated adhd life expectancy, a condition that can affect people as young as seven.

Counselling

Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that consists of regular, scheduled sessions with an counselor (counsellor) to discuss your issues. Typically, these sessions last approximately 50 minutes and may be face-to-face in groups, or via telephone. Counselling can assist people suffering from many mental health issues including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about relationship, friendship and family issues - as well as issues related to work.

A counsellor will listen carefully to your problems and offer an objective view. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They can also teach you strategies and coping skills for managing stress, anxiety or depression. They can help you deal with major life changes, like divorce or the loss of a beloved. They can also teach you how to treat depression and adhd to deal with addictions or a chronic illness.

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