Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling

Treatment options for ADD include counselling and drugs. Both are essential to determine which is more effective.

People with classic ADD are irritable, disorganized and often hyperactive. They suffer from low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, basal Ganglia and the thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment typically involves increasing dopamine levels.

Stimulants

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

They increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain's synapses. This improves concentration. They also reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity and improve working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed drug for adults with ADHD. They can trigger negative side effects, such as a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping and a rise in heart rate or blood pressure. They may interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It's important to talk to your doctor about any concerns.

The use of medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms in around 70% to 80% of people who take them. Not all people respond the same way to the medication and the effects may not last long.

Some people aren't a fan of stimulants or can't tolerate their adverse effects. In this situation doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medications. These medications aren't as efficient as stimulants, but they do help improve attention, focus and control impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.

Nonstimulant medicines take longer to start working, and they don't act as quickly. They don't raise dopamine levels and have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine (clonidine), guanfacine, and the clonidine. Drowsiness is the most commonly reported side consequence. However it is possible to reduce drowsiness by increasing the dosage or taking them at the time of bed. The drowsiness will subside within a few weeks after the beginning of psychological treatment for adhd in adults.

Antidepressants

Most antidepressants affect the brain's chemical makeup, known as neurotransmitters. The drugs are classified based on the way they affect neurotransmitters. Each group is comprised of 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 medical professional might recommend a medication from one of these groups to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief, since it can take weeks before you can feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide on the best medication for you. They can mix two antidepressants, or add other medicines to boost the effectiveness of your treatment. This is called augmentation. The most commonly used augmentation drugs are aripiprazole (Abilify) as well as quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).

Antidepressants can have different adverse effects. It is essential to talk with your doctor about these side effects as some may interfere with your daily activities. These effects can vary from mild to extreme and depend on the type of antidepressant you're taking. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're taking, such as over-the-counter drugs and herbs like St. John's wort.

SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants and are known to have less adverse effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).

SNRIs increase levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine levels in the brain. This is the reason they're believed to be more effective 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 used to boost energy and make you feel more alert. They could be helpful for those suffering from anxiety or insomnia that is very severe. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are two of most popular. These medications can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness. However, they can be beneficial for many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. They are also used for bulimia and to aid in quitting smoking.

Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a research-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based on the notion that emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are connected and can be altered. CBT is a measurable, short-term procedure that can teach you new ways to cope with negative stressors and bad habits. It can also be used to treat depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

CBT is designed to transform negative thoughts and emotions into positive emotions or behaviors. It is a combination of two different therapies, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It's a kind of psychotherapy that's usually short-term, and is able to be carried out in a group or individual setting. You will be taught a variety of methods by a therapist and then you will practice them in daily life. These techniques include understanding how to recognize negative thoughts as well as practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping journals.

A therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that cause you to adopting maladaptive behavior and help you learn to change these beliefs. They will also teach you how to deal with problems in your daily life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to establish SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable relevant, and time-based) to help you track your progress.

While each type of cognitive behavioral therapy takes a slightly different approach, they all focus on identifying the mental thoughts that contribute to emotional distress and transforming them. The therapists will use different techniques, but most are built on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involves relating events with their effects. During the therapy the therapist will be rewarded for your accomplishments and punish you for failing to complete the tasks.

In the first line treatment for adhd in adults few sessions, you and your therapist will identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. They might also assign homework to help you learn the techniques. Depending on the degree of your illness, you may require anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.

CBT can be used to treat a variety of conditions that include depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). It can also be effective in treating adult adhd overstimulation Treatment which affects people as young seven.

Counselling

Counselling is a type of psychotherapy which uses regular, scheduled meetings with the therapist (counsellor) to discuss your problems. Typically, these sessions last around 50 minutes and can be face to face, in groups or via the phone. Counselling can be used to treat a range of mental health problems that include depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to discuss relationship, friendship and family issues as well as work-related difficulties.

A counsellor will listen carefully to your concerns and provide an objective perspective. They can identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways to alter them. They can teach you strategies for coping and techniques for managing depression, anxiety, or stress. They can assist you in adapting to major life changes such as divorce or loss of loved ones. They can also teach you how to manage chronic illnesses and addictions.

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