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Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling

Counseling and drugs are both effective treatment options for ADD. It is essential to try both to determine which is more effective.

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

Stimulants

Stimulants increase the efficiency of the body's systems. They are legal as prescription drugs, including amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) and methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and are also illegally used frequently mixed with other substances, like methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They can be consumed in the form of syrups, pills or liquids, or patches that are applied to the skin.

They increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain's synapses. This improves concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and help improve working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed drug for adults with ADHD. They can cause adverse effects like a decrease in appetite or difficulties sleeping, as well as an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They may interfere with certain medical and pharmaceutical treatments, so it's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.

Medicines can lessen ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80% of those who take them. However, not everyone responds to the same medication and the effects may not be lasting.

Some people find that stimulants don't work for them or they don't like the side effects. If this is the case, doctors could prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These medications may not be as effective as stimulants, but they can boost focus and attention as well as control impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.

Nonstimulant medications take longer to effect and don't work as quickly. They affect neurotransmitters differently than stimulants, and don't increase dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine and guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most common side effect. However, drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dose or taking them before the time of bed. The drowsiness will diminish in the following weeks after beginning treatment.

Antidepressants

The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical composition in the brain, called neurotransmitters. The drugs are classified based on how they interact with 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 medical professional might suggest you start taking a medication from one of these groups in order to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief. It may take several weeks before you feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide on the best medication for you. They may combine two antidepressants or add other medicines to boost the effectiveness of your treatment. This is known as an augmentation. The most popular augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine and lithium.

Different antidepressants can have different adverse effects. You should discuss these adverse effects with your doctor, as they may interfere in your daily activities. These effects may range from mild to extreme and depend on the type of antidepressant you're taking. You should also tell your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbs like St. John's wort.

SSRIs have been proven to cause less side effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) as well as sertraline (Zoloft).

SNRIs increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is the reason they're believed to be more effective than SSRIs. They also have longer half-lifes than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other medications. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).

Atypical antidepressants are used for their energizing effects, helping you to feel more alert. They may be useful for people suffering from insomnia or very severe anxiety.  page  (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are two of the most common. These medications can cause insomnia or jitteriness, but can be helpful for those suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. These medications are also used to treat bulimia, and to assist smokers in quitting.

Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a tried and true treatment for mental disorders. It is based upon the notion that thoughts and feelings are connected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented procedure that helps you discover new ways to deal with negative thoughts and stressors. It can be used to treat anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

The aim of CBT is to reframe unhelpful thoughts into positive emotions and behaviors. The method is a mix of two different therapies which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is usually short-term and can be performed either in a group setting or in a private setting. The therapist will instruct you on different techniques, and you'll be able to apply them in your everyday life. These techniques include understanding how to recognize negative thoughts and meditative practices; and keeping a journal.

A therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that cause you to engage in maladaptive behavior and teach you how to change these thoughts. They'll also teach you problem solving techniques so that you are able to deal with challenges that arise in your day-to-day life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to establish SMART goals (specific goals that are measurable, achievable relevant, and time-based) to help you track your progress.

Although each type of cognitive behavioral therapy takes a slightly different approach however, they all concentrate on identifying the fundamental thoughts which contribute to emotional distress and changing them. The therapists use different techniques but they are all based on the principle of operant and classical conditioning that involves associating stimuli to their effects. During treatment you will be awarded for working through tasks. You will also be penalized if you fail to complete them.

In the first few sessions together, your therapist and you will identify problematic behaviors and replace them by healthy ones. They may also assign homework to help you develop the skills. Based on the severity of your condition it could take anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.

CBT is effective in treating a variety of conditions including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It also works for adults with ADHD that affects people as young as seven.

Counseling

Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that consists of regular, scheduled meetings with the counselor (counsellor) to discuss your issues. Usually these sessions last for about 50 minutes. They may 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 family, friendship, and relationship issues - as well as work-related difficulties.

A counsellor will pay attention to your concerns and offer an objective perspective. They will be able to detect patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They can also teach you strategies and coping skills for managing anxiety, stress, or depression. They can assist you in dealing with major life changes, such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also show you how to cope with addictions or chronic illnesses.

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