Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling<br /><br />Treatment options for ADD include counselling and drugs. It is important to try both to determine which is more efficient.<br /><br />People with classic ADD tend to be inattentional and unorganized, as well as hyperactive. They have low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, the basal ganglia, and thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels are typically increased in the course of treatment.<br /><br />Stimulants<br /><br />Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are available legally as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and are also illegally used frequently mixed with other substances, including cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They are available as syrups, pills or liquids, or patches that are applied to the skin.<br /><br />They increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain's synapses, thereby improving concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and help improve working memory. These are the most common drugs prescribed to adults with ADHD. They can cause adverse effects like a decrease in appetite, insomnia and an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. They can interfere with some medical and pharmaceutical treatments It is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.<br /><br />Around 70 to 80 percent of those who take ADHD medications will experience a reduction in symptoms. Not all people respond the same way to the medication, and the effects might not last long.<br /><br />Some people aren't fond of stimulants or don't like their negative effects. If this is the case, doctors may prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These drugs might not be as effective as stimulants, but they can help improve focus and attention and control impulses. Doctors may prescribe them along with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.<br /><br />Nonstimulant medications are more difficult to use and don't work as quickly. They don't increase dopamine levels, and they have a different effect on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine, clonidine and the guanfacine. The most frequent side effect of these medications is the feeling of drowsiness. The drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dose or taking the medication at the time of sleep. The drowsiness should diminish within the following weeks after beginning treatment.<br /><br />Antidepressants<br /><br />The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical composition in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. The drugs are classified based on the way they affect neurotransmitters. Each group contains slightly different medications. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).<br /><br />Your doctor may prescribe a medicine that belongs to one of these groups to relieve depression or anxiety symptoms. These medications may not provide immediate relief. It could take a few weeks to feel their full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine the best treatment for you. They can also add other medications or combine two antidepressants to improve your treatment. This is called an augmentation. The most commonly used enhancement drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine and lithium.<br /><br />Different antidepressants have different side effects. It is essential to talk with your doctor about the side effects because some could affect your daily activities. These effects can be mild or severe, depending on the type antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications, such as herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications like St. John's Wort.<br /><br /><br /><br />SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants and are believed to have fewer side-effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).<br /><br />The SNRIs increase the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This is why SNRIs are considered more effective than SSRIs. They also have a shorter half-life, and are less likely than SSRIs to interact with other medications. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).<br /><br />Atypical antidepressants are utilized to boost your energy levels which help you feel more alert. They may be useful for those suffering from insomnia or extremely severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are among the most commonly used. These drugs can cause insomnia or jitteriness but they can be helpful for people suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia, and to help smokers quit.<br /><br />Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues<br /><br />Cognitive behavioural therapy is a proven treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the notion that emotions and thoughts are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a goal-oriented short-term procedure that can teach you new methods to deal with negative stressors and bad habits. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.<br /><br />CBT aims to transform unhelpful thoughts and feelings into positive emotions or behaviors. The technique is a mixture of two therapies which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. It's a form of psychotherapy that's usually short-term and is able to be carried out in a private or group setting. You will be taught different methods by a therapist and then you'll use them in daily life. Some of these techniques include learning to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, implementing mindfulness meditation, and keeping a thought journal.<br /><br />A Therapist can also assist you in identifying negative thoughts that lead you to take on a negative behavior and help you learn to change your beliefs. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adhd-treatment-for-adults/">treatment for add in adults</a> will also help you learn how to deal with problems in your daily routine. Therapists in CBT will also help you to set goals that are SMART (specific goals that are measurable, achievable relevant, time-based, and relevant) to help you track your progress.<br /><br />While each type of CBT takes a different approach, all cognitive behavior treatments focus on identifying and modifying the underlying thoughts that contribute to emotional distress. The therapists will use different methods, but they are all based on the concepts of classical and operant conditioning, which involves relating the effects of stimuli with the stimulus. During treatment, you will be rewarded for working through tasks. You'll also be penalized if you fail to complete them.<br /><br />In your initial sessions, you and your therapist will look for problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. They might also assign homework to help you learn the techniques. Based on the severity of your condition it could take anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.<br /><br />CBT is effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including anxiety depression, and post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). It also works in treating adult ADHD which is prevalent in children as young as seven.<br /><br />Counseling<br /><br />Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that consists of regular, scheduled sessions with the counselor (counsellor) to discuss your problems. Usually these sessions last for approximately 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face or in groups. They can also be conducted over the phone. Counselling can assist people suffering from various mental health issues, including schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to discuss friendship, family, and relationship issues as well as work-related problems.<br /><br />A counselor will pay attention to your concerns and provide an objective viewpoint. They can identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways you can modify them. They can help you learn techniques and coping techniques to manage stress, anxiety, or depression. They can help you deal with major life events, such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also teach you how to cope with addictions or chronic illnesses.<br /><br />Some counsellors charge fees for their services while others are covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have mental health care plans from your doctor.<br /><br />