"Ask Me Anything": Ten Responses To Your Questions About Treatments For ADD

Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling

Drugs and counseling are both effective treatments for ADD. Both are important to determine which is more effective.

People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentive and unorganized, as well being hyperactive. They lack blood flow in the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. They also have low dopamine levels. Dopamine levels are typically increased in the course of treatment.

Stimulants

Stimulants speed up the body's systems. They are legally available as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) as well as the methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin; and illegally used often in combination with other substances, like cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They can be taken in the form of syrups, pills, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin.

They enhance concentration by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in brain synapses. They also reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity and enhance working memory. They are among the most commonly used medications prescribed to adults suffering from adhd and anxiety treatment. They can cause negative side effects, such as a decreased appetite, insomnia and increased blood pressure or heart rate. They can interfere with some medical and pharmaceutical treatments, so it's important to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.

About 70% to 80 percent of those who take ADHD medications will experience an improvement in symptoms. Not all people respond the same way to the medication, and the effects may not last long.

Certain people find that stimulants aren't working well or they don't like the adverse effects. If this is the case, doctors may prescribe non-stimulant medications. These drugs To treat adhd aren't as effective as stimulants, but they can aid in improving attention, focus and control of impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.

Nonstimulant medicines take longer to get started and they don't react as quickly. They don't increase dopamine levels and have a different impact on neurotransmitters. Examples include the atomoxetine (clonidine) and guanfacine and clonidine. The most frequently reported adverse effect of these drugs is sleepiness. The drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dose or taking the medication before the time of bed. The drowsiness should diminish within several weeks after starting treatment.

Antidepressants

Most antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They are grouped according to the way they affect these neurotransmitters with each group having drugs that act 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).

Your doctor may prescribe a medication belonging to one of these groups in order to alleviate anxiety or depression symptoms of untreated adhd in adults. These medications may not offer immediate relief, as it could take several weeks before you feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide the most effective medication for you. You may mix two antidepressants or other medications to enhance the effects of your treatment. This is known as an augmentation. The most popular augmentation medicines are aripiprazole (Abilify), quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).

Antidepressants can cause a variety of side effects. It is important to speak with your doctor about these side effects because some could affect your daily activities. These side effects may be mild or severe, depending on the type antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications, including herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications such as St. John's Wort.

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

SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine within the brain. This is the reason SNRIs are thought to be 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).

Atypical antidepressants are used to boost your energy levels and make you feel more alert. They may be useful for those suffering from insomnia or very severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are among the most common. These medications can adhd get worse if untreated cause jitteriness or insomnia, but can be helpful for many people who suffer from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. They are also used to treat bulimia and to aid in quitting smoking.

Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems

Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems is a well-established treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the notion that feelings, thoughts and actions are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a goal-oriented, short-term program that teaches you new ways to cope with negative stressors and bad habits. It can also be used to treat anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.

The aim of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive feelings and behaviors. It is a combination of two treatments that are cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This type of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be performed in a group setting or individually. You will be taught a variety of techniques by a therapist and then you'll apply them in your daily life. These techniques include: learning to recognize negative automatic thoughts; practicing mindfulness meditation; and keeping an account of your thoughts.

A therapist will also help you identify the negative thoughts that can lead to maladaptive behaviors and then provide strategies to change these assumptions. They'll also teach you problem-solving techniques so that you are able to face challenges in your everyday life. Therapists in CBT will also help you to set goals that are SMART (specific, measurable, attainable relevant, and time-based) to make it easier to track your progress.

While each form of CBT takes a different approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies focus on identifying and modifying the underlying thoughts that contribute to emotional distress. Therapists employ various methods but they all operate on the principles of operant and classic conditioning which involves relating stimuli to their effects. In treatment you will be awarded for working through tasks. You will also be penalized for failing to complete the task.

During the first few sessions your therapist will help you identify the problem behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. They might also assign homework to help you develop the abilities. You may need between six and twenty one-on-one sessions, depending on the degree and nature of your condition.

CBT is effective in treating a wide range of disorders, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It also works in treating adult ADHD which can affect people as young as seven.

Counseling

Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled meetings with the therapist (counsellor) to discuss your concerns. These sessions can last up to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face in groups, or via the phone. Counselling can help people with various mental health issues, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to discuss relationship, family and friendship issues, as well as workplace-related issues.

A counselor will pay attention to your concerns and provide an objective view. They can identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways to alter them. They can teach you coping skills and strategies for managing stress, anxiety or depression. They can help you cope with major life events, 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 fees for their services, and others are covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health plan from your doctor.