The Top Reasons For Treatments For ADD's Biggest "Myths" About Treatments For ADD Might Be True

Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling

Drugs and counseling are both effective treatments for ADD. It is crucial to test both to determine which is more efficient.

People suffering from classic ADD are inattentive, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They suffer from low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia and thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment usually involves increasing the levels of dopamine.

Stimulants

Stimulants increase the efficiency of the body's systems. They are legally available as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin; and illegally used frequently mixed with other substances, such as methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They are available in the form of syrups, liquids, pills or patches.

They boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain's synapses, improving concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, and improve working memory. These are the most common medications prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD. They can cause adverse effects like a decrease in appetite, sleep disturbances and increased blood pressure or heart rate. They can interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It is essential to talk with your doctor regarding any concerns.

About 70-80 percent of people who take ADHD medication will experience a reduction in symptoms. However, not everyone responds to the same medication and the effects aren't always long-lasting.

Some people aren't fond of stimulants or don't like their negative effects. If this is the case, doctors could prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These medications aren't as efficient as stimulants, but they do aid in improving attention, focus and control of impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.

Nonstimulant medications take longer to work and don't perform as efficiently. They don't raise dopamine levels and have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine (clonidine) and guanfacine and Clonidine. The most frequently reported adverse effect of these drugs is drowsiness. However it is possible to reduce drowsiness by increasing the dosage or taking them at bedtime. The drowsiness will diminish in several weeks after starting treatment.

Antidepressants

Most antidepressants change chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters. They are grouped according to the way they affect these neurotransmitters, with each group having medications 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).

A health care provider might suggest you start taking a medication from one of these groups to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief. It can take several weeks to experience the full benefits. You and your doctor will determine which medicine is best for you. They may combine two antidepressants, or add other medicines to improve the effectiveness of your treatment. This is called an augmentation. The most popular augmentation medicines are Aripiprazole (Abilify), quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).

Antidepressants can have different adverse effects. You should discuss these side effects with your doctor since they could cause problems in your daily activities. These side effects may be severe or mild, depending on the type antidepressant that you are 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 less side-effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).

SNRIs increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This is why they're considered 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 energy levels and help you feel more awake. They may be useful for those suffering from insomnia or extremely severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are two of most popular. These medications can cause jitteriness or insomnia however they can be beneficial for many people who suffer from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. They are also used for the treatment of bulimia as well as for smoking cessation.

Cognitive behavioural therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a scientifically-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based on the belief that emotions, thoughts and behaviours are all connected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented procedure which can help you develop new ways to deal with anxiety and negative habits. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.

The goal of CBT is to change negative thoughts into positive emotions and behavior. The method is the combination of two therapies that include cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This type of psychotherapy is typically short-term, and can be carried out in a group setting or in a private setting. A therapist will guide you through different methods, and you'll apply them in your daily routine. Some of these techniques include: learning to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a thought journal.

A therapist can also assist you in identifying negative thoughts that can lead you to adopting maladaptive behavior, and show you how to change these beliefs. They will also help you learn how to solve problems in your daily routine. CBT therapists will also encourage you to set goals that are SMART (specific achievable, measurable, relevant, and time-based) to make it easier to track your progress.

While each type of CBT takes a different approach, all cognitive behavior therapies focus on identifying and modifying the thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ a variety of techniques, but the majority are based on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involves associating the effects of stimuli with the stimulus. During treatment you will be rewarded for working through tasks. Additionally, you will be penalized if you fail to complete them.

In the initial sessions, you and your therapist will identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. They might also assign homework to help you develop the techniques. It is possible that you will require between six and twenty one-on-one sessions, depending on the nature and severity of your condition.

CBT is effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including anxiety depression and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It is also effective for adults suffering from ADHD that affects 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. The typical session lasts around 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face or in groups.  Read the Full Write-up  can also be conducted via the telephone. Counselling can be used to treat a range of mental health issues that include depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to talk about friendship, family and relationship issues, as well as work-related problems.

A counsellor will pay attention to your issues and provide an objective view. They can identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They can teach you coping skills and strategies for managing stress, anxiety or depression. They can help you deal with major life events, like divorce or the loss of a beloved. They can also help you learn how to deal with addictions or chronic illnesses.

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