ADHD Treatment

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is characterized by such symptoms as inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. This condition is predominant among children and its symptoms fade away as they age. Counseling and medication form the standard ADHD treatment.

A multimodal treatment study has revealed the best results in ADHD treatment. This approach requires the cooperation of teachers therapists or physicians and parents. Support from community and family is also essential for the success of this scientifically proven method.

Special attention is required in class to enable learners with ADHD to compete with other students. Parents can point the teachers to reliable sources of information for proper classroom support. Other treatment options available include drug ADHD treatment.

Medications in ADHD Treatment

The most common medications for ADHD treatment are psycho-stimulants and non-stimulant medications. Stimulant medications for this condition include methylphenidate such as concerta daytrana and Ritalin. Also dextro-amphetamine, amphetamines or Adderall, Dextrostat or Dexedrine are also used.

Neurotransmitters or brain chemicals are balanced and boosted by stimulants. These medications treat ADHD by alleviating the core symptoms. However, stimulants function only for limited periods. In addition, correct doses vary from one child to the other and sometimes the establishment of a relevant dose is necessary.

Some stimulant drugs are short acting while others are long acting. Short acting drugs last for about four hours. The long acting form will take between 6 to 12 hours. Methylphenidate is accessible in a patch that lasts long and is worn on the hips.

The patch delivers medication for about nine hours. Its long lasting lasting effect means your child will require medication less frequently. Three hours may pass before its effect is felt. The patch needs to be secured in place before the child awakes if its effect is to be felt  in the morning.

The side effects most commonly noted from stimulants ADHD medication include weight loss, decreased appetite, sleeping problems and irritability towards the end of the medication’s effectiveness.

Grimaces, twitches (tics) or similar jerky muscle reactions may be experienced by some children. These may however abate as the medication dosage is lowered. Slight reduction in growth rate may also be linked to ADHD medication in children. Growth is never affected permanently in most cases.

In children and adolescents under stimulant medication dosage, multiple heart related deaths have been noted. These are rare. People that already have heart defects or heart diseases have an added risk of instantaneous death. Signs of any heart condition should be verified by your child’s doctor. Screening for family risk factors such as heart disease, should conducted before stimulant medication is administered.

Non-stimulant ADHD medications like Atomoxetine are generally administered to children. This usually happens when the stimulant medications exhibit some side effects or they are not effective.  Atomoxetine  relieves ADHD symptoms and minimizes anxiety. It is administered once or twice daily. Its side effects include sedation, nausea, diminished appetite and loss of weight.

Liver problems are some rare side effects associated to these drugs. Children taking Atomoxetine should receive medical attention if dark colored urine, inexplicable flu symptoms, jaundice or yellow skin are noted. Medical attention is also recommended if the child develops suicidal thinking or other depression symptoms.

Antidepressants are other forms of medication for ADHD treatment. These are administered to children that do not respond to Atomoxetine or stimulants or whose ADHD is accompanied by a mood disorder.

Guanfacine ( Tenex or Intuniv ) and clonidine ( catapres )are medication for high blood pressure that relieve ADHD symptoms. These can be prescribed for an aggressive special needs child. They also reduce insomnia and tics caused by ADHD.

While administering ADHD treatment, it is important that your child gets the correct dosage of prescribed medications. When medications are used appropriately, for correct purpose and at the precise dosage, drug dependency concerns by parents should not arise. This is because stimulant medication levels rise in the brain gradually, then results in a high.

To avoid classmates and sibling abusing these medications, always keep them under lock. Overdoses can be hazardous if not fatal. Never leave children in charge of their own medication. Hand over medicines to school nurse or staff personally.

Counseling and Therapy in ADHD Treatment

Counseling and behavior therapy usually carries benefits for kids with ADHD.  A mental health care professional, social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist can provide counseling.  Anxiety disorder or depression could also affect children with ADHD.  In such instances counseling assists ADHD plus the accompanying problems.

Behavior therapy involves behavior changing strategies for tackling difficult situations. Parents and teachers can learn and apply these strategies. Timeouts and token reward systems comprise such  ADHD treatment alternatives.

Parenting skills training can be used to benefit both the child and parent. This involves developing skills that enable them understand their child. This is necessary to guide the child’s behavior.

Psychotherapy enables older children undergoing ADHD treatment to discuss issues troubling them. Negative behavioral patterns can be shared with counselors. New ways of dealing with these symptoms can also be devised.

Family therapy is useful in assisting siblings and parents in handling stress that comes with living with a child with ADHD. Social skills training assists children to develop social behaviors that are appropriate. Information, education and a net work of social support is attainable from support groups. These groups are beneficial to children undergoing  ADHD treatment.

Multi-modal Approach in ADHD Treatment

Owing to the vast experience in childhood treatment, information on adults ADHD medication is increasing. There has been investigative studies on safety and efficiency on a number of natural herbal remedies. Only medication, behavior medication and a combination of both have been proven to be effective. Short term effective natural ADHD treatment  relief has been observed.

No long term effects on adult or adolescents have been demonstrated by any natural herbal treatments. Academic results of children with ADHD can be improved. Teachers can develop accommodations that can appropriately assist the students. These can be appropriately implemented using known  ADHD treatments within the classrooms.