Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
Treatment Options
Presently, the treatment for ADHD involves therapy
and/or medication.
Therapy:
A psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or other
mental health care professional provides the therapy
involving counseling or behavior therapy. People
suffering from ADHD along with anxiety disorder or
depression can benefit from counseling. Some of the
counseling therapies are as follows:
| Psychotherapy: Older
children and adults suffering from ADHD are allowed to talk and
discuss the issues that trouble them, explore negative behavioral
patterns and learn ways to deal with their symptoms.
Behavior Therapy: In this therapy, teachers
and parents learn strategies (contingency management procedures)
to deal with children’s behavior. The strategy includes token
reward system and timeouts. This therapy has proved beneficial
for those suffering from ADHD.
Family Therapy: This therapy helps parents and
siblings to deal with the stress of living with those suffering
from ADHD.
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Social Skills Training: This helps children learn appropriate
social behavior.
Support Groups: These groups offer a network of social
support, information and education to adults and children suffering from
ADHD and their parents, friends and relatives.
Parenting Skills Training: This helps parents to develop
ways to understand and guide the child in his day-to-day life. The best
results are be obtained with teachers, parents and therapists or physicians
working in teams.
Medications:
Psychostimulants are prescribed to treat ADHD. Some of
them are as follows:
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)
- Dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall)
- Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
- Atomoxetine (Strattera) – a non-stimulant
with similar effective action is also used.
The above medications are available in oral form and are short-acting
(lasting for 4 hours) and long-acting (6-12 hours) forms. Methylphenidate
(brand name – Daytrana), a long acting drug, is a patch worn on the
hip and is used in children of ages 6-12 years. Psychostimulants appear
to boost and balance neurotransmitters.
Medication side effects:
Side effects of psychostimulants are decreased appetite, corresponding
weight loss, reduced growth rate, nervousness, irritability or increased
activity and problems sleeping. Some children also develop jerky muscle
movements such as grimaces or twitches (tics). Strattera medication leads
to rare liver problems and signs of suicidal thinking. Adderall is not
recommended to those suffering from cardiac abnormalities. Similar side
effects are observed in adults when treated with the above medications.
(11)
Prevention Methods
There are no known methods to prevent ADHD. Avoiding alcohol, drugs and
smoking during pregnancy may help prevent from the child from developing
ADHD or similar problems. (12)
Article by Kona Vishnu, MS
Medical Writer,
OmniMedicalSearch.com
Page Covers: What is the treatment for ADHD?
SOURCES:
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Disorder - Overview (2007). Neurology Channel
- Dr. Helen Likierman
and Valerie Muter (2007). ADHD and ADD, netdoctor.co.uk
- Susan
Louisa Montauk (2005) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,
eMedicineHealth
- What is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD)? (2005). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (2006). National Institute of Mental Health
(NIMH)
- Attention-Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder – Causes and Risk Factors (2007). Neurology
Channel
- Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Causes (2007). Mayoclinic.com
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder. Chapter 3, Children and Mental Health. U.S. Public Health
Service
- American Psychiatric Association (1995). Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. ISBN 0890424071.
- Attention-Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder – Diagnosis (2007). Neurology Channe
- Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Treatment (2007). Mayoclinic.com
- ADD
ADHD Guide – Prevention (2004). WebMD.
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