ADHD
Treatments
Treatment
option for ADHD include medication, behavior modification,
counseling, family therapy, and support groups.
Medications
for ADHD
Many
medications have been approved for use in the treatment of
ADHD. Stimulant medications, such as Ritalin, Adderal, and
Dexadrine, are have proven highly effective in treating ADHD.
For many children, stimulants will decrease impulsiveness
and hyperactivity and improve their ability to concentrate.
Stimulant medication comes in both long acting and short acting
forms.
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Not
all children will respond well to stimulant medications. Side
effects such as insomnia and weight loss may occur. Strattera,
a non-stimulant medication, has also been approved for the
treatment of ADHD. Strattera takes up to six weeks to take
effect. There is no one single medication that will work for
every child. Your doctor will work with you to determine the
right medication for your child.
Other
Treatments for ADHD
- Behavior
Modification - Behavior modification techniques such as
use of a token system, star chart, or other reward system
may be helpful in improving behavior in ADHD children.
- Classroom
or assignment modifications - ADHD children may need adjustments
to their classroom setting. Reducing external stimulus
in the classroom and other strategies to avoid distractions
may be necessary. Shorter assignments may also be useful
for the inattentive child. Parents and teachers should
work together on developing a plan to improve the child's
chance of success.
- Counseling
- Counseling can be an effective way in helping children
cope with ADHD. ADHD children often have difficulty in
social settings. Talking with a therapist or counselor
may help children understand their feelings or emotions.
- Support
Groups - Support groups have proven to be an excellent
resource for parents a place to share their frustrations
and learn from each other better strategies to cope with
ADHD
ADHD
Resources
CHADD
- Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder
8181 Professional Place
Suite 150
Landover, MD 20785
Tel: 301-306-7070 800-233-4050
Fax: 301-306-7090
Attention
Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)
P.O. Box 543
Pottstown, PA 19464
Tel: 484-945-2101
Fax: 610-970-7520
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