ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, affects boys three times more often than girls. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that more than 6 percent of school-age children have this chronic condition. Symptoms include inattention, lack of focus, impulsivity, hyperactivity and fidgeting. Children with ADHD often suffer from low self-esteem, poor peer relationships and low academic performance. Treatment for children with ADHD generally includes a combination of medical, behavioral, psychological, educational and self-coping interventions and modifications.
Medical
Many children with ADHD take medication to reduce impulsivity and increase focus. Stimulants, the most common ADHD medication, include Ritalin, Concerta and Adderall. In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration approved a non-stimulant medication, Strattera, to treat ADHD. These medications come in short- and long-lasting forms and include pills, liquid and patches. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that 70 to 80 percent of children diagnosed with ADHD respond positively to ADHD medication.
Behavioral
Behavioral management techniques, described by Duke University child psychologist Dr. David Rabiner as an important non-medical approach for treating ADHD children, may change negative behaviors. Parents and others reward the child's good choices with such things as verbal praise, points or stickers and possibly privileges, such as staying up later than usual. Poor behaviors and bad choices such as arguing, aggression or destruction results in negative consequences, such as time outs, extra chores and removal of privileges.
Psychological
ADHD treatment may include psychological treatment including behavioral, cognitive and social skills therapy. Children with ADHD learn new methods for responding to stress, anger and frustration. In addition, they receive social skills training to improve their peer relations and interactions.
Educational
Difficulties in school for children with ADHD may include difficulty following directions, inattention and inability to complete assignments and projects. Schools help ADHD students by providing an environment that encourages success and reduces distractions. School supports might include strong teacher-parent communication, sensitivity to issues of self-esteem, positive reinforcement, negative consequences and multiple formats for communicating directions and assignments.
Coping Skills
Children with ADHD benefit from learning coping skills such as self-calming techniques. Deep breathing, counting backwards or sitting in a quiet corner provide tools a child can use to reduce agitation and anger. At other times, physical activities help expend an ADHD child's energy. Help Guide reminds parents that increased exercise leads to better sleep, which may reduce the symptoms of ADHD.
