Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, have difficulty paying attention and controlling their hyperactivity and impulsivity. The use of medication to treat this disorder is widespread, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noting that more than half of children with ADHD take medication.
Types
The National Institute of Mental Health reports that stimulants are the most commonly used type of medication for ADHD treatment. According to Robert Weis in "Introduction to Child and Adolescent Psychology," they help to improve attention and the ability to inhibit behavior. The two types of stimulants, amphetamines and methylphenidates, both increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. The only nonstimulant medication approved to treat ADHD is Strattera, which affects norepinephrine only and has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of ADHD.
Administration
As described by the National Institute for Mental Health, medications come in various forms including pills, liquid, capsules, and patches. Some medications are also available as short-acting, long-acting, or extended release. Extended release medications are gradually released in the body, while long-acting medications are present in the body for a longer period of time. These types of administration may allow the child to take medication less frequently. The determination of what type of administration to give a child will depend on the individual child and what works best for her.
Common Side Effects
There are a few side effects that are commonly reported in children who take stimulant medications according to the National Institute for Mental Health. Many children report a decrease in appetite. Others indicate that they have difficulty sleeping. Changing the dosage of the medication or giving it at a different time of the day can sometimes alleviate this side effect. Other side effects may include irritability, anxiety, headaches, stomach aches, or tics. Often these can be addressed by changing the dosage or type of medication used.
Effectiveness
As reported by Robert Weis in the "Introduction to Child and Adolescent Psychology," studies find that somewhere around 70 to 80 percent of children who take medication for ADHD see an improvement in symptoms. Different children respond differently to different medications. Although many children respond well to medication, eventually finding medication that works well for them, some children do not. Additionally, medication must be continued indefinitely to stop symptoms. Also, although effectiveness in school age children has been well documented, the data for younger and older children are less complete.
Impact on ADHD Symptoms
Medication is often considered the first line treatment for children with a diagnosis of ADHD. According to Robert Weis, these medications can improve attention, enhance ability to inhibit behavior, improve organizational and planning skills, enhance the ability to disregard external distractions, and improve a child's problem solving abilities. Children are better able to focus on tasks and learn, and also control feelings of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
References
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Mental Health in the United States: Prevalence of Diagnosis and Medication Treatment for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder---United States, 2003
- National Institute of Mental Health: ADHD Medications
- "Introduction to Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology"; Robert Weis; 2008
