Approximately 3 to 7 percent of school-aged children in the United States suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although finding the right treatment significantly reduces the symptoms of ADHD, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for the disorder. Parents and doctors must carefully consider a child's individual needs and medical background when deciding which ADHD treatment to implement.
Counseling
Children with ADHD often benefit from therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavior therapists educate children about their disorder and provide strategies on managing their condition. If the ADHD affects the overall dynamics of the family, therapy with a trained family therapist is beneficial. In addition to formal counseling, school-aged children with ADHD may participate in school counseling programs or support groups. This allows school counselors and educators to monitor the child's condition and keep him on track, but it also provides the child with support and encouragement from the school community and his peers.
Medications
Doctors often prescribe stimulants as a medication treatment for ADHD, but this practice is controversial. Although stimulants can effectively reduce or eliminate many symptoms of ADHD, it is unclear what long-term effects these medications may have on children and their developing brains. However, the Cleveland Clinic notes that stimulant medications are effective in 70 to 80 percent of children, so sometimes the benefit outweighs the potential risk. Parents and doctors should work together to decide if using medication to treat ADHD in the child is the best option. Common stimulants prescribed for ADHD include dextroamphetamine, dextroamphetamine-amphetamine and methylphenidate. The Food and Drug Administration has also approved the medication atomoxetine to treat ADHD, but doctors typically prescribe this medication only when stimulants are ineffective for the child. In addition, doctors sometimes prescribe certain antidepressants and some high blood pressure medications to treat ADHD when other medications are unsuccessful, even though the FDA hasn't approved these medications for that purpose, explains MayoClinic.com.
Lifestyle Modifications
Some children with ADHD benefit from simple lifestyle modifications. Instead of playing video games or watching television, participating in physical activities proves helpful in combating the symptoms of ADHD. When a child gets regular exercise, the levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin in the brain increase, explains MayoClinic.com. These increased brain chemicals positively affect the child's ability to concentrate and focus. Dietary changes may also help, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some children find their ADHD symptoms to be exacerbated by certain allergens, such as milk, eggs, chocolate, wheat, artificial coloring, chemical additives or foods that contain salicylates. Avoiding these potential allergens could reduce ADHD symptoms. In addition, eating complex carbohydrates and protein at every meal and getting plenty of food that contain omega-3 fatty acids may also prove beneficial in some cases, suggests HelpGuide. In addition, adjusting the home environment can reduce ADHD symptoms, suggests the Cleveland Clinic. Keeping a set schedule, consistent routines, using organization tools and getting rewards or praise for good behavior are a few things that help children with ADHD learn to manage their condition.
