The hallmark symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, include hyperactivity and inattentiveness. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that approximately half of children diagnosed with ADHD continue having ADHD-related symptoms as adults. MayoClinic.com states that ADHD symptoms can be reduced significantly with medication and behavioral modification techniques. Untreated ADHD can lead to such serious problems as substance abuse, depression and bipolar disorder, says Janssen-Ortho.com.
Medication
Approximately 6 percent of children who have been diagnosed with ADHD are on medication, according to the CDC. Both stimulant and non-stimulant medications are available. According to the physician-driven medical information site HealthCommunities.com, 70 to 90 percent of patients receiving these medications report fewer symptoms than experienced before taking the medicines. ADHD medications can be used if the child is at least 6-years-old, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. On the other hand, ADHD medications also have many side-effects. These include such symptoms as irritability, drowsiness, nausea, reduced appetite and weight loss.
Behavioral Modification
Behavioral modification methods are commonly used in treating ADHD, says the mental health information website AtHealth.com. These methods use rewards to increase the kinds of behaviors that are considered positive. Some examples of these might include focusing on a task, listening to what other people are saying, or finishing a project on time. Punishments or removal of the rewards are used to deter unwanted behaviors such as aggression. In the beginning, rewards and punishments are used frequently, but the goal of behavioral modification is for a person to receive fewer of them as time passes.
Academic Intervention
Hyperactive children commonly have problems in academic settings. Hence, classroom behavior modification techniques are also commonly used to treat ADHD. Parents should always inform the child's teachers about the hyperactivity diagnosis. A child with ADHD typically benefits from a smaller classroom size and, in some cases, it might be good for the child to attend a special education class. A hyperactive child needs very clear instruction, and he typically does better at school if he is given breaks on a regular basis. The teacher should tell the child very clearly what is expected of him, and what kind of behavior is not accepted during the classroom. A child with ADHD should also be aware of what happens if he breaks these rules.
References
- Health Communities: ADHD Medications--Stimulants
- Janssen-Ortho: ADHD & Coexisting Disorders in Children
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA Asks ADHD Drug Manufacturers to Develop
- AtHealth.com: Behavioral Treatment for ADHD: An Overview
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Member Comments