Treatments for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, referred to as ADHD or ADD, have been extensively studied. ADHD is a condition characterized by problems with inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Parents who learn their child has the disorder may become overwhelmed by the breadth of treatment options. They should educate themselves about their choices and work with their doctor to determine the best line of treatment for their child.
Symptoms
Symptoms of inattention include being easily distracted, forgetfulness, frequent switching of activities, becoming bored easily, disorganization, trouble completing activities, losing things, not seeming to listen when spoken to, daydreaming, becoming easily confused, moving slowly, having difficulty processing information and struggling to follow instructions. Symptoms of hyperactivity include fidgeting, squirming, talking nonstop, dashing around, being constantly in motion and having difficulty being quiet. Symptoms of impulsivity include impatience, blurting out inappropriate comments, acting without regard for consequences, having difficulty waiting one's turn and often interrupting others. Symptoms must be present for more than six months for a diagnosis of ADHD.
Modes of Treatment
Standard treatment for ADHD includes medication and counseling. Special school accommodations and family and community support can also help to improve ADHD symptoms. Diet's role in ADHD needs to be more thoroughly studied before any conclusions are made, although there does appear to be an association between deficiency in some nutrients and ADHD. The most effective interventions take a multimodal approach by combining methods of treatment, according to the nonprofit Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
School-Based Interventions
Children with ADHD typically display difficulties in school functioning and academic performance. They may have trouble staying on task or exhibit disruptive behaviors. They are at higher risk for being held back a grade or dropping out of school. Behavior interventions may be helpful and can take place in the school setting. Behavioral interventions that involve consequences are widely used to treat ADHD. Two types that have been shown to be effective are response-cost and token-reinforcement. Tokens are reinforcers, objects that a child finds desirable and that reinforce behavior. Response-cost programs take tokens away for inappropriate behavior, while token-reinforcement programs distribute tokens based on desirable behavior. Another type of school-based strategy is an academic intervention. School-based academic interventions may include computer-assisted instruction, peer tutoring and directed note taking. Home-school communication programs may also be helpful. In these programs, a daily report card based on behavior is sent home, and parents and teachers work together to develop appropriate consequences and rewards.
Medication
The most common medications used to treat ADHD are stimulant medications and the nonstimulant drug atomoxetine, or Strattera, according to MayoClinic.com. Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine-amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Stimulants seem to increase and balance brain neurotransmitters, or chemicals. The effects of these drugs wear off quickly. Short-acting forms typically wear off in about four hours, while long-acting forms take six to 12 hours to quit working. Methylphenidate is also available in a patch worn on the hip for about nine hours. Common side effects of stimulant medications include decreased appetite, weight loss, problems sleeping and irritability as medication effects fade away. Heart-related deaths have occurred rarely as a result of taking stimulant medications, so children should be screened for heart conditions before taking stimulant medication. Atomoxetine may rarely cause liver problems or suicidal thinking. Antidepressants, clonidine and guanfacine are also sometimes used to treat ADHD symptoms.
Counseling
Types of counseling for children with ADHD include psychotherapy, behavior therapy, family therapy, social skills training, support groups and parenting skills training. Psychotherapy can address psychological trauma that occurs as a result of having ADHD. Problems like low self-esteem, stress and anxiety are addressed. Behavior therapy helps children to learn positive behaviors and parents and teachers to learn methods of changing child behavior. Family therapy can address family dysfunction stemming from difficulty raising an ADHD child. Social skills training involves role-playing and targets the child's interactions with other people. Support groups provide family members and children with social interaction, information and education. Parent training teaches parents strategies for helping their children and how to cope with frustrations.
