How to Manage Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Overview

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or "ADHD is a problem with inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a combination. For these problems to be diagnosed as ADHD, they must be out of the normal range for the child's age and development," notes researchers at the National Institutes of Health. Three percent to 5 percent of school aged children are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A symptom management plan can address all of the aspects of the disorder.

Step 1

Make a treatment plan with your child's therapist or doctor. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, appropriate goals should be set to guide the treatment. Discuss with the therapist or doctor what type of therapy you want your child to participate in and whether or not you want your child to take attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medications. Talk to the medical professional about the symptoms that your child is experiencing: whether the child has mainly inattention symptoms or hyperactivity and impulsiveness symptoms. The type of symptoms that the child has directs which treatment methods are used.

Step 2

Start behavioral therapy. Therapy can be an effective method for managing the symptoms of ADHD, according to the NIH. Choose between cognitive behavioral therapy and educational therapy, or a combination of the therapies. Cognitive behavioral therapy creates behavior modification programs that are implemented at school and at home. Create rewards and consequences for your child, as well as concrete goals for behavior and achievement. For educational therapy, teach your child techniques that she can use to succeed in school.

Step 3

Introduce attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication. Decide which type of medication would work best for your child, if you choose to use medication. The most popular option of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication, according to the Mayo Clinic, is stimulant medication, like Ritalin; however, you can also use non-stimulant medications and antidepressants. Look at all of the side effects of the medications before giving them to your child.

Step 4

Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plan. Every few months, review your child's progress in therapy, the effectiveness of the medication,and the results in school and at home. Follow up with your child's therapist and teachers about any changes in behavior. Adjust the treatment program depending on what your child needs.