How Is Hyperactivity Treated?

Understanding Hyperactity

Hyperactivity is also called attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. The National Institute of Mental Health states that it is the most common psychiatric disorder in children. Symptoms include lack of impulse control, an inability to sit still, lack of focus and trouble completing projects. A number or approaches are used to treat hyperactivity. These include drug therapy, counseling, supportive school and community services or a combination of all three. The National Institute of Mental Health sponsored a study titled "The Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder." The initial findings of this study were published in December of 1999.

Diagnosis

Before treating a child for hyperactivity, he must be properly diagnosed. This may be challenging, since many physiological and psychological conditions can mimic hyperactivity. As such, the physician must first rule out allergies and reactions to allergy medications, anxiety and depressive disorders, neurological disorders and learning disabilities. Since hyperactivity can be genetic, the physician may take a family history.

Multimodal Treatment

The multimodal treatment study included 600 elementary school children, ages 7 to 9. The students were randomly assigned to one of four treatment modalities, which included medication, psychosocial counseling, medication combined with counseling and community support groups. The study showed that combined treatment that incorporated medication and counseling produced the best results. It's interesting to note that the medication plus counseling group required lower doses of medication than the medication-only group.

Hyperactivty Medicacations

Methylphenidate, otherwise known as Ritalin, is one of the most common drugs used in the treatment of hyperactivity. It is available in once-daily doses. Dextroamphetamine is commercially known as Dexedrine. It is also available in daily doses, but it is not as frequently prescribed as Ritalin. It is believed that these medications increase the body's levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. Dopamine decreases hyperactivity while norepinephrine improves attention.

Behavior Modification

Parents can modify their hyperactive child's behavior by establishing consistent ground rules with immediate consequences for breaking them. A reward system should be set up for good behavior.

Counseling

Counseling or psychotherapy can be used to treat the anxiety, depression and self-esteem issues associated with hyperactivity. Some psychologists suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to help children modify their behavior.