According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 million children have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The disorder may persist into adulthood. The main symptoms are inability to maintain attention and impulsive behavior. Pharmacological treatment is commonly used, including stimulant drugs and other approved ADHD medications. Non-medical treatments may be utilized in lieu of or in addition to medication. Follow the care provider's advice and never discontinue medication without consulting the prescriber.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy teaches children how to monitor their behavior. They learn how to control their outbursts and other impetuous actions by receiving consequences for undesirable behavior and rewards for desirable behavior.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy helps children deal with the unpleasant symptoms of the disorder. They talk about the issues that lead to outbursts and can learn good things about themselves, building their confidence. Psychotherapy is more appropriate for older children.
Parenting Skills Training
In parenting skills training, parents and other caregivers learn how to help children manage their symptoms. Parents are taught how to set children up to succeed by giving them short-term, manageable goals. They are taught how to help children get organized and what age-appropriate behavior to expect. Parents are also taught how to give children appropriate outlets for their energy and emotions.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is often needed as the behavior of the child with ADHD can strain the entire family. Family communication is facilitated by counseling and each family member learns what they can do to promote family harmony and organization.
Social Skills Training
Social skills training teaches children with ADHD how to relate to other children, their teachers, parents and other adults. They learn how to handle situations as they arise, such as being called upon in class or attending a family gathering.
Support Groups
Support groups are vital for many families. In the presence of others who are experiencing the same difficulties, they can discuss their individual problems and seek empathetic advice.
Unproven Treatment: Yoga
While unproven, some children with ADHD are placed in yoga classes in an effort to alleviate their symptoms. The hypothesis is that yoga can help the child to become more relaxed and in touch with their bodies.
Unproven Treatment: Neurofeedback
The National Institute of Mental Health has funded an ongoing study to determine if neurofeedback alleviates the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.(Reference 3) The hypothesis is that children can learn to control their mental state by being rewarded when they stay calm and focused on a project.
Unproven Treatment: Dietary Modifications
An unproven treatment for ADHD involves manipulating the sufferer's diet. The hypothesis is that chemicals in food or a deficiency of nutrients cause or exacerbate ADHD. Common changes include the elimination of refined sugar, caffeine, artificial food colorings and other food additives. A more infrequent dietary modification involves eliminating one or more common allergens from the diet, such as milk products, wheat and eggs. Some parents give their children with ADHD omega-3 fatty acid capsules or high doses of certain vitamins or minerals. Giving more than the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance of a vitamin or mineral can be dangerous and should be avoided. Also, any diet that does not give a child essential nutrients or an appropriate number of calories must be avoided.
