5 Things You Need to Know About ADHD Treatment

1. Get Organized

Children with ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, exhibit symptoms like an inability to concentrate on a particular activity for very long, excessive talking and poor organizational skills. Raising a child with ADHD can be very taxing and time-consuming for parents and caregivers, but there are several ways to improve the condition. Pay special attention to your child's daily schedule. Jot down their school routine and activities on your Palm Pilot or in a notebook, and gently remind them of each new activity. Post a schedule in their room, and make remembering and adhering to it fun for them by offering incentives, like a trip to their favorite restaurant. Make sure they take naps and go to bed at the same time each night. Maintaining a steady bedtime will curb restlessness during the day.

2. Weigh Medication Pros and Cons

Consider medication as a last resort if lifestyle, therapy and diet changes don't improve your child's symtpoms. Psychostimulants like Adderall and Ritalin are commonly prescribed to combat ADHD. Doctors sometimes recommend antidepressants when these drugs don't work or when the patient has depression in addition to attention-deficient disorder. These ADHD treatments have pronounced side effects, including appetite loss, nervousness and heart problems.

3. Instill Good Nutrition Habits

Adjust your child's diet by paring down or eliminating sugar, junk food and fast food. In some cases, dairy products like milk and eggs also cause ADHD and hyperactivity. Prepare well-balanced home-cooked meals and pack healthy sandwiches for your child if they eat lunch at school. Some nutritionists suggest the use of supplements like gingko to help stave off ADHD, but there's no scientific proof that they work.

4. Be Patient

Even if your child throws an especially long tantrum, remain calm. Stay calm and loving, and they'll sense it and quiet down sooner. Be affectionate and include them in daily activities. Foster your child's creative abilities by enrolling them in music, dance or art lessons. Find constructive outlets for their excess energy. Take time out for yourself, too, even if all you can do is get a manicure. Recharge your batteries for your child's well-being, and your own.

5. Tips for Adults With ADHD

Occasionally, adults suffer from attention deficient disorder. If you're an adult diagnosed with ADHD, visit your therapist regularly and let friends and family members know about the treatment. Let them know you have a real medical problem. Bring your spouse or Significant Other to therapy sessions to discuss solutions to daily behavioral problems. Devise a schedule for your day job, and keep appointments listed on your Palm Pilot or Blackberry. Work from home when you can and divide time between several different projects to alleviate boredom.