What Are the Treatments for Inattentive ADD?

A diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) Inattentive type means your child suffers from poor concentration, forgetfulness and frequent daydreaming. Although hyperactivity is not evident as in ADHD, still, the child struggles to follow a conversation and listen to instructions. He might have trouble remembering details and completing a task. Treatments are varied and comprehensive and might include medication, counseling, behavior modification, neurofeedback, diet changes and exercise. Deciding what treatment is best will be a personal choice based on the child's personality, family values and the impact of the disorder on the child's life.

Benefits of Medication

• Medication works well, sometimes dramatically so, in the treatment of ADD. Stimulants such as Adderall, Ritalin and Dexedrine increase dopamine levels and create a calming effect. Medication allows the child to better participate in his education and increases cognitive skills. Better school performance means improved social interactions and self-esteem. The stigma of having to go to the nurse during the day is avoided with the slow release medication such as Adderall XR, which lasts up to 12 hours. For kids who struggle taking pills, the medication comes in a liquid and a skin patch.

Considerations

• Controversy surrrounds the use of stimulants due to the lack of long-term studies and FDA approval. For instance, if the drug is "off label" it means the doctor is allowed to prescribe the drug, even if it has not been approved by the FDA. Possible side effects include faster heart rate, lack of appetite, insomnia and tremors. Also, the use of a stimulant might result in the need for another prescribed medication to counteract the symptoms.

Alternative Treatments

• Neurofeedback is an interesting and fun treatment. It works to increase the child's ability to self-regulate beta brain waves.The child uses a biofeedback video game based on NASA's product created in 1994 to train pilots to focus. Neurofeedback has been effective and increases attention span over the long term.
  Diet is another alternative. Many parents take the adage "You are what you eat" to heart. Eliminating allergens (soy, wheat, eggs, nuts) along with food colors and additives increases attention and has similar calming effects to medication.
  The benefits of daily exercise, too, can't be overstated. Kids with ADD are more susceptible to depression. Exercise increases dopamine levels and wards off sadness.

School Supports

• Kids with ADD are not as likely to be noticed as those with behavioral problems. Many are shy and quiet in elementary school. Nevertheless, as the demands increase in middle school, the child often becomes increasingly forgetful, and homework completion,study habits and, eventually, grades suffer. If the problems are severe enough, the child could qualify for special education and an individualized educational program or a 504 plan. Accommodations could include extensions on tests, breaks when needed, prompting, cues, seating preference and a visual schedule.

Acceptance

• After accepting the diagnosis, it is important to seek treatment. Ignoring the problem of ADD can have serious implications. The child, incapable of keeping up socially and academically, could suffer poor grades, low self-esteem, depression and eventual drug abuse. Continued counseling and guidance for the family and child affected is necessary to help quell the anxiety that comes with a diagnosis.