Help for Kids With ADHD Without Drugs

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects about 5 percent of America's school children as of 2009. Many of these children will be placed on psychoactive drugs by their family physician. If you are the parent of a child with ADHD, there is an option besides medication that may be effective in treating ADHD symptoms.

If you are unsure about treating your child's ADHD with drugs, talk to your doctor or health professional about the possibility of an alternative treatment.

An Alternative to Medication

• The treatment for ADHD usually involves education, behavior intervention and medication. However, it is not uncommon for parents to search out drug-free options. Drugs to treat ADHD could potentially cause side effects such as headaches, upset stomach, depression and dizziness.

  A proven alternative method is behavioral therapy. In behavior therapy, an experienced therapist or educator teaches techniques geared towards the child's interaction with parents, teachers and extended family. It works best when utilized at school during interaction with other children. Parents also need to ensure they are working closely with their child, child's teacher and therapist for optimal results. With behavioral therapy, it may take longer to see results than with using medication, but it can be an effective alternative.

Types of Behavioral Therapy

• As an expert in behavioral therapy for ADHD, Dr. William Pelham suggests four categories of behavior treatment that do not require medication.

  Cognitive behavioral intervention (CBI) teaches the child self-control through verbal instruction, problem-solving strategies, self-monitoring and other cognitive strategies. Usually this requires once or twice a week sessions with a therapist.

  Clinical behavior therapy (CBT) is used to train parents, teachers and other caregivers programs to implement to help manage the child. As an example, a teacher may design a reward system where the child is given tokens or points for targeted behaviors.

  Contingency management (CM) is an intense treatment option that usually takes place in a specialized treatment facility. Like clinical behavior therapy, reward systems are used. However, unlike clinical behavior therapy, a system is in place to reprimand the child for negative behaviors.

  Intensive behavioral treatment, as implied by the name, is used in more severe cases of ADHD. It combines clinical behavior therapy and contingency management into an intensive program that improves self-control and socialization. This type of therapy requires a special classroom setting and several weeks of intense treatment.