Treatment Activities for ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorderm or ADHD, is defined as "a persistent pattern of hyperactivity-- impulsivity that is more frequently displayed and more severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development." ADHD is a psychiatric disorder commonly studied and diagnosed in children. Having ADHD makes day-to-day life more difficult for the children and for their families. There are many forms of treatment available for ADHD: medical, behavioral and experimental.

Medical Treatment

• The most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD are stimulants. The ones most often prescribed are methylphenidate (Metadate, Ritalin, Concerta), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall), lisdexamphetamine (Vyanase) and dextromethamphetamine (Desoxyn). The way stimulant medications work is to increase the extracellular concentrations of dopamine and norepinephrine. The increase in these neurotransmitters helps to improve communication in the brain and it can improve concentration in the patients that take it. Another reason the stimulant medications may work is because of the need for ADHD children to move more to improve their alertness. The stimulants arouse the children physiologically, simulating movement and increasing their alertness. Children with heart problems should not take the stimulant medication. There are some nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and modafinil, but the only approved nonstimulant is Atomoxetine (Strattera).

Behavioral Treatment

• Since wild behavior tends to be a major symptom of ADHD, behavioral treatment can be a major help to a child who suffers from the condition. Also, since some patients do not receive any benefit from medication, some experience too many side effects, and some are aided only in part by medication, it's important to utilize other potentially more-effective measures.

  Children can be very motivated to act appropriately if they have a strong, positive relationship with their parents. Since this can often be damaged, the positivity must be re-established. One method is to set aside half an hour a day for the child to play with his parents in the way he or she chooses. At this time, show positive excitement about what the child is doing while not asking questions or giving commands. By spending this time to peacefully coexist, you can re build trust. Positive reinforcement can continue the improvement of behavior, pointing out good things the child has done with kind words and tangible rewards like computer time.

  Also, occasionally using negative consequences to reduce misbehavior can help to curb some issues. It is important to be very clear to the child about what the misbehavior is, what the negative consequences could be and what the rewards of doing the opposite of the misbehavior are. This strategy should be limited, so as to not overwhelm the child with punishment. Since this is only a general overview of behavioral therapy, it is a good idea to consult a child psychologist to get a more fully fleshed-out plan.

Experimental Treatment

• Various herbs, supplements and treatments have been used in an attempt to treat ADHD, but few have been tested to the point of approval by the FDA. Contact your doctor and research any methods you wish to use to combat the symptoms of ADHD. Omega-3 fatty acids may lessen the effects of ADHD with some children that are experiencing inattention and disorders of a neurodevelopmental type. Preliminary experiments have been done on a combination of ginkgo and American ginseng to increase blood flow to the brain, alertness, and concentration, but further research is needed. Some children with ADHD have low levels of zinc and magnesium and supplementation may help other medications function more effectively. Vitamin B6 was used to some benefit in outdated studies that need to be updated for the current viewpoints on ADHD. Other herbs and minerals that need further testing after some isolated positive effects are lemon balm, bacopa, german chamomile, rhodiola rosea, and choline.