Treatment Options for ADD

Attention-deficit disorder, or ADD, is a mental disorder whose exact cause is not yet known. Certain factors are believed to have an effect of the likelihood of having ADD. It often runs in families and can also be caused by mothers who use drugs or smoke cigarettes during pregnancy. Exposure to toxins or organic pollutants can also contribute to ADD. Medications for the treatment of ADD come in two different forms---stimulant and non-stimulant---with the later being the most common.

Stimulant Medication

• The most common forms of stimulant ADD medication are ritalin and adderall. Though scientists don't know precisely what makes these drugs effective, they do know that they appear to balance and boost the neurotransmitters in the brain. This improves common ADD symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Stimulant drugs come in both short- and long-acting forms. Most short-acting medications last for about four hours while the long-acting forms can last between six and 12 hours.

Side Effects of Stimulant Medication

• Some side effects of stimulant medications are insomnia, decreased appetite, weight loss and irritability. In a few cases, children experience a slightly reduced growth rate. Some children may also develop twitches or involuntary muscle spasms, but these should fade after the medicine dosage is lowered. About 10 percent of children will not experience any relief of symptoms, even after changing the type of stimulant and dosage given.

Non-stimulant Medication

• A common non-stimulant used to treat ADD is Strattera. Non-stimulants are often prescribed when stimulant medications don't work or cause adverse reactions. Side effects of non-stimulant drugs include weight loss, sleepiness and nausea. Use of Strattera has also been linked with yellowing of the skin (jaundice). Some children and young adults experience issues with suicidal thoughts and although it has not yet been proven to cause suicide, if your child experiences suicidal thoughts, consult with your physician immediately. It's important to remember that these drugs will not cure, but only relieve the symptoms of, the disorder.

Therapy and Counseling

• During psychotherapy, ADD sufferers are able to talk about their feelings and thoughts and learn alternatives to self-destructive behaviors. Psychotherapy also focuses on helping the participant feel good about herself. Therapy can also involve members of the family in helping the patient learn how to deal with the disorder and its side effects more positively. Behavior therapy strictly tackles treating the behaviors, not figuring out what caused them, and focuses on fixing the problem immediately.

Prevention

• There is not yet a way to test for or effectively prevent a person from having ADD, but a few steps can be taken that are believed to reduce the risk. During pregnancy, be sure to abstain from alcohol and drug use. Smoking cigarettes and exposure to household toxins is also not recommended. Set a clear set of boundaries for your child with consistent consequences for bad behavior. Take time out to praise your child every day and try to make eye contact with them when speaking with them.