ADHD Treatment Creates Better Prospects
Have you been summoned in school for the “misbehavior” of your child? If this is happening with frequency, have you ever considered the possibility of your child having ADHD? Symptoms can be hard to diagnose, but if there is that nagging suspicion, your first port of call is your kid’s pediatrician. ADHD treatment or interventions can only be provided to your kid if the diagnosis is already confirmed.
The effectiveness of the treatment depends to a large extent on the type of treatment that is to be provided to the child. This requires knowledge in distinguishing the core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. This also means being familiar with the other symptoms in each classification like academic difficulties, emotional burdens, relationship problems and social skills, disruptive and aggressive behavior, anxiety and depression, mood swings and low self esteem, and so many more.
ADHD Treatment: Medication
If your kid’s pediatrician is not well trained to handle your child’s ADHD, he or she may refer you to a specialist or a medical facility that is equipped to handle such cases. The treatment starts with a thorough evaluation of your kid and that starts with the taking of the medical history. Since possibilities like imbalances in neurological hormones and genetic factors are being thought to be causal factors, the medical history is an important facet of the subsequent treatment program.
The medical treatment of the disorder entails the use of stimulant drugs that are believed to correct a biochemical condition in the brain that affect the control over impulses. These medicines are intended to treat the core symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity). Many studies show that about 80 percent of kids with ADHD significantly benefit from the use of medication or stimulants. The most commonly prescribed drug is Ritalin with the generic name methylphenidate. There are other drugs that can treat the same such as Adderall, Methylin, Cylert, Concerta, Focalin, Daytrana, Vyvanse, Metadate and Dexedrine. Those who want to avoid the side effects of stimulants can opt for the alternative nonstimulant medications such as Strattera and Intuniv.
ADHD Treatment: Psychosocial Therapies
The use of drugs can generate dramatic effects that make kids with ADHD cope better in their common milieu. Thus, these are commonly used to help children with the disorder to function like normal kids that also increase their chance to overcome it as one enters puberty or adulthood. The side effects and dependency, however, are glaring possibilities. These are the reasons why psychosocial therapies are important to be integrated in a treatment program.
Psychosocial therapies are treatment methods that focus on the acquiring and modification of psychological, behavioral, social, and work or school skills to battle ADHD. The usual psychosocial therapies that are used to treat ADHD are:
• Special education is designed to meet the special learning needs of a child with ADHD. These children typically benefit from these especially designed programs by routine application until the skills are completely imbibed.
• Counseling therapy is useful in helping the child cope through learning ways to handle their outbursts and frustrations. It helps them boost their confidence and self esteem. The family of the child may similarly seek counseling therapies to be able to support the child in one’s struggles
• Behavior modification is focused on the adjustment of common behaviors through learning and adopting of strategies that support good behavior.
• Social skills training help a child learn and acquire new behaviors. This enables the kid to function and fit better in social situations.
• Support groups are useful allies in beating the ensuing problems associated with ADHD. These made up of people who also have similar or have gone through the same problems. Having support groups can help parents and children find helpful resources and information for the benefit of those kids with ADHD.
ADHD cannot be prevented. Early diagnosis is important in its treatment as well as a well-thought ADHD treatment program. These can help a child cope better with the disorder to have a better shot at an ADHD-free adult life.
