
Effective Treatment Options for ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that commonly affects children; however, it can also persist into adulthood. In this condition, the patient faces difficulties in paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. While there is no particular cure for ADHD, there are various options that may be used to manage the symptoms that occur with ADHD in children as well as adults. Following are some of the best ways for treating and managing ADHD:
Medications
There are two types of medications that are recommended for people with ADHD. Depending on the symptoms and severity of ADHD, doctors would suggest either of the following:
Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants: These medications are supposed to be the most popular type of medications prescribed for ADHD. They help in increasing the brain chemicals, particularly norepinephrine and dopamine. This may successfully help treat ADHD in children and improve a child’s focus drastically. Some of the most common medications used for the treatment of ADHD include amphetamine-based stimulants, such as Adderall, Dextroamphetamine , Methamphetamine , and Dexmethylphenidate . The other popular type of medication which is often recommended is Methylphenidate.
Nonstimulant medications: Since ADHD may have different effects on children, there is a possibility that stimulants have severe side effects or may not help in the betterment of ADHD at all. Hence, doctors may recommend a non-stimulant medication which helps in increment of norepinephrine in the brain. Some of the common medications of this category include Atomoxetine or some antidepressants including Nortriptyline.
Therapies
Sometimes, therapies may help in alleviating ADHD and help children as well as adults suffering from ADHD to lead a normal life. Here are some therapies that may be recommended:
Behavioral therapy: An individual may be trained to analyze his or her behavior and rectify it appropriately depending upon different situations. For this therapy, the doctor and patient with ADHD may need to be trained along with the family to get as much support as required.
Psychotherapy: ADHD may be bothersome for various reasons and hence, psychotherapy may be highly helpful in him or her talking about the feeling that he or she is suffering from. Many times, the individual may be bullied or have issues with authorities as well. Sometimes, parents don’t understand the situation; hence, taking help from a psychotherapist would be the right step.
Teaching social skills: Behaving normally in different social environments is challenging for children and adults suffering from ADHD. Hence, teaching them different social skills, such as interacting with others and communicating effectively, is quite helpful.
The help of support groups: Taking advice from different parents who have been in the same situation may be quite helpful for helping an individual tackle ADHD better.
Behavioral measures: One can use different behavioral measures which include setting schedules, organizing everyday items, and having a notebook for organizing schedules to help tackle the symptoms of ADHD in a better way. One underrated measure which may be very useful in the betterment of an individual’s development is using positive reinforcement. As negative feedback becomes second nature to these students, helping them achieve positive feedback may be extremely useful.
However, talking with a doctor will provide a better insight into making decisions. One would be in a better position to decide the course of treatment that is the best for an individual to deal with this common disorder.