Javeria Shahid A Quick Guide
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is either characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. According to the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, approximately 6.1 million children in the US are diagnosed with ADHD. Typically, it is diagnosed early on in childhood when the child starts encountering problems in school and day-to-day life. ADHD cannot be prevented and neither can it be cured. But there is a treatment for ADHD which includes medication, and therapy.
Other conditions similar to ADHD
There are some other conditions that exhibit the same signs and symptoms as ADHD. Some of these are the following:
- Autism spectrum disorder ASD
- Depression or anxiety
- Head Trauma
- Learning problems
- Medical problems or medications that have an impact on thinking or behavior
- Seizure disorder
- Sleep disorders
- Vision or hearing problems
Treatment & Management
Medication, behavioral therapies, and education services can help your child’s treatment for ADHD. You might have to try a couple of different things before you find an approach that works best for your child.
Medication
So the Food And Drug Administration has approved different medications for children as young as 6 years old. Medication can help a child manage their symptoms in school etc. There are mostly 2 types of medication prescribed which are the following:
Stimulants
Currently, stimulants are the most frequent medications for ADHD. The levels of neurotransmitters increase and balance with stimulants. These drugs can work quickly and effectively to reduce the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity.
For instance:
- Amphetamines
- Methylphenidates
There are both short-acting and long-acting stimulant medications. When taking these quick-acting drugs, between 70 and 80 percent of children with ADHD experience a reduction in their ADHD symptoms. Finding the right dose may take some time because it differs from child to child. Additionally, as your child gets older or if serious adverse effects show up. The doctor may need to modify the dose of the medication. You should also consult your doctor about any potential stimulant side effects.
Non-Stimulants
In 2003, non-stimulants were authorized for the treatment of ADHD. Although they don’t operate as rapidly as stimulants, they might still have an impact for up to 24 hours.
Watch: [ADHD Medication]
Other Medications for ADHD
Additional drugs that could be helpful in the treatment of ADHD include:
- Atomoxetine
- Antidepressants such as bupropion
- Guanfacine
- Clonidine
In comparison to stimulants, atomoxetine and antidepressants take many weeks to fully take effect. If your child has health issues that prevent them from taking stimulants or if stimulants have serious adverse effects, these might be good alternatives.
Therapy
A psychologist, social worker, or other mental health professionals may offer behavior therapy, social skills training, parenting skills training, and counseling to children with ADHD. In addition to ADHD, some kids may also have depression or anxiety problems. Counseling in these situations might be beneficial for both the coexisting issue and ADHD. Some types of therapies are as follows:
Behavioral therapy: For handling challenging situations, teachers and parents can use behavior-changing techniques including token reward schemes and timeouts.
Social skills training: Children can learn acceptable social habits from this.
Parenting skills training: As a result, parents may be better able to comprehend and influence their children’s behavior.
Psychotherapy: This enables older kids with ADHD to discuss problems that distress them, look into problematic behavior patterns, and explore coping mechanisms for their symptoms.
Family counseling: Parents, children, and siblings who live with an ADHD person can find relief from their stress through family therapy.
The best outcomes come from a collaborative effort among teachers, parents, therapists, and other medical professionals. You should also inform yourself about services for people with ADHD. In order to promote their efforts in the classroom, cooperate with your child’s teachers and direct them to reliable information sources.
We hope you found this article useful for understanding more about the management and treatment of ADHD.