It's important to treat the condition. Untreated ADHD can seriously affect relationships, jobs, and school performance. Parents with children who have ADHD should not feel they've done something wrong if their child has trouble at school. People with ADHD are as intelligent and capable as anyone else and can lead happy, successful lives with the right help.
Treatment for ADHD can include medication, behavioural therapies, changes at school or home, or a combination of these.
There are a number of medications for ADHD. These medications are very useful for treating the core symptoms of ADHD (e.g. hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention). Stimulants such as methylphenidate*, lisdexamfetamine, mixed salts amphetamine or dextroamphetamine stimulate the areas of the brain that do not have sufficient production of neurotransmitters to produce the needed chemicals. Another medication used to treat ADHD is called atomoxetine, which helps to increase the levels of a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine in the brain. Note that all medications can have side effects. It is best to discuss the benefits and risks of a medication with your health care provider.
Some parents are wary of these medications. However, taking medication as prescribed, whether short- or long-term, may help children maintain a high level of function that may not be possible without the medication. Some children, especially those with coexisting problems or disorders (see the list in "Symptoms and Complications" above) may require other types of medication. Some children may manage without medication.
Non-medication treatments such as behavioural therapies, counselling and training for parents and teachers may also be used. Parent training in effective child behaviour management methods, classroom behaviour modification methods, and academic interventions such as special educational placement, have all shown promising results. Behavioural therapies are particularly helpful for improving social interactions and behaviour (e.g. following rules, being motivated).
To complement their other treatments, people with ADHD can benefit from a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise, proper nutrition, and good sleep habits (such as going to bed and waking up at consistent times and avoiding caffeine, large meals, and stressful activities before bed).
Overall, once a treatment is in place, children with ADHD need to learn to use their newfound concentration to their best advantage.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®). The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen). A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article lists medications by their common names. For information on a given medication, check our Drug Information database. For more information on brand names, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2022. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder