Treatment for ADHD

The policy of the American Academy of Pediatrics as regards to the treatment for ADHD is that ADHD should be recognized as a chronic condition and that a child-specific individualized treatment program should be developed for children. The goal of this program should be to improve relationships and performance at school, decrease disruptive behaviors, promote safety, increase independence and improve self esteem.

One of the recommendations as contained in the policy statement is that children under treatment should have regular and systematic follow-up to monitor goals and possible side effects.

For children who do not quite respond to the prescribed treatment program, the Academy recommends that 'when the selected management for a child with ADHD has not met target outcomes, clinicians should evaluate the original diagnosis, use of all appropriate treatments, adherence to the treatment pla, and presence of coexisting conditions.'

In practice, treatment for people with ADHD often requires a multi-prong approach involving both counseling and medication. In the past 10 years, a variety of medications, behavioural therapies, and educational options have become available for both children and adults.

The most frequently used medication as treatment for ADHD are stimulants, such as methylphenidate (well known brands are Ritalin, Focalin, Metadate, Methylin, and Concerta) or derivatives of amphetamine (well known brands are Dexedrine and Adderall).

Some people also use other medications although these medication were first developed to treat other medical conditions. The three main groups of these type of medications are (1) anti-tic medication – clonidine (well known brand is Catapres) and guanfacine (Tenex); (2) antidepressants; and (3) atomoxetine (well known brand is Strattera). Strattera is the first nonstimulant medication specifically developed for treating ADHD.

Do take note that some doctors do prescribe methylphenidate, clonidine and guanfacine as preschool ADHD treatment.

For many people, stimulant medications do reduce hyperactivity and improve the ability to focus, learn, and work. But the use of these drugs as treatment for ADHD has sparked controversy because of the possible side-effects and because many feel that they are prescribed unnecessarily for too many children.

In any case, many experts agree that the long-term treatment for ADHD should not be based on medication alone but should involve a multi-modal approach involving both drugs and behavioural therapy.

There also exists what is known as natural remedies which claim to be able to help children with ADHD. These natural remedies, which use various types of herbs, have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to support the healthy functioning of the brain and nervous system. Among the common types of herbs used in preparing these herbal concoctions are Ginkgo Biloba, Skullcap, German chamomile, Gotu cola, and Rooibos).

Intervention approaches, which sometimes involve the whole family, may include psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, social skills training, and parenting training. Other approaches used in the treatment for ADHD include diet therapy and holistic medicine.

For parents/educators of ADHD children who are fed-up or do not believe in using drugs as treatment for ADHD, there are quite a few non-drug methods available. One of them is written by Dr Scott Saunders who believes that ADHD/ADD can be treated safely and naturally without drugs. To read our review of his manual entitled "ADHD/ADD Natural Remedy Report", please Click Here.