Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common disorders that affect children resulting in impaired functioning in multiple settings such as home, school and in social relationships. The disorder can have lng term hazards if left untreated and can show its negativity right into adolescence and adulthood. This disorder is considered to be about six to nine times more common in boys than girls and requires immediate treatment.

If your child shows any of the signs and symptoms of ADHD, it s advised that you seek professional intervention at the earliest. You can consult a professional psychologist, psychiatrist or clinical social worker at most mental health care and pediatric facilities.

Treatment of ADHD:

There is an ongoing debate on the best treatment strategies for hyperactive patients till date even though the disorder was first described almost a century ago. Most of the doctors and experts administer medications or psychotherapy or a combination of both to treat this disorder.

Medications:

Psycho stimulants such as Methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta), Dextroamphetamine or Amphetamines (Adderal) and Dexedrine are administered in the treatment of this disorder. Cerebral stimulants such as amphetamines often have a quieting effect on children. They tend to decrease over activity and distractibility and increase the ability to concentrate, thereby enhancing the academic performance of ADHD children. Drugs do not have the potential to cure hyperactivity but can reduce its symptoms considerably.

Pemoline is also used to treat ADHD and is a safe drug for adolescents and youngsters with attention deficits and enhances their overall performance. Atomoxetine or Srattera is also used to treat this disorder on a wide scale. Antidepressants are also used for adolescents and children who fail to respond to stimulants and other medications and are also diagnosed with depression.

Therapy:

ADHD patients also benefit from therapy that can be provided by a psychiatrist, psychologist or clinical social worker. It is essential for parents, teachers and relatives to come together and help the ADHD child by understanding his/her behavior instead of judging or passing harsh statements towards them.

Psychotherapy: This focuses on talking about one’s problems with a professional psychologist, psychiatrist or clinical social worker and learning how to deal with the disorder by getting to know all the symptoms.

Behavior therapy: This largely focuses on the various strategies that can be adopted by parents, teachers and others to deal with the ADHD child. Behavior modification techniques and their implementation also play a crucial role in enabling individuals deal with the disorder.

Family therapy: This is a great approach towards the treatment of ADHD in which the parents, siblings and close relatives of ADHD patients are helped with the different ways to approaching the patient and helping him/her deal with stress.