What are some of the treatments for ADHD?
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
When a child is diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), parents typically worry about the best treatment for their child. With the correct treatment, ADHD may be controlled. There are numerous therapy options available, and what works best for each kid and family is unique. Parents should collaborate with those involved in their child's life, such as healthcare providers, therapists, teachers, coaches, and other family members, to find the best solutions-
Behavior therapy, which includes parent training, is one type of treatment for ADHD.
Medications.
Suggestions for ADHD treatment
Before using a medication, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends parent training in behavior management for children with ADHD. They are younger than six years old. Medication and behavior treatment is recommended for children aged six and above, as well as parent training in behavior management for children under the age of 12 and various types of behavior therapy and exercise for adolescents. Schools can also be a component of the treatment. The AAP also recommends behavioral classroom intervention and school support.
Good treatment plans will include regular evaluations of whether and how successfully the treatment is helping the child's behavior and adjustments as needed. Visit their website to learn more about the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations for managing children with ADHD.
We have also created a detailed information guide on ADHD that you can check out on our website as ADHD Information Guide.
Parental Training, as well as Behavior Therapy
ADHD impairs a child's ability to pay attention and sit still in class, as well as their interactions with their family and peers. As a result, children with ADHD frequently engage in actions that are disruptive to others. Behavior therapy is a therapeutic option that can assist lessen these behaviors; starting behavior therapy as soon as a diagnosis is obtained is frequently beneficial.
The objectives of behavior therapy are to learn or strengthen beneficial habits while eliminating undesirable or troublesome behaviors. ADHD behavior therapy can include a variety of techniques-
Parental behavior management training;
Children's behavior therapy; and
Interventions for students' behavior in the classroom
These methods can also be used in tandem. However, it is usually most beneficial for early childhood programs if parents and educators help the child.
You can read more about Behavioural Therapy.
Children under the age of six years old
Behavior therapy is an essential first step for young children with ADHD before taking medication because:
Parent behavior management training equips parents with the skills and tactics they need to help their children.
In young children with ADHD, parent instruction in behavior control has been demonstrated to be as effective as medication.
ADHD drugs produce more side effects in young children than in older children.
The long-term effects of ADHD drugs on children under the age of 12 have not been thoroughly investigated.
Adolescents and children in school
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends combining medication and behavior therapy for six and up children. Several behavioral interventions are beneficial, including:
Parental behavior management training;
Interventions for students' behavior in the classroom;
Peer interventions with a behavioral focus; and
Training on organizational skills.
Depending on the needs of the individual kid and family, these treatments are typically most effective when used simultaneously.
Not sure about online behavioral therapy? You can check our blog on 'Effectiveness of behavioral therapy' to get better insight.
Medications
Medication can help youngsters manage their ADHD symptoms in their daily lives and reduce the behaviors that cause problems with their families, friends, and at school. FDA-approved medicines for treating ADHD in children as young as six years old are available.
The most well-known and extensively used ADHD treatments are stimulants. When these fast-acting drugs are used, 70-80% of children with ADHD experience fewer ADHD symptoms. In 2003, non-stimulant medications were licensed for the treatment of ADHD. They are not as fast-acting as stimulants, but their effects can last up to 24 hours.
Medications can have a variety of effects on children, including decreased appetite and sleep issues. One drug may work effectively for one youngster but not for another. Prescribers of medication may need to experiment with different drugs and dosages. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that healthcare practitioners monitor and alter drug doses to find the optimum mix of benefits and adverse effects. Parents must collaborate with their kid's healthcare experts to determine the optimal medication for their children.
Parental Support and Education
The National Resource Center on ADHD (NRC), a program for children and adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (CHADD). The National Resource Center (NRC) offers parents tools, information, and guidance on aiding their children.
Parental Advice
The following are some recommendations to help your child with their behavior:
Make a schedule for yourself. Try to stick to the same routine every day, from waking up to going to bed.
Make a plan.
Please encourage your child to keep their schoolbag, clothing, and toys in the same spot every day to reduce the chances of losing them.
Control your distractions. When your youngster completes schoolwork, turn off the television, limit noise, and provide a clean workstation. When children with ADHD move around or listen to music in the background, they learn more effectively. Keep an eye on your child to observe what works.
Limit your options. Offer alternatives with only a few options to help your child avoid feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated. Allow children to choose between this suit and that one, this food and that one, and this toy and that one, for example.
When speaking with your youngster, be direct and specific. Let your child know you're paying attention by describing what they said. When they need to perform something, give them clear, concise instructions.
Assist your child in making plans. Complicated work should be broken down into smaller, more manageable segments. Starting early and taking breaks during long jobs might help reduce stress.
Set goals and reward yourself with praise or other incentives. Use a chart to keep track of goals and positive behaviors, and then inform your child how well they did by praising them or rewarding them in various ways. Make sure your objectives are achievable—small steps are crucial!
Effectively discipline. Use adequate directions, time-outs, or the withdrawal of privileges as punishments for inappropriate behavior instead of scolding, yelling, or spanking.
Make positive opportunities for yourself. Specific settings might be upsetting for children with ADHD. Finding out and promoting what your child excels at can help generate great experiences, whether it's in school, sports, art, music, or play.
Encourage a healthy way of life. It's crucial to eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep to keep ADHD symptoms from growing worse.
Daffodil Health is creating an ecosystem to help families and parents of kids with special needs. In the same endeavor, we have launched parent training events and a marketplace for learning aids, toys, and much more.
Follow the link to know about all the Upcoming Parent Training Events.
Follow this link to look at all the products that can be helpful for your child.
Hope you find all the resources useful. If you want to contribute to Daffodil Health's mission or become a part of the team, please reach out to team@daffodilhealth.com. We would love to get you onboard and work together towards unlocking the 10% workforce potential.
Source-
www.cdc.gov