For some, ADHD is more than a feeling of extreme hyperactivity. Other symptoms such as not being able to focus on school or work can lead to a lifetime of struggle and sometimes losing a job or self-esteem. However, ADHD treatment may assist with a person staying focused and can alleviate many of the other symptoms as well.
Behavioral Therapy
One of the most important aspects of an ADHD treatment program is behavioral therapy. It is the best alternative for people who are looking for an all-natural remedy to reduce symptoms of the condition. A person can begin this type of treatment as soon as the diagnosis is made. One of the most important aspects of ADHD care is to create a routine. The child should go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. The same applies for mealtime and showers. Try keeping the child’s toys, clothing, backpack and other belongings in the same place. Encourage them to put everything back in the same place, even if you have to remind them.
Make sure to limit a child’s choices. It’s best to give them the choice between two distinct items rather than overwhelming them with multiple choices. For instance, ask the child if they want eggs or cereal for breakfast as opposed to just asking them what they want for breakfast.
Parents should use short, concise explanations or instructions as ADHD impacts a child’s listening skills. It is hard for them to focus on long, drawn-out explanations. When it comes to discipline, timeouts and taking away privileges works best with those who have ADHD, especially when compared to alternative discipline routes like spanking and yelling. A rewards chart can monitor the child’s progress and help them stay focused.
Medications
In some cases, a medication may be necessary as an ADHD treatment because behavioral therapy is not always enough. Medication will help control some of the issues with behavior when other options have failed. Stimulants are the most commonly known ADHD drug. These ADHD management aids will help to calm the child. This type of ADHD remedy is effective in 70 to 80 percent of all cases. The most common ADHD medication in this classification is Adderall. Catherine Coughlin, Michael Bloch, MD and experts from Yale University and the University of Saõ Paulo School of Medicine conducted a study that revealed psychostimulants actually reduce rather than worsen anxiety in children with ADHD. The other ADHD drug therapy option is nonstimulants. Nonstimulants were approved for use in 2003. This kind of ADHD treatment has fewer side effects. Generally, they last up to 24 hours as opposed to stimulants that may need to be taken more often. Because every medicinal ADHD remedy may affect a child differently, it may take trial and error to find the right one at the right dose.