Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Treatment for ADHD typically includes a combination of medication, behavior therapy and counseling, and education services, depending on the child’s age and other factors. For an effective ADHD treatment, changes and adjustments to the plan should be made as the child grows.

Medications

Medication can help manage the symptoms of children aged 6 years and older. Medications may affect children differently and might have side effects such as decreased appetite or sleep problems.

Several different types of medications are approved to treat ADHD in children, including:

• Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidates are the most widely used ADHD medications. The effective dose may vary from child to child, and it may take time to find the effective dose. Stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting formulas. The latter are recommended for all kids who are school aged. 90% of patients with ADHD will respond to a stimulant, although sometimes it may not be the first one your doctor tries. Each medication works a little differently in each person, but most child responds to one of the first stimulants your doctor prescribes.
• Nonstimulants include atomoxetine, clonidine, and guanfacine. Non-stimulants do not work as quickly as stimulants and do not have as strong of an effect as stimulants. They can take up to a few weeks to start working, but their effect can last up to 24 hours.

Therapy and counseling

Children with ADHD and their families can benefit from behavior therapy and counseling by a mental health professional such as a psychologist, a social worker, and a counselor. The best results are achieved when parents, teachers, therapists, and physicians work together to help the child.

Behavior therapies include:

• Psychotherapy - older children with ADHD can talk with their therapist about issues and challenges they face and learn ways to deal with their symptoms.
• Family therapy - can help a child with ADHD, their parents, and siblings learn about ADHD and related challenges and find ways to resolve issues they face at home.
• Parenting skills training - can help parents understand the condition and ways to help their child cope with their challenges.

Lifestyle

Ways to help create an environment in which a child with ADHD can succeed are:

• At school. Schools are required by law to have a program to support children with disabilities, including children with ADHD. Children may be eligible for services offered under the law including curriculum adjustments, classroom setup, appropriate teaching approaches and more.
• Extracurricular activity like other children, children with ADHD may enjoy and excel in, music, dance, art, sports, and other activities of interest. These kinds of activities can be fun and may offer opportunities for successes, which can help build self-esteem.
• At Home. Things to focus on at home to help maintain a calm and enjoyable time for the family may include:
  • Maintaining a regular schedule for meals, naps, play, doing homework, bedtime, and other regular activities and reminding the child before switching from one activity to another can help a child with ADHD getting ready for the transition.
  • Organized environment. Depending on the child’s age, helping them organizing their toys and other belongings and maintaining keeping their room tidy will help keep things in order so that they can be found when they are needed which will help reduce stress when getting ready for school and at other times.
  • Encouraging social interaction may help children with ADHD learn social skills from other children and practice these skills.
  • Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as getting enough rest, eating a balanced and healthy diet, and exercising regularly can benefit a child with ADHD and everyone else in the family.
  • Healthy bedtime routines. Children with ADHD may have sleep difficulty, and some medications can cause sleep difficulties. It is important to have a bedtime routine every night that helps relax the child and eliminates electronics.