Understanding ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) cannot be cured, but it certainly can be successfully managed. Your child's doctor will work with you to develop an individualized, long-term plan. The goal is to help your child learn to control his or her own behavior and to help families create an atmosphere in which this is most likely to happen. In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of medication and behavior therapy. Any good treatment plan will require close follow-up and monitoring, and your doctor may make adjustments along the way. It is vital for parents to actively participate in their child's treatment plan, as parent education is also considered an important part of ADHD management.

Medications

Several different types of medications may be used to treat ADHD: Stimulants are the best-known treatments — they've been used for more than 50 years in the treatment of ADHD. Some require several doses per day, each lasting about 4 hours; some last up to 12 hours. Possible side effects include decreased appetite, stomachache, irritability, and insomnia. There is currently no evidence of long-term side effects for such stimulants. Non-stimulants were approved for treating ADHD in 2003. It appears to have fewer side effects compared to stimulants and can last up to 24 hours. Antidepressants are sometimes taken as an alternative treatment option; however, in 2004 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that these drugs may lead to a rare increased risk of suicide in children and teens. If an antidepressant is recommended for your child, be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor.

Medications can affect kids differently, and a child may respond well to one but not another. When determining the correct treatment, the doctor might try various medications in various doses, especially if your child is being treated for ADHD along with another disorder. Be clear of each medication prescribed for your child as each may have their own adverse reactions.

Behavioral Therapy

Research has shown that medications used to help curb impulsive behaviour and attention difficulties are more effective when combined with behavioural therapy. Behavioural therapy attempts to change behavior patterns by: reorganizing a child's home and school environment, giving clear directions and commands setting up a system of consistent rewards for appropriate behaviours and negative consequences for inappropriate ones. Here are examples of behavioural strategies that may help a child with ADHD :-

• Create a routine ~ Try to follow the same schedule every day, from wake-up time to bedtime. Post the schedule in a prominent place, so your child can see what's expected throughout the day and when it's time for homework, play, and chores.
  
• Get organized ~ Put schoolbags, clothing, and toys in the same place every day so your child will be less likely to lose them.
  
• Avoid distractions ~ Turn off the TV set, radio, and computer games, especially when your child is doing his or her homework.
  
• Limit choices ~ Offer a choice between two things (this outfit, meal, toy, etc., or that one) so that your child is not overwhelmed and over-stimulated.
  
• Change your interactions methods with your child ~ Instead of long-winded explanations and cajoling, use clear, brief directions to remind your child of responsibilities.
  
• Use goals and rewards ~ Use a chart to list goals and track positive behaviours, then reward your child's efforts. Be sure the goals are realistic (think baby steps rather than overnight success).
  
• Discipline effectively ~ Instead of yelling or spanking, use timeouts or removal of privileges as consequences for inappropriate behaviour. Younger children may simply need to be distracted or ignored until they display better behaviour.
  
• Help your child discover a talent ~ All kids need to experience success to feel good about themselves. Finding out what your child does well — whether it's sports, art, or music — can boost their social skills and self-esteem level.
  

Parent Training

Parenting a child with ADHD often brings special challenges. Children with ADHD may not respond well to typical parenting practices. Also, because ADHD tends to run in families, parents may also have some problems with organization and consistency themselves and need active coaching to help learn these skills. Experts recommend parent education and support groups to help family members accept the diagnosis and to teach them how to help kids organize their environment, develop problem-solving skills, and cope with frustrations. Training can also teach parents to respond appropriately to a child's most trying behaviours with calm disciplining techniques. Individual or family counseling can also be helpful.