Important Things to Know about ADHD Treatment

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a mental disease that occurs first in childhood and may continue when the child becomes an adult too. It is a very common mental disorder that is found in children. The symptoms are when your child becomes hyperactive and has no control over his or her impulsive behaviour. Also, they may have problems paying attention at home and in school. It is a fact that ADHD is more commonly found in boys than in girls. In adults, the disorder manifests itself when people cannot manage their time, are unorganized, cannot keep a job, or are unable to set goals for themselves. ADHD can also lead to relationship problems, addiction, and low self-esteem.

ADHD Treatment

About ADHD Treatment

The good news is that ADHD is treatable and can lessen the symptoms and make it possible for the affected person to lead a normal life. Both medication and therapy can be used to treat ADHD, but often doctors recommend a combination of the two. When ADHD needs to be treated in children, it is a paediatrician or a psychiatrist who is responsible for the treatment. However, a general physician can also monitor the patient and give the right guidance.

ADHD Treatment Medication

One aspect of ADHD treatment is medication. There are five types of medicines that are licensed and legally available for prescriptions:

• Atomoxetine
• Guanfacine
• Methylphenidate
• Dexamfetamine
• Lisdexamfetamine

Remember that these medicines do not cure ADHD permanently, but they are most likely to help control impulses, feel calmer, improve concentration, and learn and apply new skills. Some of these medicines need to be taken daily, but others can be taken only on a few days. Sometimes the doctor may recommend a break in the treatment, to check if the medication is still required by the patient.

Medicine Dosage and Check-ups

If the case is that an ADHD diagnosis has only happened as an adult, then a specialist and a GP can figure out what medication and therapies to prescribe to the person.

When the doctor prescribes these medicines, at first only small doses are given, which may be gradually increased. It is necessary to keep going to your GP for regular check-ups to find out the effectiveness of the treatment and to see if there are any side effects or concerns.

If you are having any side effects from the ADHD treatment, it is essential to inform your GP and discuss the fact of changing or stopping the treatment. Your doctor will definitely inform you for how long the treatment should go on, but often the treatment continues as long as it has a positive effect.

Alternative Modes of ADHD Treatment

While medicines do help with ADHD, it is important for you to know that it is not the only way to treat this disorder. There are alternative ways of treatment that include changes to lifestyle and nutrition, as well as the latest technology that trains the human brain to have less impulsiveness and more focus. You can also try a combination of treatment methods for the best results.

ADHD Treatment

Let us see what some other ways to treat ADHD are:

Treatment through Behaviour Therapy

This is a methodical discipline way that teaches children to behave in new ways through rewards. The idea is to reward the child if he or she does not do anything carefully or does not follow directions. This therapy should start from the age of five, but it also works for older children.

Take Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fish oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for the proper functioning of the brain and associated nerve cells. The only source of Omega-3 fatty acids is from food and supplements, and it is usually low in people who suffer from ADHD. EPA and DHA are the two types of Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil. You may try to take a supplement that has more of EPA than DHA for better results.

Treatment through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Negative or irrational patterns of thought are changed in this method of treatment. Such thoughts prevent the focus from staying on what needs to be done.

There are other alternative methods of treatment that you can explore. You must have a long discussion with your doctor to determine the best option of ADHD treatment.