ADHD and ADD Treatment
| by Juliet Cohen | June 12, 2007
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a group of symptoms that affect concentration and a person's ability to focus . Side effects may be troublesome depending on the child, which is why the child must have follow-up visits to your doctor. These may include weight loss, appetite changes, insomnia and nervous tics. It can also cause mood swings, impulsiveness, and behavioral and social problems. Children with these problems have difficulty completing their school work and are often in trouble with parents and teachers. Other treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) include tutoring and special education, behavioral therapy and family-group psychotherapy.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder should cause severe impairments in different areas of life and has to be present since early childhood. But many adults have developed functional or dysfunctional ways to cope with the everyday problems of this disorder. To consider different treatment options for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder needs an individual diagnostic process evaluating the personal resources and deficits of the person. Treatment options for adults with ADHD include psycho-education about symptoms and consequences of this disorder. Sometimes this is already the most important part of therapy, because the client can now accept some common problems of life and already uses appropriate ways to handle these problems.
Treatment For Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder:
1. Psychotherapy allows older children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to talk about issues that bother them, explore negative behavioral patterns and learn ways to deal with their symptoms.
2. Family therapy can help parents and siblings deal with the stress of living with someone who has ADHD.
3. Drugs known as psychostimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults.
4. Another medication that works in a similar manner, but is not a stimulant, is atomoxetine.
5. Antidepressants also may be used - especially for adults and for children who don't respond to stimulants or who are depressed or have other problems.
6. Sometimes a combination of therapy and medication may be the most helpful treatment.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder should cause severe impairments in different areas of life and has to be present since early childhood. But many adults have developed functional or dysfunctional ways to cope with the everyday problems of this disorder. To consider different treatment options for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder needs an individual diagnostic process evaluating the personal resources and deficits of the person. Treatment options for adults with ADHD include psycho-education about symptoms and consequences of this disorder. Sometimes this is already the most important part of therapy, because the client can now accept some common problems of life and already uses appropriate ways to handle these problems.
Treatment For Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder:
1. Psychotherapy allows older children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to talk about issues that bother them, explore negative behavioral patterns and learn ways to deal with their symptoms.
2. Family therapy can help parents and siblings deal with the stress of living with someone who has ADHD.
3. Drugs known as psychostimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults.
4. Another medication that works in a similar manner, but is not a stimulant, is atomoxetine.
5. Antidepressants also may be used - especially for adults and for children who don't respond to stimulants or who are depressed or have other problems.
6. Sometimes a combination of therapy and medication may be the most helpful treatment.
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