Many children who have an ADHD diagnosis don’t grow out of it before they reach adulthood. Somewhere around 50% of them will still have the condition when they’re adults. As children mature they can have problems from the symptoms including lack of focus, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. They can have low self esteem, suffer from addictions and substance abuse and the inability to hold down a job. It is for this reason that some form of ADHD treatment should be implemented as soon as the condition is diagnosed.
There are a number of different ways to treat ADHD, and each one works differently with different people. In some people the treatment might not work at all. Some therapies forego medication and depend on behavioral therapy alone. There can also be one or two drugs introduced into the therapy. Some diet modifications can also be one method used to control things. For extreme cases, one, two or all of these methods can be tried in different groupings.
The reason to get an ADHD diagnosis as quickly as possible in children and adults is to try and reduce or eliminate impulsiveness, increase focus and lessen hyperactivity. Using proven treatment methods have been shown to improve children to the point that they can function better in school and socially, and as adults, deal with the job place more satisfactorily.
Studies have shown that, when tailored to the needs of the individual child, their condition can be improved safely and effectively, using medications that stimulate the brain, behavioral therapy, and sometimes other drugs. Eliminating sugar from the diet is also considered to be effective in some cases as well as eliminating chemicals such as food colorings and preservatives from the child’s foods. Children who have had treatment have been seen to be much improved in both their ability to focus and follow rules in the classroom. They are more able to deal with personal relationships both with family and friends.
It is important for the parents, child, teachers, and school counselors to all be educated fully about both the actual diagnosis and the prescribed treatments that are going to be followed. When in school, the child’s medication must be administered by the appropriate, responsible person in order to effectively manage behavior. Keeping lines of communication open with information flowing in both directions is important at all times.
What will your doctor recommend in terms of medications? Amphetamines might be recommended including Adderall, Dexedrine and Vyvanse which is the newest of drugs. Vyvanse is thought to cause less dependence than other older stimulants.
Wellbutrin which is an antidepressant which is used sometimes where a problem is seen with some of the stimulants. Antidepressants are sometimes used to reduce stimulant side effects like insomnia, involuntary tics and sudden uncontrolled movements. It is tolerated better with less side effects than with some tricyclic antidepressants like Norpramin, Aventyl, Pamelor and Tofranil. Also effective when treating ADHD is Strattera and Intuniv which are nonstimulants.
If your child receives an ADHD diagnosis, it’s not the end of things. Getting help as soon as your child receives an ADHD diagnosis is key to your child growing up happy and healthy.