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Ins and Outs of ADHD Treatment
Medications and behavior therapy are the two main types of treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When using medications to treat ADHD, both stimulant and nonstimulant products are available. Behavior therapy can include psychotherapy and parent skills training. In some cases, a combination of these therapies may be the most effective treatment for managing your child's ADHD symptoms.
In general, there are two main types of treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): medications and behavior therapy. Often, a combination of the two will be used. While there is no cure for ADHD, effective treatments can help reduce symptoms, which is critical in helping children succeed both in and outside of school.
You should work closely with your child's healthcare provider to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Every child is different, so what works for one child may not work for another. You may find it helpful to educate yourself about the various ADHD treatment options that are available so that you are prepared to discuss them with your child's healthcare provider.
If your child has ADHD, he or she will likely need medication at some point to help manage ADHD symptoms. Medications can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, as well as improve a child's ability to focus. This can improve schoolwork and relationships with family and peers. ADHD medications may also improve physical coordination, which can help in areas such as handwriting and sports.
A variety of medications are used in the treatment of ADHD. In general, these products can be categorized as stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most common type of medication used to treat ADHD, and many believe the most effective.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to know beforehand which medication will work the best for an individual child. A medicine that works in one child may not work in another. Similarly, one child may experience bothersome side effects with a medication that another child tolerates well. Unfortunately, this means that your child may have to try different medications and different doses before finding the right one.
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD