ADD/ADHD Treatment

Recently Answered

• QIs medication the only treatment option for ADHD?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  While medication is effective for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), especially when combined with therapy, you can use therapy alone. One benefit of therapy is that your child is not bothered by side effects. Some of the most highly regarded treatments for ADHD, aside from drugs, include:

  • family therapy
  • individual therapy
  • behavior modification
  • social and educational groups

  These treatments offer you and your child a chance to learn new strategies to overcome the trials and tribulations of ADHD. While this may seem appealing, know that the combination of medication and behavioral treatment is often the most effective way to deal with childhood ADHD. Talk to your pediatrician, child psychiatrist, or therapist to learn more about treatments available for you.

• QHow does cognitive behavioral therapy help those with ADHD?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can teach people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) how to change unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. Therapists who use CBT work in a very structured setting and often prescribe homework assignments for people to complete outside of therapy sessions. During therapy sessions, patients identify problems that need to be solved, and a therapist helps the person learn and practice healthy ways to solve the problems. In CBT, people can address problems that occur at home, at school, at work, or in relationships.

  One form of CBT for ADHD is called collaborative problem solving (CPS). CPS is a method that parents and adults can use to encourage healthy behaviors in children. Adults are taught ways to predict situations that will cause problems for a child and proactive ways to prevent problem behaviors from occurring.

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• QCan psychotherapy treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

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  A NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answered

  Parenting children with ADHD may be difficult and can present challenges that create stress within the family. Classes in behavior management skills for parents can help reduce stress for all family members. Training in behavior management skills for parents usually occurs in a group setting, which encourages parent-to-parent support. Behavior management skills may include the following:

  • use of "time out"
  • point systems
  • contingent attention (responding to child with positive attention when desired behaviors occur; withholding attention when undesired behaviors occurs)

  Teachers may also be taught behavior management skills to use in the classroom setting. Training for teachers usually includes use of daily behavior reports that communicate in-school behaviors to parents. Behavior management techniques tend to improve targeted behaviors (such as completing school work or keeping the child's hands to himself/herself), but are not usually helpful in reducing inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity.

• QWhat is the treatment for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

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  A Irwin Isaacs , Psychology, answered on behalf of TherapyLiveCare

  It is important to understand that this condition (ADHD) is experienced in various degrees, and in slightly different ways, by different individuals. Some people are more hyper than others; while some are not hyperactive, but are easily distracted and are disorganized.

  In this day and age when there seems to be a pill to cure just about anything, many people with this problem seek a prescription for a medication that might have seen advertised on TV. Although there is benefit from medication in many cases, there are also side effects to medications that might be unpleasant. Everyone is different, and each person must make an informed decision, in consultation with a trusted medical professional, before embarking on a plan of medical treatment.

  However, in just about every instance of an adult with ADHD, there is a need for others in the immediate family to understand the particular "quirks" of their loved one, and to interact with him or her in ways that are helpful and supportive. For instance, it is recommended to get the attention of the ADHD individual before beginning to speak about anything. That will avoid the exasperation of feeling as if you are being ignored. Little adjustments like this can improve interpersonal relationships and bring a healthier and more peaceful atmosphere into the home.

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• QHow is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treated?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  People try all sorts of treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including special diets, hypnosis, acupuncture, and more. Right now, the best treatment for ADHD is a combination of ADHD medication and behavioral treatments.

  If you are interested in learning more about medication for ADHD, talk to your doctor. To get started with behavioral treatment, locate a therapist that specializes in ADHD treatment. Plenty of psychologists and licensed counselors devote their days to helping children and adults with ADHD. Ideally, you will seek both medical and behavioral treatments. Stay with them. Consistent treatment seems to offer the best help in reducing the symptoms of ADHD.
   

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• QHow are children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treated?

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  A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered

  It is important for parents to remember that while ADHD can't be cured, it can be successfully managed. There are many treatment options, so parents and doctors should work closely with everyone involved in the child's treatment -- teachers, coaches, therapists, and other family members. Taking advantage of all the resources available will help you guide your child towards success. Remember, you are your child’s strongest advocate! In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication. For preschool children, behavior therapy is the recommended first line of treatment. Good treatment plans will include close monitoring, follow-ups and any changes needed along the way. Following are treatment options for ADHD:

  • Medications
  • Behavioral intervention strategies
  • Parent training
  • School accommodations and interventions

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• QWhat are the treatment recommendations for children with ADHD?

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  A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered

  Current American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines children (6-18 years of age) with ADHD, treatment includes ADHD medication with or without behavior therapy, with both medication and behavior therapy as the preferred treatment. Behavior therapy is recommended first for preschoolers (4-5 years of age) with ADHD.

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• QWhat are the affects of nutrition, supplements and food additives on ADHD?

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  A dotFIT answered

  ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder of childhood, affecting about 3 - 5% of school-aged children. ADHD is diagnosed much more often in boys than in girls. The symptoms of ADHD fall into three groups:

  • Lack of attention (inattentiveness)
  • Hyperactivity
  • Impulsive behavior (impulsivity)

  In some instances, dietary alterations may improve symptoms of ADHD. It is believed, in some children, ADHD is a form of “allergic reaction”. The use of Elimination Diets (specific foods or additives are removed from the diet to gauge response) or strict diets may lessen the severity of ADHD symptoms. More emphasis on protein foods and whole grains/fiber and reduced sugar diets may also improve symptoms in those with ADHD. As for specific nutrients, there is some evidence to show that zinc and Omega-3 fatty acids and fish oil may improve symptoms. Dietary sources of zinc include oysters and other seafood, red meat, poultry, dairy products, beans, nuts, whole grains, and fortified cereals. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, albacore tuna, herring, mackerel, trout, and sardines. It is worth investigating dietary interventions. Before making such changes though, consult with your doctor to gauge the impact of any dietary modifications.

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