Treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Treatment List for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
The list of treatments mentioned in various sources
for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
includes the following list.
Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment
or change in treatment plans.
- Lifestyle changes
- Medications
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
- Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®, Dextrostat®, Adderall®)
- Pemoline (Cylert)
- Clonidine - mainly for combined ADHD and Tourette's syndrome.
- Antidepressants - if there is anxiety or depression associated; or as a second-line treatment when stimulants fail.
- Supportive treatments
- Current data suggests that carefully titrated stimulant medication (Methylphenidate, Dextroamphetamine) provides the best first-line therapy for ADHD. Behavioural therapy is useful in conjunction with medication to address issues such as social skills and academic performance. Treatments include:
- General lifestyle changes
- Stress reduction techniques
- Dietary changes - aimed at reducing food additives, colourings and sugars. Some anecdotal evidence supports this, but to date, no trials have produced supporting evidence
- Medications
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
- Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®, Dextrostat®, Adderall®)
- Pemoline (Cylert) - rarely used due to rare but potential hepatotoxicity
- Atomexitine (Strattera) - second line agent, classed as non-stimulant
- Modafinil (Provigil) - currently used as a third or fourth line agent
- Clonidine - mainly used for combined ADHD and Tourette's syndrome
- Antidepressants - if there is any anxiety or depression associated with the ADD; or as a second-line treatment for ADD when stimulants fail
- Supportive treatments
- Structured classroom management
- Parent education methods
- Teacher education methods
- Tutoring supplementation
- Behavioral therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Social skills training methods
- Support groups
Alternative Treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Alternative treatments or home remedies that have been listed as possibly helpful for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may include:
- Reduce refined sugar intake
- Elimination diet (for individuals with food sensitivities or allergies)
- Glyconutrition
- Interactive metronome training
- Chiropractic medicine
- more treatments »
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Is the Diagnosis Correct?
The first step in getting correct treatment is
to get a correct diagnosis.
Differential diagnosis list for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may include:
- Normal child behavior - not every energetic child is hyperactive; not every shy or withdrawn child is inattentive; not every daydreamer or dreamy child is inattentive. Babies start out with a very short attention span and even children are easily distracted till they grow older.
- High intelligence - very smart children may become bored and listless.
- Normal behavior - sometimes children ask hyperactive or inattentive without any disease.
- Bipolar disorder - hyperactivity could be mania from bipolar disorder.
- Restless legs syndrome - jumping legs may be misdiagnosed as hyperactive ADHD.
- more diagnoses...»
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Marketplace Products, Discounts & Offers
Products, offers and promotion categories available for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Research Doctors & Specialists
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- Neurology (Brain/CNS Specialists):
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Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.
Drugs and Medications used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
Note:You must always seek professional medical advice about any prescription drug, OTC drug, medication, treatment
or change in treatment plans.
Some of the different medications used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder include:
Unlabeled Drugs and Medications to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
Unlabelled alternative drug treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder include:
- Bupropion
- Wellbutrin
- Wellbutrin SR
- Zyban
- Imipramine
- Antipress
- Apo-Imipramine
- Impril
- Imprin
- Janimine
- Novo-Pramine
- PMS Imipramine
- Presamoine
- SK-Pramine
- Tipramine
- Tofranil
- Tofranil-PM
- W.D.D
- Selegiline
- Apo-Selegiline
- Carbex
- Dom-Selegiline
- Eldepryl
- Med-Selegiline
- Novo-Selegiline
- PMS-Selegiline
- Novo-Desipramine
- Nu-Desipramine
- PMS-Desipramine
- Dextroamphetamine
- Dexedrine
- Dextrostat
- Eranz
- Modafinil
- Alertec
- Provigil
Latest treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
The following are some of the latest treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
Hospitals & Medical Clinics: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Research quality ratings and patient incidents/safety measures
for hospitals and medical facilities in specialties related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
Hospital & Clinic quality ratings »
Choosing the Best Treatment Hospital:
More general information, not necessarily in relation to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,
on hospital and medical facility performance and surgical care quality:
Medical news summaries about treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
The following medical news items
are relevant to treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
Discussion of treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
NINDS Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder Information Page: NINDS (Excerpt)
The usual course of treatment may include medications
such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) or
pemoline (Cylert), which are stimulants that decrease impulsivity and
hyperactivity and increase attention. Most experts agree that treatment
for ADHD should address multiple aspects of the individual's functioning
and should not be limited to the use of medications alone. Treatment
should include structured classroom management, parent education (to
address discipline and limit-setting), and tutoring and/or behavioral
therapy for the child.
(Source: excerpt from NINDS Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder Information Page: NINDS)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): NWHIC (Excerpt)
Many parents have tried nutritional methods, such as taking sugar out
of the child's diet, before they seek medical attention. A small body of
research has suggested that some children may benefit from nutritional
treatments, but there are no well-established methods that have
consistently shown to be helpful to most children with ADHD. Monitoring a
child's diet gets more difficult as a child gets older and more
independent, making effective research difficult. Also, delaying the use
of proven, effective treatments, and trying things with unknown effects is
likely to be harmful for many children. (Source: excerpt from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): NWHIC)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): NWHIC (Excerpt)
There are various forms of behavioral treatments used for children with
ADHD, including psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, social skills
training, support groups, and parent and educator skills training. An
example of very intensive behavior therapy was used in the Multimodal
Treatment Study of Children with ADHD (MTA), sponsored by the National
Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). In the study, the child's teacher and
the family participated in an all-day, 8-week summer camp. The camp aimed
to improve social behavior, academic work, and sports skills. The
therapist worked with teachers to develop behavior management strategies
to help behavioral problems interfering with classroom behavior and
academic performance. A trained classroom aide worked with the child for
12 weeks in his or her classroom to provide support and reinforcement for
appropriate, on-task behavior. Parents met with the therapist alone and in
small groups to learn ways for handling problems at home and school. (Source: excerpt from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): NWHIC)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): NWHIC (Excerpt)
Psychostimulant medications, including methylphenidate (Ritalin®) and
amphetamines (Dexedrine®, Dextrostat®, and Adderall®), are by far the most
widely researched and commonly prescribed treatments for ADHD. Several
short-term studies have proven the safety and effectiveness of stimulants
and psychosocial treatments for helping the symptoms of ADHD. Again, NIMH
research has found that the two most effective treatment methods for
elementary school children with ADHD are a closely monitored medication
treatment and a treatment that combines medication with intensive
behavioral interventions. In the MTA study, which included nearly 600
elementary school children across multiple sites, nine out of ten children
greatly improved on one of these treatments.
Antidepressant medications also may be used as a second line of
treatments for children who show poor response to stimulants, who have
unacceptable side effects, or who have other conditions with ADHD (such as
tics, anxiety, or mood disorders). Clinical studies have shown that these
drugs are effective in 60-70% of children with ADHD. While the medications
were extremely helpful to most children, MTA study results show that
medications alone may not be the best way to treat many children. For
example, children who had other problems (e.g., anxiety, stressful home
circumstances, lack of social skills, etc.), over and above the ADHD
symptoms, seemed to benefit most from the combined treatment.
(Source: excerpt from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): NWHIC)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): NWHIC (Excerpt)
Careful medication management is important in treating a child with
ADHD. The doctor is likely to begin with a low dose to test the child's
response. For methylphenidate (Ritalin®), the usual dosage range is 5 to
20 mg given two to three times a day. The dose for amphetamines
(Dexedrine® and Dextrostat® and Adderall®) is one-half the methylphenidate
dose. Dosage requirements do not always correlate with weight, age or
severity of symptoms in an individual patient. Some doctors prescribe a
combination of medications. Dosages may need to be increased during
childhood with increased lean body weight and decreases may be necessary
after puberty. Different doctors use these medications in slightly
different ways, and different children may respond differently to each
medication. (Source: excerpt from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): NWHIC)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): NWHIC (Excerpt)
The expected duration of treatment has increased during this past
decade as evidence has grown that shows benefits extend into adolescence
and adulthood. However, many factors make it hard for adolescents to
continue using medications: once on medication, adolescents see their most
obvious symptoms controlled, and think they don't need to take it
regularly. The medications' short-lasting effects make it necessary to
take them several times per day, although there are newer long-term
medications now being offered. Parents often get frustrated with the
limited results or side effects of the medication, and discontinue its
use. (Source: excerpt from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): NWHIC)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: NIMH (Excerpt)
For decades, medications have been used to treat the symptoms of ADHD.
Three medications in the class of drugs known as stimulants seem to be the
most effective in both children and adults. These are methylphenidate
(Ritalin), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine or Dextrostat), and pemoline
(Cylert). For many people, these medicines dramatically reduce their
hyperactivity and improve their ability to focus, work, and learn. The
medications may also improve physical coordination, such as handwriting
and ability in sports. Recent research by NIMH suggests that these
medicines may also help children with an accompanying conduct disorder to
control their impulsive, destructive behaviors.
Ritalin helped Henry focus on and complete tasks for the first time.
Dexedrine helped Mark to sit quietly, focus his attention, and participate
in class so he could learn. He also became less impulsive and aggressive.
Along with these changes in his behavior, Mark began to make and keep
friends.
Unfortunately, when people see such immediate improvement, they often
think medication is all that's needed. But these medicines don't cure the
disorder, they only temporarily control the symptoms. Although the drugs
help people pay better attention and complete their work, they can't
increase knowledge or improve academic skills. The drugs alone can't help
people feel better about themselves or cope with problems. These require
other kinds of treatment and support.
For lasting improvement, numerous clinicians recommend that medications
should be used along with treatments that aid in these other areas. There
are no quick cures. Many experts believe that the most significant,
long-lasting gains appear when medication is combined with behavioral
therapy, emotional counseling, and practical support. Some studies suggest
that the combination of medicine and therapy may be more effective than
drugs alone. NIMH is conducting a large study to check this (Source: excerpt from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: NIMH)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: NIMH (Excerpt)
Stimulant drugs, such as Ritalin, Cylert, and Dexedrine, when used with
medical supervision, are usually considered quite safe. Although they can
be addictive to teenagers and adults if misused, these medications are not
addictive in children. They seldom make children "high" or jittery.
Nor do they sedate the child. Rather, the stimulants help children control
their hyperactivity, inattention, and other behaviors.
Different doctors use the medications in slightly different ways.
Cylert is available in one form, which naturally lasts 5 to 10 hours.
Ritalin and Dexedrine come in short-term tablets that last about 3 hours,
as well as longer-term preparations that last through the school day. The
short-term dose is often more practical for children who need medication
only during the school day or for special situations, like attending
church or a prom, or studying for an important exam. The sustained-release
dosage frees the child from the inconvenience or embarrassment of going to
the office or school nurse every day for a pill. The doctor can help
decide which preparation to use, and whether a child needs to take the
medicine during school hours only or in the evenings and on weekends, too.
Nine out of 10 children improve on one of the three stimulant drugs. So
if one doesn't help, the others should be tried. Usually a medication
should be tried for a week to see if it helps. If necessary, however, the
doctor will also try adjusting the dosage before switching to a different
drug.
Other types of medication may be used if stimulants don't work or if
the ADHD occurs with another disorder. Antidepressants and other
medications may be used to help control accompanying depression or
anxiety. In some cases, antihistamines may be tried. Clonidine, a drug
normally used to treat hypertension, may be helpful in people with both
ADHD and Tourette's syndrome. Although stimulants tend to be more
effective, clonidine may be tried when stimulants don't work or can't be
used. Clonidine can be administered either by pill or by skin patch and
has different side effects than stimulants. The doctor works closely with
each patient to find the most appropriate medication.
Sometimes, a child's ADHD symptoms seem to worsen, leading parents to
wonder why. They can be assured that a drug that helps rarely stops
working. However, they should work with the doctor to check that the child
is getting the right dosage. Parents should also make sure that the child
is actually getting the prescribed daily dosage at home or at school--it's
easy to forget. They also need to know that new or exaggerated behaviors
may also crop up when a child is under stress. The challenges that all
children face, like changing schools or entering puberty, may be even more
stressful for a child with ADHD.
Some doctors recommend that children be taken off a medication now and
then to see if the child still needs it. They recommend temporarily
stopping the drug during school breaks and summer vacations, when focused
attention and calm behavior are usually not as crucial. These "drug
holidays" work well if the child can still participate at camp or other
activities without medication.
Children on medications should have regular checkups. Parents should
also talk regularly with the child's teachers and doctor about how the
child is doing. This is especially important when a medication is first
started, re-started, or when the dosage is changed.
(Source: excerpt from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: NIMH)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: NIMH (Excerpt)
As useful as these drugs are, Ritalin and the other stimulants have
sparked a great deal of controversy. Most doctors feel the potential side
effects should be carefully weighed against the benefits before
prescribing the drugs. While on these medications, some children may lose
weight, have less appetite, and temporarily grow more slowly. Others may
have problems falling asleep. Some doctors believe that stimulants may
also make the symptoms of Tourette's syndrome worse, although recent
research suggests this may not be true. Other doctors say if they
carefully watch the child's height, weight, and overall development, the
benefits of medication far outweigh the potential side effects. Side
effects that do occur can often be handled by reducing the dosage.
(Source: excerpt from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: NIMH)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: NIMH (Excerpt)
Several intervention approaches are available and different therapists
tend to prefer one approach or another. Knowing something about the
various types of interventions makes it easier for families to choose a
therapist that is right for their needs.
Psychotherapy works to help people with ADHD to like and
accept themselves despite their disorder. In psychotherapy, patients talk
with the therapist about upsetting thoughts and feelings, explore
self-defeating patterns of behavior, and learn alternative ways to handle
their emotions. As they talk, the therapist tries to help them understand
how they can change. However, people dealing with ADHD usually want to
gain control of their symptomatic behaviors more directly. If so, more
direct kinds of intervention are needed.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps people work on
immediate issues. Rather than helping people understand their feelings and
actions, it supports them directly in changing their behavior. The support
might be practical assistance, like helping Henry learn to think through
tasks and organize his work. Or the support might be to encourage new
behaviors by giving praise or rewards each time the person acts in the
desired way. A cognitive-behavioral therapist might use such techniques to
help a belligerent child like Mark learn to control his fighting, or an
impulsive teenager like Lisa to think before she speaks.
Social skills training can also help children learn new
behaviors. In social skills training, the therapist discusses and models
appropriate behaviors like waiting for a turn, sharing toys, asking for
help, or responding to teasing, then gives children a chance to practice.
For example, a child might learn to "read" other people's facial
expression and tone of voice, in order to respond more appropriately.
Social skills training helped Lisa learn to join in group activities, make
appropriate comments, and ask for help. A child like Mark might learn to
see how his behavior affects others and develop new ways to respond when
angry or pushed.
Support groups connect people who have common concerns.
Many adults with ADHD and parents of children with ADHD find it useful to
join a local or national support group. Many groups deal with issues of
children's disorders, and even ADHD specifically. The national
associations listed at the back of this booklet can explain how to contact
a local chapter. Members of support groups share frustrations and
successes, referrals to qualified specialists, and information about what
works, as well as their hopes for themselves and their children. There is
strength in numbers--and sharing experiences with others who have similar
problems helps people know that they aren't alone.
Parenting skills training, offered by therapists or in
special classes, gives parents tools and techniques for managing their
child's behavior. One such technique is the use of "time out" when the
child becomes too unruly or out of control. During time outs, the child is
removed from the agitating situation and sits alone quietly for a short
time to calm down. Parents may also be taught to give the child "quality
time" each day, in which they share a pleasurable or relaxed activity.
During this time together, the parent looks for opportunities to notice
and point out what the child does well, and praise his or her strengths
and abilities.
An effective way to modify a child's behavior is through a system of
rewards and penalties. The parents (or teacher) identify a few desirable
behaviors that they want to encourage in the child--such as asking for a
toy instead of grabbing it, or completing a simple task. The child is told
exactly what is expected in order to earn the reward. The child receives
the reward when he performs the desired behavior and a mild penalty when
he doesn't. A reward can be small, perhaps a token that can be exchanged
for special privileges, but it should be something the child wants and is
eager to earn. The penalty might be removal of a token or a brief "time
out." The goal, over time, is to help children learn to control their own
behavior and to choose the more desired behavior. The technique works well
with all children, although children with ADHD may need more frequent
rewards.
In addition, parents may learn to structure situations in ways that
will allow their child to succeed. This may include allowing only one or
two playmates at a time, so that their child doesn't get overstimulated.
Or if their child has trouble completing tasks, they may learn to help the
child divide a large task into small steps, then praise the child as each
step is completed.
Parents may also learn to use stress management methods, such as
meditation, relaxation techniques, and exercise to increase their own
tolerance for frustration, so that they can respond more calmly to their
child's behavior.
(Source: excerpt from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: NIMH)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: NIMH (Excerpt)
Here are a few types of treatment that have not been scientifically
shown to be effective in treating the majority of children or adults with
ADHD:
- biofeedback
- restricted diets
- allergy treatments
- medicines to correct problems in the inner ear
- megavitamins
- chiropractic adjustment and bone re-alignment
- treatment for yeast infection
- eye training
- special colored glasses
A few success stories can't substitute for scientific evidence. Until
sound, scientific testing shows a treatment to be effective, families risk
spending time, money, and hope on fads and false promises. (Source: excerpt from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: NIMH)
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