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A Few Options For ADHD Treatments

26 June 2018 by Clifford Ramos

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition that affects the way people think and behave. They have problems staying focused on things and staying still. As a child, it can be difficult to learn in school because they cannot stay focused on the teacher or the subject. The child may be disruptive in class when they cannot sit still or starts playing with something on their desk. As an adult, someone with ADHD will have trouble completing tasks at work. While there is no cure for ADHD, it can be treated so that a person can lead a normal life. There are a few different options for treatment and you should discuss with your doctor which will work best for you or your child.

Medication

It is possible to take a medication that will completely control the symptoms of ADHD. You may be prescribed a stimulant or a non-stimulant. In people with ADHD, a stimulant works to relax and slow down brain activity so they can focus on everything better. Basically, they work opposite to the way they do with people who do not have ADHD. However, some people do not like the way they feel when taking stimulants. They feel drugged and sluggish. In addition, some people experience trouble sleeping, headaches, and feel nervous and irritable. Non-stimulant medications increase norepinephrine in the brain so the patient pays better attention to things and has a better memory.

Behavior Therapy

Because the medications do work on the brain, many people are reluctant to use them or to give them to their child. While medications alone can treat ADHD, it is best if the patient undergoes some type of behavior modification therapy. They will learn how to cope with the inattentiveness and how to keep from feeling the need to get up and move. This can come in  handy if there is a time when medication is not available or if there is a stressful situation making the symptoms worse than normal. In addition, with time, a person may be able to lower the dosage of the drugs, or quit taking them completely. Of course, this should only ever be done with medical approval and supervision. 

While ADHD is not life-threatening, it can be life-limiting. If you or your child exhibit symptoms, it is best to seek professional help. An ADHD specialist will help determine which medication would be best, and also provide some behavioral therapy. This person may also teach ways to eat or foods to avoid to help with the symptoms. It won't be long before the patient can stay focused and behave appropriately.

To learn more, reach out to a ADHD specialist like Michele Campione, M.D.

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