health

Treatment for ADHD usually includes a combination of medications
and behavior therapy. The use of medications has been controversial.
However, children treated with both medications and behavior therapy
have been found to do better than those treated with behavior therapy
alone. It is important to understand that the medications prescribed for
ADHD do not cure the disorder. The medications only help the child
control the symptoms, and they must be taken every day.
The medications most commonly used to treat ADHD are psychostimulants,
which work by targeting the parts of the brain that produce
dopamine. These drugs include Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine. More
recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use
of a non-stimulant medication called Strattera, which works on another
brain chemical called norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is a hormone that
affects a person’s ability to pay attention and respond appropriately to
stress. Although medications for ADHD generally work well, they do
have side effects, such as sleep problems, weight loss, appetite loss, and
nervousness.
In addition to behavior therapy, children with ADHD may receive
social skills training and attend support groups. Many doctors recommend
parenting skills training for the parents of children with ADHD
and family therapy for the entire family.
Adults with ADHD are also treated with a combination of drugs and
psychotherapy. However, because adults need larger doses of psychostimulants
than children do, they must see their doctor periodically to make
sure that the drugs are not interfering with other medications they may
be taking, particularly drugs to control high blood pressure.
Some forms of alternative medicine that have been suggested as
treatments for ADHD include special diets, vitamin supplements, and
various herbal preparations. There is no evidence, however, that any
of these alternative approaches are useful for children or adults with the
disorder.