Treatment of ADHD

Many things have thus far been described about ADHD, but many wonder what the treatment options are for a disorder which is deemed by some to be nonexistent. Depending on the severity of ADHD in the individual, doctors may either prescribe medication, offer psychosocial treatment options or offer changes in the individual’s environment to treat it (1). The most common treatments are medications and psychological therapy.

The most commonly prescribed medications include stimulants, which help the patient with ADHD focus and stay awake, as well as complete tasks. These stimulants are mostly amphetamines. The drugs include Ritalin, Vyvanse and Adderall. These drugs are abused by students without ADHD to increase cognitive capacitance and endurance while studying. There are studies which have claimed to link the use of stimulant like medications to heart problems in later stages of life. Non-stimulant medications include Strattera and Intuniv, which are not used as often as stimulants but may be used in patients who cannot tolerate the use of stimulants (3).

Psychological treatments include behavioral interventions, parental, teacher and therapeutic recreational programs, and lifestyle changes (2). These treatments are preferred over drugs in children with an early diagnosis because it prevents the chance of side effects caused by drugs, which children are more prone to. Some changes such as proctoring of studying time and one-on-one learning can help form study habits which will stick with the child. Additionally, home schooling may be a plausible option since there is a less chance of the child becoming distracted.

There have been many developments in the treatment methods of ADHD, and research is still underway to learn more about how exactly the disorder works so that additional treatments can be developed. 

1) "ADHD Medication Choices, Effects, Advisories, and More." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2013.

2) "Easing ADHD without Meds." Http://www.apa.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2013.

3) "Nonstimulant ADHD Drugs: Uses, Types, Side Effects, and More." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2013. 

Prognosis of ADHD

Now that we’ve covered the basics of the physiology behind how ADHD affects the diagnosed patient, we can discuss how the disorder’s outcome, or prognosis. The effects of ADHD are not known to put one’s life in danger, but it can contribute to social problems, as we will discuss.

There is no cure for ADHD, but there are treatments such as drugs, counseling and lifestyle changes, or a combination of these. Most people diagnosed with ADHD will have the disorder throughout adulthood as well. Although most children can manage their ADHD and continue throughout adolescence and adulthood to lead productive, successful lives, others may not be able to manage it.

Those diagnosed with ADHD usually have social and educational problems (1). Strained relationships with siblings and parents are prominent as they do not follow directions as told or remember to do tasks as asked. About 25% of ADHD children develop antisocial disorder and become victims of criminal tendencies, substance abuse and/or suicidal behavior (2).

Ultimately, the best form of treating ADHD is diagnosing it early and properly treating it with medicine, counseling and/or lifestyle changes. Follow up on the next post to learn different treatments.  

1) "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)." Health News RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2013.

2) "Result Filters." National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2013.