Exploring ADHD Treatment Options

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Before exploring the various ADHD treatment options, we first must discuss the disorder itself, and what symptoms are most problematic. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common childhood neurological disorders in this country, affecting over 8 million children aged 3 to 17. ADHD has three subtypes: predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, predominantly inattentive, or combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive. As you can probably discern from the names, ADHD is characterized by inability to focus or pay attention, hyperactivity, difficulty controlling urges, and trouble communicating and interacting with others.

ADHD Medication: A Double-Edged Sword

Historically, all ADHD treatment options have begun with medication. ADHD medications, such as Adderall, are primarily stimulants designed to improve focus and enhance your child’s attention span. There are also non-stimulant prescriptions for the disorder out there, and medications such as antidepressants have also been used to combat ADHD. The problem with ADHD medication is twofold. First, you expose your child to a litany of side effects, ranging from mild (i.e. dry mouth) to serious (i.e. seizures). Beyond this, ADHD medication will often make your child simply not feel good, and this is heartbreaking when we are talking about young people. The second major issue with ADHD medication is that there is no conclusive link between prescription medication and better performance in school or society. ADHD medication is a short-term fix that should be no more than a part of a treatment plan designed at long-term alleviation of symptoms. The problem is, many parents – and even doctors – don’t realize this, and we end up with a bunch of overmedicated children who struggle with ADHD far beyond adolescence.

Therapy and Skills Training

Whether medication is among your chosen ADHD treatment options, a rigorous regiment of psychotherapy or skills training has provided much better results. Children are taught how to cope with their disorder and doctors have a chance to get to the root of the problem. The only issue here is that it can be very time-involved and also quite pricey when there is no potential end in sight.

Alternative Routes

Fortunately, when it comes to ADHD treatment options, we live in a great time. Studies have shown that moderate changes to diet, sleep and exercise all can have a dynamic impact on treating ADHD and the severity of its symptoms. Additionally, there are also some really innovative new therapies out there. One such method known as neurofeedback is certainly worth checking out because of the relative ease of the therapy and its potential long-term impact. Neurofeedback is designed to re-route brainwaves that have gotten off-track and are actually causing neurological disorders such as ADHD. The therapy is all painless and noninvasive, and over time will teach your child’s body to self-correct such issues, defeating the need other ADHD treatment options.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD