THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES FOR CHILDREN WITH ADHD Therapeutic Approaches for Children with ADHD

Attention Deficiency Hyperactivity Disorder is a disorder which is observed in 3-5% of school-age children. ADHD can be masked even until adulthood, causing a range of complications at home, school, and work if not being diagnosed on a timely basis and without an appropriate therapy. Currently, this disorder continues to appear in around 60% of adults who suffered from it in their childhood. According to Bock (2008), ADHD symptoms include inattentiveness, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity that are unacceptable for people at a particular age. Thus, children with ADHD are often easily distracted from work by surrounding sounds and other things. They cannot concentrate for a long time on activities with low motivation, like doing home tasks instead of playing games on their computer. They are restless and impulsive and might have a tendency to somnolence in the daytime. It is still unknown what the exact cause of ADHD is. Scientists presume that people with this disorder have certain changes within the brain. Therefore, the environment cannot be regarded as a cause of the disorder. For an appropriate ADHD analysis and diagnosis, no method has been worked out or implemented yet. Such a diagnosis can be made after the child has been regularly examined for around six months for the presence of some or all symptoms of ADHD. Moreover, in order to establish a diagnosis of ADHD, it is worth gathering information from several sources, for example school, teachers, and parents. On the basis of these details, an attending physician can compare the childs behavior at home and at school. Additionally, an attending physician would have to conduct a health check in order to define the presence of other possible deviations in the health state of the child that might influence certain behavioral changes. Still, an attending pediatrician can determine if the child has ADHD by taking into

THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES FOR CHILDREN WITH ADHD

account standard guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics. These guidelines are used for diagnosing children from six to twelve years old. Therefore, an attending pediatrician can classify symptoms into three types of ADHD: combined, hyperactive / impulsive, and inattentive types. The first one, a combined type, is also known as an inattentive / hyperactive / impulsive type. Children with this ADHD type have all three symptoms. It is the most widespread form of ADHD. The second type, hyperactive / impulsive one, means that children have both hyperactivity and impulsiveness, but they still can concentrate. The third type, inattentive one, was previously considered as a symptom of ADHD. Children with this ADHD type do not demonstrate extra hyperactivity. They are not very impulsive. That is why this type is rather often not noticed by parents. According to Rosen (2012), although it is still impossible to fully cure ADHD, the treatment might help in controlling its symptoms. There are several treatment methods. One of them deals with the use of stimulating medications, known as psychoanaleptics. They have been prescribed for a long period of time for the treatment of ADHD symptoms. These medications are also used in cases of both moderate severity and serious conditions for the treatment of both adults and children from six years old, except for the use of such medications as Adderall and Dexedrine that are safe for children from the age of three years. Therefore, the list of medications includes Adderall, Dexedrine, Focalin, Metadate, and Concerta. If to use these stimulators for quite a long time, there is a risk of addiction. That is why it is worth controlling the use of such medications, especially if patients have previously suffered from any other addiction. Another treatment method deals with non-stimulating medications. Strattera is the only non-stimulating medication for ADHD treatment. It is approved for controlling ADHD symptoms in children and adults. However, this medication might lead to the appearance of suicidal thoughts while its use. Therefore, if a patient takes such medications, an attending

THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES FOR CHILDREN WITH ADHD

physician should more thoroughly examine and observe the patient in order to regulate and change the prescribed medications. Another treatment method is based on the use of antidepressants. Sometimes this treatment method is prescribed for those patients who significantly suffer from depression, accompanying ADHD. However, as a rule, antidepressants are less effective in ADHD treatment than stimulating and non-stimulating medications, especially if taking into account the ability to concentrate. Besides, in order to achieve a sufficient effect from antidepressants, the patient should take them at least for two-four weeks. Moreover, there are also other medications used for ADHD treatment. Two medications, namely Catapres and Telex, are usually prescribed for those who suffer from the high blood pressure and show a certain efficient rate in treatment of ADHD while being used solely and together with stimulating medications. Together with the medication part of ADHD treatment, it is worth paying attention to techniques of behavior controlling. They are perceived as a significant part of any successful ADHD treatment strategy. Most experts agree in opinion that a combination of medication therapy with techniques of behavior controlling is the most effective treatment method for ADHD patients.

THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES FOR CHILDREN WITH ADHD References

Bock, K. & Stauth, C. (2008). Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies: The Groundbreaking Program for 4-A Disorders. USA, NY: Ballantine Books. Rosen, L. & Cohen, J. (2012). Treatment Alternatives for Children with ADHD. USA, FL: ALPHA.