Did you or your child just receive a diagnosis by a qualified professional of ADD/ADHD? Are you worried about being labeled? Haven’t you been wondering why you couldn’t pay attention, organize, follow instructions, or pay attention to what is being said? Now, you know, and you can take steps to remedy the problem.http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_diagnosis.htm

You have a disorder of the brain that is quite common. There are mild cases where the individual only suffers from a few symptoms. In more serious cases the individual has more symptoms and more problems. Anyone can get ADD/ADHD, but it tends to run in families so it may be inherited. You do not have to suffer your entire life, because even though there is no cure, there is a lot of help available to help you lead a better life.http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_diagnosis.htm

It is possible you may have another mental health condition in conjunction with ADD/ADHD. Some of the disorders that are comorbid with ADD/ADHD are anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and learning disabilities. See How to Diagnose Anxiety Disorders, How to Diagnose Clinical Depression, How to Diagnose Alcoholism, and How to Diagnose Drug Abuse.http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_diagnosis.htm

This article on How to Treat ADD/ADHD will discuss myths about ADD/ADHD, what steps parents and teachers can take to help their child with the disorder, and the many methods of treatment that are available. Other articles you may like to read are How to Treat Anxiety Disorders, How to Treat Clinical Depression, How to Treat Alcoholism, How to Treat Drug Abuse, and How to Diagnose ADD/ADHD.http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_diagnosis.htm

Myth #1. All children with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive.

There are some children with ADD/ADHD who are hyperactive, but not all. Many of the children who have attention problems are not hyperactive. Children with inattentive ADD/ADHD, and no hyperactivity, can appear to an observer as being unmotivated and spaced out.

Myth #2: Children with ADD/ADHD are unable to ever pay attention.

This is totally false since many children are able to focus quite well on projects they enjoy and are interested in. In fact, sometimes they can actually be too focused. If a subject or task is repetitive and/or boring, they may be unable to focus on it no matter how hard they try.

Myth #3: Children with ADD/ADHD act out because they choose to and could control their behavior if they wanted to.

This is also totally false. Even when they try their best to behave, they are often unable to be quiet, pay attention, or sit still. This does not mean they are being difficult on purpose.

Myth #4: Children will grow out of ADD/ADHD eventually.

Although ADD/ADHD does not continue with all children into adulthood, it does for many. It is important for children to understand their symptoms and learn how to minimize and manage them while they are young. This will help them as they become adults.

Myth #5: Medication is always the best treatment option for ADD/ADHD.

Although medications are often prescribed for ADD, it is not always the best option for children. They are other methods of treatment for the disorder that can be very effective, such as: educating themselves about the disorder, behavior therapy, having a good support system at home and at school, getting plenty of exercise, and eating nutritiously. Getting the proper treatment can help them get on the right track to be successful in their lives.http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_signs_symptoms.htm

Other Myths

“Although the following factors may present symptoms similar to those of ADD, research has shown that there is no evidence that legitimate ADD is caused by the following:

- Immunizations;
- Too much TV;
- Poor home life;
- Poor schools;
- Bad parenting;
- Aspartame or sugar substitutes;
- Lack of vitamins;
- Fluorescent lights;
- Video games.” http://www.nativeremedies.com/ailment/child-add-symptoms-info.html

Parents

“When seeking a diagnosis for your child, you are your child’s best advocate and most important source of support. As a parent in this process, your roles are both emotional and practical. You can provide or ensure:

- Emotional support for your child during the diagnostic process. - The right choice of specialist for your child. - Unique and helpful information for doctors/specialists. - Open and honest answers to questions about your child’s history and current adjustment. - Speed and accuracy of evaluation, and a second opinion if necessary.”http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_diagnosis.htm

Some of the other things parents can do and share with the doctor are:

- Document your child’s behavior; - Keep track of the symptoms your child is displaying; - Make note of how often and what situations are they displaying the symptoms; - What age your child was when he/she first had symptoms; - If the disorder is interfering with the child’s school activities and friendships; - Any situations at home the doctor should be aware of; - Discuss your child’s diet. Keep a record of how he/she acts after eating different foods and foods with sugar.http://www.attentiondeficit-add-adhd.com/diagnosing_attention_deficit_disorder.htm

Even though ADD/ADHD is not caused by bad parenting, there are several things that parents can do to help correct problem behaviors. It is important for children to have structure in their lives, as well as consistency, clear communication, and consequences or rewards for their behavior. They need encouragement, support, and lots of love. “There are many things parents can do to reduce the signs and symptoms of ADD/ADHD – without sacrificing the natural energy, playfulness, and sense of wonder unique in every child.”http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_signs_symptoms.htm

Teachers

Since the school setting requires children to sit still, listen carefully, pay attention, following instructions, and concentrate, they can be very instrumental in documenting the child’s behavior. Children with ADD/ADHD want to do what is required but have a very hard time doing it because their brain will not allow them to. Teachers can help by:

- Document the symptoms the child is displaying; - Keep track of how often and in what situations they are displaying the symptoms; - If the symptoms are affecting the child’s school activities or friendships.

“There are many things both parents and teachers can do to help children with ADD/ADHD thrive in the classroom. It starts with evaluating each child’s individual weaknesses and strengths, then coming up with creative strategies for helping the child focus, stay on task, and learn to his or her full capability.”http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_signs_symptoms.htm

General Information

Even if you don’t have an official diagnosis of ADD/ADHD and your child is displaying symptoms of the disorder, there are things you can do to help your child. Get your child into therapy, make sure they have a nutritional diet and get plenty of exercise, and make sure the home environment is set up with a minimum amount of distractions.

If you do get a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD, work with the doctor, a therapist, and his/her teachers to make a treatment plan created just for the child that will meet his/her needs. “Effective treatment for childhood ADD/ADHD involves behavioral therapy, parent education and training, social support, and assistance at school. Medication may also be used; however, it should never be the sole attention deficit disorder treatment.”http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_signs_symptoms.htm

Children with a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD are often given prescription medications, but giving these drugs to children should be carefully evaluated because of side effects and warnings.

In addition to making the child’s diet more nutritional, it is important for the child to get plenty of sleep. Exercise should be incorporated into their life, if it is not already. Setting up a routine can also help. Other things that can help are relaxation therapy, meditation and yoga.

“There are also many herbal and homeopathic remedies which can help maintain harmony, health and systemic balance in the brain and nervous system, without side effects or sedation. These products are known for their supportive function in maintaining brain, nervous system, circulatory health, and well-being. “http://www.nativeremedies.com/ailment/child-add-symptoms-info.html

Medications

Medication alone does not address many of the issues a child or adult with ADD/ADHD has. It may give immediate relief but the person still needs skills to cope with the disorder. Many children may not need medication at all, but would do well with other types of therapy.

Stimulants

- Stimulants like Adderal and Ritalin are often prescribed. They act quickly and are usually well tolerated, but have some side effects. Any medication that does not appear to work after a few weeks will be replaced with a different medication until the most effective one is found. Other stimulants are Concerta, Metadate, Methylin, Dexedrine, and Dextrostat.

- Stimulants may cause side effects such as lack of appetite, headaches, feeling jittery, irritability, problems sleeping, gastrointestinal problems, higher blood pressure, depression or anxiety, and/or paranoia or psychosis. In some rare cases, they may cause tics. If any of these symptoms appear, you should call your doctor.

- Stimulants are not addicting and do not produce a high because it is believed that the medication helps correct problems with the neurotransmitters in the brain.

- About ten percent of children will not be helped by stimulants. In that case, antidepressants may be prescribed.

- Preschoolers taking stimulants should be put on very low doses, but there is no proof of its safety and efficacy. Thirty percent suffered side effects and eleven percent had to discontinue the drug because of the side effects. Careful monitoring should be used.

- Stimulants help curb hyperactivity and impulsivity, help the individual focus, work and learn, and help with coordination problems.http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/treatment-for-attention-deficit-disorder-adhd/

Non-Stimulants

- Newer drugs that have been approved which are not stimulants are Strattera and Vyvanse. They offer similar benefits to stimulants but work differently on the brain and may be easier to tolerate.http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/treatment-for-attention-deficit-disorder-adhd/

Antidepressants

- Antidepressants may be used instead of or with stimulants. They affect the chemicals of the brain such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Some of the drugs that are used are Effexor and Wellbutrin.

None of these drugs will cure the disorder, but they allow the child to be able to use their skills easier and have better coping skills. They help the child focus and improve their behaviors, and reduce or avoid emotional problems and/or addictions. Eighty percent of children and fifty percent of adults need medication. Children who also have bipolar disorder and are taking Lithium or Depakote, may not be able to take ADD/ADHD medications, or will have to take lower dosages.http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/treatment-for-attention-deficit-disorder-adhd/

Other treatments

- Cognitive-behavioral therapy either alone or in combination with medication. Helps children discuss feelings, explore behavior, learn alternative behaviors, feel better about themselves, build on their strengths, cope with problem in their daily lives, answer irrational or unhealthy thoughts, or control aggression and attention. It can also help the family by not only teaching them coping skills to handle behavior problems but by teaching them how to improve behaviors in the child.

- Support groups helps with connecting to others, discussing problems, and sharing advice in a compassionate environment.

- Social skills training helps child develop and maintain good social relationships. It also teaches them how to have conversations with others, learn to see others’ perspective, listen, ask questions, the importance of eye contact, and what body language and gestures are telling you. http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/additional-treatments-for-adhd/

Four types of treatment were studied: medication alone, behavioral treatment alone, a combination of both, and routine community care. “The best improvements were seen in the group given combined treatments and the group on medication alone. Of these, combined treatment led to the biggest improvements in anxiety, academic performance, oppositionality, parent-child relations, and social skills. In addition, some children in the combined group could be successfully treated on lower doses of medication than those on medication alone.”http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/treatment-for-attention-deficit-disorder-adhd/

The content on this page is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Speak with a qualified heath care professional to ensure that you have the most accurate information regarding any mental health diagnosis.

The content on this page is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Speak with a qualified heath care professional to ensure that you have the most accurate information regarding any mental health diagnosis.