For ADHD, one has to manage the patient from all aspects. This includes using the power of medication as well as non-medicinal therapies.
Medication:
Stimulant medications are advised in conventional treatment for ADHD.
However, there are certain very important aspects about Stimulants that one needs to be aware of:
- The action of these medications lasts for a maximum of 8 hours.
- Because their time of action is temporary, these medications need to be taken regularly, and this may cause habit-forming and dependence.
- Stimulants only serve to reduce the symptoms, not cure them, since the cause of ADHD is not considered in conventional treatment for ADHD.
- They do not cover the overall symptomatology of ADHD.
- Stimulant medications are known to cause disturbing side effects like loss of appetite, nausea, indigestion, reduced stamina and tics among others.
Behavior Modification Treatment for ADHD:
Clinical Behavioral Therapy- This therapy deals with teaching parents and care takers how to deal with their ADHD-afflicted child.
Cognitive Behavioral Intervention- This treatment for ADHD helps the child to gain self control, balance reactions to stimuli, learn self-evaluation and self-management.
Contingency Management- This is an intensive program wherein the child is taught in the classroom and awarded for special achievements.
