How+do+you+treat+ADHD?

**__HOW DO YOU TREAT ADHD?__**

Even though ADHD could not be cured there are many treatment options that could alleviate the symptoms.

**__BEHAVIORAL TREATMENT__**

Psychosocial treatment also known as behavioral treatment or behavior modification aims to help a child change his or her behavior. It might involve assistance, such as help organizing tasks or completing schoolwork, or working through emotional events. Behavioral therapy also teaches a child how to monitor his or her own behavior. Learning to give themselves praise for acting in a desired way, such as controlling anger or thinking before acting. Parents and teachers can also give positive feedback for certain behaviors. In addition, clear rules, chore lists, and structured routines can help a child control his or her behavior.

**__PARENT TRAINING __**

Parents of ADHD children need skills and tools to use all of the time. Training sessions involve information parents should know to apply to daily life. It is many of the tools that are used for behavior modification.
 * Setting house rules and a routine
 * Learning to praise wanted behaviors and to ignore mild unwanted behaviors (choosing your battles)
 * Using appropriate ways to let the child know what you want from him or her
 * Using "when-then" directions (when there is unwanted behavior, then adults take away rewards or privileges)
 * Planning ahead and working with children in public places
 * Using "time outs" during or after unwanted behavior
 * Using daily charts and point systems for both rewards and consequences
 * Using a school-home note system to reward school behavior and to track homework

__**MEDICATION**__ Medication is not used to control the behavior but to make the ADHD symptoms better. Medication is on a try basis. Many times you have to try different medication and different doses to get the desired result. For many children, ADHD medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and improve their ability to focus, work, and learn. Medication also may improve physical coordination.

Stimulant medications are medications that stimulate the frontal parts of the brain that are not filtering out distractions as well as they should. The three most common types of stimulants used to treat ADHD are methylphenidate (brand names: Concerta and Ritalin) amphetamine (brand name: Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (brand name: Dexadrine). Between 70 percent and 80 percent of children with ADHD do well with these medications. Their symptoms lessen. But the right medication and the right dose must be found for each individual. Methamphetamine hydrochloride (brand name Desoxyn) is a central nervous stimulant and is also approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD. Because it can be abused or lead to dependence, it is classified as a controlled substance. This medication is not commonly prescribed, except in rare circumstances.
 * Stimulant Medications**

Some people do just as well or better by taking medications that are not stimulants. //Nonstimulants// are often used when people do not do well on stimulants. A new medication (called Strattera) is specifically for ADHD. It is not a stimulant, but it also helps with inattention and with hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD.
 * Nonstimulant Medications**

Antidepressant

medications are sometimes used for ADHD, but not as often, to help with hyperactivity, anxiety or serious sleeping problems. Common antidepressants are Prozac, Zoloft, and Celexa. Most of the side effects of stimulant medication and Strattera when first using ADHD medications are mild and may not last long. The most common side effects are loss of appetite, headache, stomachache, and sleeping problems. The doctor usually can help manage these side effects.   
 * Possible Side Effects of Medications for ADHD**
 * One ADHD medication, the non-stimulant atomoxetine (Strattera), carries another warning. Studies show that children and teenagers who take atomoxetine are more likely to have suicidal thoughts than children and teenagers with ADHD who do not take it.**