Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder - The Essential Guide
By the time you finish reading this article, you'll have a pretty good understanding of some currently used methods of treating attention deficit hyper activity disorder.
In layman's terms, attention deficit hyper activity disorder, also known as ADHD, is a problem with sustained concentration, attention, and the inability to complete tasks and can affect both children and adults.
Over-activity, impulsiveness, inattentiveness, impatience, problems with communicating and interacting with others, boredom and excessive worrying are some of the more common symptoms.
Since there is no specific test that identifies ADHD, diagnosis can only be determined through detailed and tedious evaluation of past and present behavior.
ADHD is a narrow field of study that is best performed by psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, and ADHD specialists.
There are a variety of options for treating ADHD, ranging from medical and behavioral to more natural alternatives.
But in any case, all plans should include follow-ups for close monitoring.
Drug therapy for ADHD can include stimulants or non-stimulants.
Stimulants, which help patients focus and ignore distractions, are most widely used and have been found to be effective in 70%-80% of patients.
Some of the more common stimulants used today are Ritalin, Methlin, Adderall, Concerta, Cyclert, Dexedrine, Focalin and Metadate.
The first nonstimulant drug used in treating ADHD was Strattera.
When Strattera or other stimulants prove ineffective or are not well tolerated, drugs such as Pamelor, Wellbutrin, Effexor, Catapres or Tenex are usually prescribed.
As with most drugs, those used for ADHD treatment can have side effects.
Some of the common side effects are sleep problems, headaches, decreased appetite and weight loss, jitteriness, stomachaches and social withdrawal.
For patients with undiagnosed or pre existing heart conditions, some stimulants have been known to cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.
Behavioral therapy is a commonly used method for treating ADHD.
This method focuses on adjusting the patient's environment, establishing routines and generally creating more structure.
Generally speaking, children with ADHD usually require help organizing their lives.
This can be accomplished by creating schedules in order to establish daily routines, and organizing daily tasks and belongings.
It is much easier for the child to deal with life when there is structure and specific steps to follow.
Rewarding this behavior helps to encourage the child to continue following the rules.
Adult ADHD is treated using a variety of techniques.
Behavioral and cognitive therapy is used to enhance self esteem.
Stress management techniques and relaxation are used to reduce anxiety and stress.
Strategies for organizing home and work activities can be accomplished with behavioral coaching, and job coaching helps to improve work relationships and performance.
Homeopathic remedies are extremely popular today, and highly effective for treating a wide variety of conditions and illnesses.
This is especially true with children, where parents are hesitant to use drug therapy.
These remedies are safe, and don't interact negatively with any over the counter or other prescription medications the patient may be taking.
When considering a homeopathic product, be sure it is manufactured in an FDA registered facility under the supervision of a pharmacist or other qualified homeopath.
Now that you are armed with this information, you will be able to make a more informed decision regarding treatment for attention deficit hyper activity disorder.
In layman's terms, attention deficit hyper activity disorder, also known as ADHD, is a problem with sustained concentration, attention, and the inability to complete tasks and can affect both children and adults.
Over-activity, impulsiveness, inattentiveness, impatience, problems with communicating and interacting with others, boredom and excessive worrying are some of the more common symptoms.
Since there is no specific test that identifies ADHD, diagnosis can only be determined through detailed and tedious evaluation of past and present behavior.
ADHD is a narrow field of study that is best performed by psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, and ADHD specialists.
There are a variety of options for treating ADHD, ranging from medical and behavioral to more natural alternatives.
But in any case, all plans should include follow-ups for close monitoring.
Drug therapy for ADHD can include stimulants or non-stimulants.
Stimulants, which help patients focus and ignore distractions, are most widely used and have been found to be effective in 70%-80% of patients.
Some of the more common stimulants used today are Ritalin, Methlin, Adderall, Concerta, Cyclert, Dexedrine, Focalin and Metadate.
The first nonstimulant drug used in treating ADHD was Strattera.
When Strattera or other stimulants prove ineffective or are not well tolerated, drugs such as Pamelor, Wellbutrin, Effexor, Catapres or Tenex are usually prescribed.
As with most drugs, those used for ADHD treatment can have side effects.
Some of the common side effects are sleep problems, headaches, decreased appetite and weight loss, jitteriness, stomachaches and social withdrawal.
For patients with undiagnosed or pre existing heart conditions, some stimulants have been known to cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.
Behavioral therapy is a commonly used method for treating ADHD.
This method focuses on adjusting the patient's environment, establishing routines and generally creating more structure.
Generally speaking, children with ADHD usually require help organizing their lives.
This can be accomplished by creating schedules in order to establish daily routines, and organizing daily tasks and belongings.
It is much easier for the child to deal with life when there is structure and specific steps to follow.
Rewarding this behavior helps to encourage the child to continue following the rules.
Adult ADHD is treated using a variety of techniques.
Behavioral and cognitive therapy is used to enhance self esteem.
Stress management techniques and relaxation are used to reduce anxiety and stress.
Strategies for organizing home and work activities can be accomplished with behavioral coaching, and job coaching helps to improve work relationships and performance.
Homeopathic remedies are extremely popular today, and highly effective for treating a wide variety of conditions and illnesses.
This is especially true with children, where parents are hesitant to use drug therapy.
These remedies are safe, and don't interact negatively with any over the counter or other prescription medications the patient may be taking.
When considering a homeopathic product, be sure it is manufactured in an FDA registered facility under the supervision of a pharmacist or other qualified homeopath.
Now that you are armed with this information, you will be able to make a more informed decision regarding treatment for attention deficit hyper activity disorder.
Source...