ADHD Behavioral Therapy – What Can Go Wrong
Behavioral therapy for ADHD is widely considered to be one of the best treatment methods for managing this very individualistic disorder and is often seen as being infallible by ADHD professionals. And why not, after all it is void the side effect risks, it can be used in conjunction with other safe and effective treatments such as homeopathic ADHD remedies, and best of all ADHD behavioral therapy has one of the best overall success rates of any treatment option. So with all these positives what could possibly go wrong?
The truth of the matter is that ADHD behavior modification is only as good as the people involved in it and can be implemented too rigidly if you're not careful.
Why don't we explore three areas where the best laid plans of ADHD behavioral therapy can go wrong.
*The carrot and the stick. The use of rewards and consequences to control another person's actions can be seen as a form of bullying. The degree that ADHD behavior modification is oppressive and coercive is determined by the degree and range of control which is trying to be achieved. Even the most subdued behavior modification models attempt to alter behaviors through external control. So in order for this form of treatment to be effective a gentle balance must be struck between the child and those attempting to implement an ADHD behavioral therapy regime. As we all know seamlessly blending strong/unique personalities is never easy, especially those personalities that are struggling with ADHD symptoms.
*Who's the boss? Many ADHD experts strongly encourage parents and teachers to take control even if it requires a strong handed approach. Conversely research tells us that this type of heavy handed action can lead to a power struggle and it is actually better to gain the upper hand by thoughtful preparation and creative adjustments. Rules and consequences are certainly an important part of ADHD behavioral therapy but their effectiveness depends on the child's willingness to abide by them. What if a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder wakes up one day and decides they aren't going to abide by the rules? What do you do then? The only way to avoid this nightmare scenario is to set the ground rules in advance making sure the rewards and consequences are agreeable to all.
*The basic premise of ADHD behavior modification can trigger resistance. The idea that a person's behavior needs to be controlled for them to fit in can be offensive to some and trigger a certain amount of resistance and resentment. The perception of those taking offense is that without rewards and consequences they have little chance of learning to act properly. This perception in turn creates a situation where as soon as behavior therapy has concluded and parental oversight has vanished the ADHD child simply reverts back to their old way of thinking and acting.
In conclusion, ADHD behavior modification can be quite effective when done with compassion. The trick is being authoritative without being perceived as a tyrant. In other words, setting up a system that's fair, is clear cut, and doesn't exert control to a point where the child is no longer allowed to make some decision on his own.
Additionally, a recent research study conducted by the National Institute of Health found that no one ADHD treatment is as effective as the combination of two or more. An all natural, side effect free, example of this would be the combination of ADHD behavioral therapy, diet modification, and homeopathy.
The truth of the matter is that ADHD behavior modification is only as good as the people involved in it and can be implemented too rigidly if you're not careful.
Why don't we explore three areas where the best laid plans of ADHD behavioral therapy can go wrong.
*The carrot and the stick. The use of rewards and consequences to control another person's actions can be seen as a form of bullying. The degree that ADHD behavior modification is oppressive and coercive is determined by the degree and range of control which is trying to be achieved. Even the most subdued behavior modification models attempt to alter behaviors through external control. So in order for this form of treatment to be effective a gentle balance must be struck between the child and those attempting to implement an ADHD behavioral therapy regime. As we all know seamlessly blending strong/unique personalities is never easy, especially those personalities that are struggling with ADHD symptoms.
*Who's the boss? Many ADHD experts strongly encourage parents and teachers to take control even if it requires a strong handed approach. Conversely research tells us that this type of heavy handed action can lead to a power struggle and it is actually better to gain the upper hand by thoughtful preparation and creative adjustments. Rules and consequences are certainly an important part of ADHD behavioral therapy but their effectiveness depends on the child's willingness to abide by them. What if a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder wakes up one day and decides they aren't going to abide by the rules? What do you do then? The only way to avoid this nightmare scenario is to set the ground rules in advance making sure the rewards and consequences are agreeable to all.
*The basic premise of ADHD behavior modification can trigger resistance. The idea that a person's behavior needs to be controlled for them to fit in can be offensive to some and trigger a certain amount of resistance and resentment. The perception of those taking offense is that without rewards and consequences they have little chance of learning to act properly. This perception in turn creates a situation where as soon as behavior therapy has concluded and parental oversight has vanished the ADHD child simply reverts back to their old way of thinking and acting.
In conclusion, ADHD behavior modification can be quite effective when done with compassion. The trick is being authoritative without being perceived as a tyrant. In other words, setting up a system that's fair, is clear cut, and doesn't exert control to a point where the child is no longer allowed to make some decision on his own.
Additionally, a recent research study conducted by the National Institute of Health found that no one ADHD treatment is as effective as the combination of two or more. An all natural, side effect free, example of this would be the combination of ADHD behavioral therapy, diet modification, and homeopathy.
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