Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental condition caused by impairments related to growth and development in the brain and central nervous system.
ADHD symptoms are typically marked by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and sometimes impulsivity. Children with ADHD struggle to maintain their attention on activities assigned to them and take off to impulsive behaviour. They are often restless in school, may not want to complete their homework and will have trouble managing their time in the long run.
If you feel that your child is exhibiting ADHD behaviour, consult a pediatrician. Sometimes, what you expect to be ADHD may be a sign of some other condition or even normal behaviour for a child of a certain age group. However, if your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, these are the different ways in which you can look at treatment:
Medication
Although there is no permanent medicative cure for ADHD, the following are some medications that help in controlling restless behaviour and improving concentration, so as to facilitate learning in children with ADHD.
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- Methylphenidate hydrochloride
- Dexamfetamine sulfate
- Dextroamphetamine/amphetamine formulation
- Guanfacine
- Atomoxetine
A few other medications used in the treatment of ADHD are listed in this article.
Remember not to medicate your child on your own. It is best to seek the guidance of a certified paediatrician to first properly diagnose the condition and then prescribe necessary treatment.
Therapy
Therapy is an important part of ADHD treatment. This includes (but is not restricted to) the following:
- Behaviour Therapy
Parents, teachers and other key caregivers are taught to manage and modify a child’s behaviour through a number of mechanisms (like rewarding good behaviour). The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that behavioural therapy be the first step in treating ADHD among young children. This is because, behavioural therapy,in itself, can go a long way in resolving behavioural challenges.
- Psychoeducation
This includes the child with ADHD, the caregiver/parent and a psychologist openly involving in discussion about ADHD in order to explore ways that will help cope with the situation. This type of therapy is also known as parental therapy.
- Electroencephalographic (EEG) Biofeedback
It is a type of neurotherapy that measures brain waves and can be used in teaching children with ADHD to concentrate and improve their focus through special video games.
Parenting Remedies
- Food Restrictions
Foods with artificial colouring and preservatives are best avoided, as some of them may aggravate hyperactive behavior in children with ADHD. It is also advised to avoid foods that could potentially cause allergies to your child. You could read more on dietary restrictions here.
- Extracurricular Activities
Managing schedules is one of the areas in which children with ADHD seem to struggle. For this very reason, parents of such children have the tendency to avoid creating a busy schedule of activities for their children. However, experts feel that the additional push to do more might be just what these children need.
Enrol your child in a sport of his/her choice, or an activity like swimming, participation in Scouts, singing in a choir, and so. The process will not be without challenges, but the end result will definitely be worth it. We recommend that you refer this article to know more on how to go about this.
Practising activities like yoga and tai chi also bring down the levels of anxiety and hyperactivity experienced by youngsters, so encouraging your child to incorporate either of these into their daily schedule might be of help. It has also been observed that even 20 minutes spent outdoors or in union with nature can bring about positive effects in children with ADHD and improve their ability to concentrate.
To consult a doctor in Chennai, call 044 4511 1111 and book an appointment with Venkataeswara Hospitals.
