Treating ADHD
3.0 stars from
1 votes
views: 734
Video Description:ADHD can be hard-hitting for children and their parents. Luckily, there are a host of treatment options available.
Transcript:You’ve just learned that your child has been diagnosed with AD/HD. What can you do now? There is no cure for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or AD/HD, but the good news is that 50% of sufferers grow out of it. The symptoms of this chronic disorder—inattention, impatience, fidgeting and an inability to focus—can be diminished, using one or a combination of several treatment options. Without treatment, a child with AD/HD may become antisocial, have low self-esteem and fail academically. A diagnosis of AD/HD doesn’t mean your child can’t thrive. People with AD/HD tend to be intensely creative, and more willing to take risks. The most successful treatments for AD/HD combine three approaches: behavioral management strategies, medication and classroom accommodations. Your doctor will help you design a plan that works for your family. Expect to make adjustments along the way as you monitor your child’s responses and progress. Doctors can prescribe several different medications for children with AD/HD. Surprisingly, stimulants help calm AD/HD sufferers. Stimulants, such as Ritalin and Adderall, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs increase the activity of the nervous system to improve focus and impulse control. About 80% of patients on stimulant medications show significant improvements. Non-stimulants such as Strattera can have similar results, but with fewer side effects. In some cases, a doctor may also prescribe antidepressants. The effects of each medication will vary from child to child, so your doctor may try several kinds or dosages. Behavioral management strategies help your child learn how to control his own behavior. It’s important to begin by establishing rules. Let your child know what is, and isn’t, acceptable behavior. Reward your child for following the rules, and take away privileges for misbehavior. Stick to a routine. A consistent schedule will help your child remember, for example, that 4 p.m. is homework time. Make sure distractions such as TV and video games aren’t accessible when your child is supposed to be doing something else. Children with AD/HD may have low self-esteem. Work with your child to find a hobby or activity in which he or she excels to help build up self -confidence. Children with AD/HD are eligible for special services at school, including extra time for tests, a seat near the teacher, and shortened work periods to improve focus. Generally, your child will need a medical diagnosis of AD/HD and a separate evaluation from the school to qualify. Work closely with your child’s teacher, who can provide support and supervision, and keep you updated on your child’s progress. There is no one “right” treatment for AD/HD—it’s best to talk to your physician so you can tailor a plan that’s best for your child. To learn more about AD/HD and getting an accurate diagnosis, be sure to check out the other videos available in this series.
Category:Kids Health/ADHD
Tags:Health, Healthcare, doctor, medical, medication, medications, Physician, Hospital, illness, Medicine, MD, Drug, practitioner, Prescription, Dr., Doc, Intern, GP, Cure, Video, Expert, Treatment, treatments, Symptom, Diagnosis, Nurse, Presciptions, FDA, Therapy, Vaccine, Vaccination, Pharmaceutical, Clinic, Checkup, Physical, Healer, Wellness, Insurance, HMO, PPO, Referral, Heal, Disease, Healing, Drugs, Fitness, Nutrition, Pill, Pills, Sick, ill, feeling bad, Pharmacy, Infection, Injury, ER, Emergency Room, Healthy, Mental Health, Psychiatry, Psychology, Mental Illness, Crazy, Insane, Shrink, Psych, Mental Help, Counseling, Depression, Withdrawal, Anxiety, Fear, Agitation, Psychotic, Anti-Psychotic, Mental Disorder, Neurotransmitter, Psychoanalysis, Psycho Analysis, Psycho-Social, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Session, Mood, Moods, Moody, Anti-Depressants, antidepressants, Anti-Depressents, antidepressents, Psychotherapy, Hypnosis, ADHD, ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Attention Deficit, ritalin, riddelin, ridelin, AD/HD, Learning Disability, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Behavioral Disorder, Childhood Disorder, Children's Health, Impulsive Behavior, School, School Psychiatrist, Fidgety Philip, Childhood Behavioral Disorder, trouble focusing, 
Comments
Be the first one to comment!
Create an account or Sign in to post a comment.