Treatment of ADHD may include any or a combination of the following:
Education
As a parent, it is crucial to learn about ADHD as your child will need your guidance in properly managing their condition. Behavioural Parent Training (BPT) helps you learn ways to help your child behave better. It is facilitated by a mental health professional.
Medication
Medication is an important part of ADHD treatment. Common types of drugs used to control symptoms of the disorder include:
- Stimulants – This may help your child focus their thoughts and ignore distractions. It is used to treat moderate and severe ADHD. Stimulants have side effects, which include loss of appetite, sleep problems, weight loss, crankiness, and tics. Long-acting stimulants may have greater effects on appetite and sleep.
- Non-stimulants – They can help in cases where stimulants don't work or cause unpleasant side effects. This group of medicines can improve symptoms like concentration and impulse control. Common side effects of non-stimulants include fatigue, upset stomach, dry mouth, and nausea.
- Antidepressants – This can be used off-label to treat ADHD symptoms. The side effects of antidepressants include having trouble sleeping, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, and sweating.
Counselling and therapy
Counselling, which may be provided by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker is essential for a patient with ADHD. Moreover, behaviour therapy can help improve your child’s behaviour, self-control, and self-esteem as it can help curb symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattentiveness. It can also help the child do better in school or at home.
Likewise, parents have a crucial role to play in the treatment of a child’s ADHD. Thus, it can be helpful for parents to undergo Behavioural Parent Training (BPT). In BPT, you will learn how to create routine, house rules and procedures that are healthy for your child. It also teaches you how to implement age-appropriate discipline at home.
Treatment for ADHD may be a combination of different types of treatment. Consult our specialists regarding the best treatment for your child’s condition.
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