Treatment:

Treating ADHD is a partnership between the health care provider, parents or caregivers, and the child. For therapy to succeed, it is important to:

• Set specific, appropriate target goals to guide therapy.
• Start medication and behavior therapy.
• Follow-up regularly with the doctor to check on goals, results, and any side effects of medications. During these check-ups, information should be gathered from parents, teachers, and the child.

If treatment does not appear to work, the health care provider should:

• Make sure the child indeed has ADHD
• Check for other, possible medical conditions that can cause similiar symptoms
• Make sure the treatment plan is being followed

MEDICATIONS

A combination of medication and behavioral treatment works best. There are several different types of ADHD medications that may be used alone or in combination.

Psychostimulants (also known as stimulants) are the most commonly used ADHD drugs. Although these drugs are called stimulants, they actually have a calming effect on people with ADHD.

These drugs include:

• Amphetamine-dextroamphetamine (Adderall)
• Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)
• Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat)
• Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, Daytrana)

A nonstimulant drug called atomoxetine (Strattera) may work as well as stimulants, and may be less likely to be misused.

Some ADHD medicines have been linked to rare sudden death in children with heart problems. Talk to your doctor about which drug is best for your child.

BEHAVIOR THERAPY

Talk therapy for both the child and family can help everyone understand and gain control of the stressful feelings related to ADHD.

Parents should use a system of rewards and consequences to help guide their child's behavior. It is important to learn to handle disruptive behaviors. Support groups can help you connect with others who have similar problems.

Other tips to help your child with ADHD include:

• Communicate regularly with the child's teacher.
• Keep a consistent daily schedule, including regular times for homework, meals, and outdoor activities. Make changes to the schedule in advance and not at the last moment.
• Limit distractions in the child's environment.
• Make sure the child gets a healthy, varied diet, with plenty of fiber and basic nutrients.
• Make sure the child gets enough sleep.
• Praise and reward good behavior.
• Provide clear and consistent rules for the child.

Alternative treatments for ADHD have become popular, including herbs, supplements, and chiropractic treatments. However, there is little or no solid evidence that these work.

Expectations (prognosis):

ADHD is a long-term, chronic condition. If it is not treated appropriately, ADHD may lead to:

• Drug and alcohol abuse
• Failure in school
• Problems keeping a job
• Trouble with the law

About half of children with ADHD will continue to have troublesome symptoms of inattention or impulsivity as adults. However, adults are often more capable of controlling behavior and masking difficulties.

Calling your health care provider:

• Difficulties at home, school, and in relationships with peers
• Medication side effects
• Signs of depression