When a doctor diagnoses your child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, you have to think about what kind of treatment will work best for your child. Doctors may be quick to hand out medication to treat the disease, and it may work for some children, but some parents complain that the medication turns their child into a zombie, removing some of the personality quirks that make the child special.

When a doctor diagnoses your child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, you have to think about what kind of treatment will work best for your child. Doctors may be quick to hand out medication to treat the disease, and it may work for some children, but some parents complain that the medication turns their child into a zombie, removing some of the personality quirks that make the child special.

Significance

ADHD can be a serious condition that affects your child’s performance in both school and life in general. It could cause teachers to label him a “bad kid,” make it difficult for him to remember his homework and result in poor grades. Treating ADHD can remove some obstacles to his success, helping him to function in society, despite his disorder.

Types

Doctors can prescribe medicine to counter the effects of ADHD. Stimulants, such as Ritalin, Dexedrine and Adderall balance the brain chemicals in your child, helping him to focus. If these medicines don’t work–or have significant side effects–your doctor may try non-stimulant drugs for ADHD, such as Strattera, or an antidepressant. You can also turn to more natural treatments, either in conjunction with or in lieu of, medication. These include establishing routines, making checklists, getting enough exercise, avoiding potential allergens in food and learning relaxation techniques.

Time Frame

If you are using medication, you may notice an almost instant change in your child’s behavior. Some children, however, take longer to respond. If you choose to use only natural techniques, avoiding medication, it can take several weeks for your child to improve. Occasionally, your doctor may try one medication, and you find that it isn’t effective for your child. Trying different medications to find the right one can take a long time, up to a year or longer. Some children will grow out of ADHD; for others, it’s a lifelong battle.

Considerations

There is no physical test for ADHD. The doctor will diagnose your child based on the behavior problems that you are experiencing. If your child truly has ADHD, he will exhibit the symptoms both in and out of school. If you think that a doctor or a school teacher has been too quick to make the ADHD diagnosis, seek out a second or third opinion.

Controversy

Some believe that children are too frequently misdiagnosed with ADHD when they are simply just active children or children who do not learn well through the types of techniques frequently used in schools. The use of stimulant drugs in children is also controversial–while the medication does indeed help those who have a chemical imbalance in the brain, it is not healthy for children to take it if they don’t have this imbalance.