How do you as a parent make sense of all the claims and therapies suggested for AD/HD children today? There are numerous AD/HD “treatments” without scientific evidence to back them. Although unscientific, they appeal because we don’t want to medicate our children unless it’s absolutely necessary.
The goal of treatment is to help a child function at his/her absolute best. Therefore, treatment needs to be tailored to the individual child. The same thing doesn’t work for every child given his/her unique chemistry, personality and abilities. The best approach is a comprehensive one in which cognitive-behavior therapy and behavioral management are teamed with parent education, social skills training and family support services. Medication may be needed and given in conjunction with other therapies.
Standard treatment is usually a combination of stimulant medication and psychotherapy. Stimulant medication affects the part of the brain that regulates activity. If the diagnosis is accurate, you see immediate improvement in completing schoolwork, paying attention and controlling impulses.
So far, there are no serious long-term effects of placing children on these stimulants. However, we don’t know how safe they are for children under the age of six. We also don’t know the impact of psychotropic medications on the developing brain of a child.
Therapy usually focuses on helping parents understand the disorder and what they can do to help their child. Children often feel relieved to know that they aren’t “bad” kids but kids in need of assistance. Parents are taught to design behavior programs that help their child understand rules and spell out clear and consistent rewards and consequences. For example, AD/HD kids are helped when things are written down and defined.
Treatment is important. We know that any mental health condition left untreated can lead to serious problems. Don’t let you health insurance policy dictate the treatment. Those who give authorization may insist you go to a physician and place your child on medication before you try anything else. Sometimes, they won’t pay for anything but medication. Don’t let them limit your options. Your child may need something different or something more.
Let’s review:
Step 1: Get a proper diagnosis – work with a team of professionals who can discriminate AD/HD from other medical and mental health issues.
Step 2: Collaborate as a team -pediatricians, psychologists, teachers, parents, principals, and anyone working with your child. Strategize together for the best interventions.
Step 3: Don’t be forced into a “medication only” solution. In many cases this is inappropriate but pushed because it is an easy solution.
Step 4: Learn about behavioral treatments, support groups and psychotherapy so you can tailor treatment to your child. For example, one organization that offers tremendous support is CHADD (Children With Attention Deficit Disorders).
Step 5: Be wary of treatments that promise miraculous success but have no scientific proof to back claims. There is a plethora of ideas and “cures” on the popular market. There are also a number of people making treatment claims who can’t back them up with any data. Before you spend money on any of these claims, ask to see the scientific literature behind them.