Modern Treatment Options for ADHD and ADD

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can affect both children and adults although it has become increasingly more associated with children. For individuals with ADHD, controlling behavior and focusing is near impossible. Today, experts estimate that between 3% and 5% of all school-age children have ADHD, which is about two million in the United States alone. For the child, school becomes a place of torment while for the teacher, a time of frustration.

Although ADHD was first described in 1845 by Dr. Heinrich Hoffman, it was not until 1902 when it was identified by Sir George F. Still. For years, a real misunderstanding surrounded ADHD. In fact, most parents simply thought they had a hyperactive child who had eaten too much sugar or from bad parenting. However, we know today that ADHD is actually linked to a genetic dysfunction. The good news is that having a better understanding of ADHD means having a better chance through medicine and therapy of overcoming the symptoms.

Typically, a person with ADHD would show signs of hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention, and sometimes, outburst of anger from the high level of frustration. While some children will have symptoms appear quite suddenly, it is more common for the symptoms to show up over months. Regardless, if you have a child that is displaying any of the signs, you should have him or her examined by a reputable doctor, someone who deals specifically with ADHD.

Chances are that the doctor will place your child on medicine, which can make a huge difference in the child's behavior and ability to cope. The most common types of medication used include Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrine, Focalin, Metadate ER, and Ritalin. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration has also recently approved another type of medicine called Strattera or Atomoxetine. (Some alternative therapies such as pine bark extract and biofeedback are starting to gain ground with those concerned parents who do not want to go the pharmaceutical route.) Many times, this medicine coupled with the right type of therapy shows tremendous improvement in the child.

Then, when you add the medicine and therapy in with teachers and parents that understand ADHD and can work together for the sake of the child, you would expect to see even better results. Just remember, working with ADHD is not an instant fix but with persistency and the right tools together, the child can go on to live a perfectly normal life.