What are the treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?

Stimulant Medications

Stimulant medications are thought to help normalize the chemical action of neurotransmitters in your brain. Some examples of this type of medication are methylphenidate, dxtroamphetamine-amphetamine, dxtroamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine.

Non-stimulant Medications

If you cannot take stimulants because of an underlying medical condition such as high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe other medications. These take longer to work, but according to the Mayo Clinic can be an effective alternative to stimulants. Examples of these medications are atomoxetine, bupropion and venlafaxine. Bipropion and venlavaxine are anti-depressants.

Side Effects of Medication

Side effects of stimulant medications may include anxiety, insomnia, involuntary facial movements, a rise in blood pressure and an increased heart rate. Side effects of atomoxetine may include nausea, increased heart rate and painful urination. Side effects of the anti-depressants bipropion and venlavaxine may include headache, nausea and insomnia.

Psychotherapy

According the Mayo Clinic, adults and children who have been diagnosed with ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy. Common methods include counseling to help families deal with the effects of ADHD on the individual and family. Group sessions and individual counseling are used in both adults and children.

Home and Lifestyle Remedies

You can help to manage ADHD in children by setting up routines and being consistent. Your child's counselor may be able to help you learn parenting skills to help you and your child to focus and learn to adapt to ADHD. There may be programs in your child's school to help them work with ADHD and still succeed in their studies.

Adults can benefit from learning to make lists and keep on task. Using an appointment book and writing down ideas in a small notebook may help you to stay focused.

Alternative Medicine

The Mayo Clinic advises that, while alternative treatment options still need study, they may be useful in helping adults and children who suffer from ADHD. Yoga, dietary supplements, special diets, herbal supplements and biofeed back training are options you may want to investigate.

Source:

Mayo Clinic.com: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children

Mayo Clinic.com: Adult ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)