What are the Treatments for ADHD in Children and Teens?

ADHD in Children and Teens

 

The effectiveness of treatment for ADHD in children and teens varies greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the severity of the symptoms. Other factors that contribute to treatment are largely environmental, such as the consistency of treatment, the structure of the school and home settings, the level of support received from the school and parents, and the resources available to the family. This article is a summary of research-based factors that are effective in reducing the severity of ADHD symptoms.

 

 

  • Education
    • The first step for you as a parent is to get educated about ADHD. There are many great books on ADHD. See the “Books” tab on this blog for specific recommendations. There are also great websites, such as CHADD.org, which stands for Children and Adults with ADHD. On the CHADD website you’ll find endless resources and learning opportunities.
    • The second step is to assess whether you or your spouse may have the condition. One the greatest barries to effectively treating children with ADHD is having a parent with untreated ADHD. Children with ADHD need consistent parenting and help with organizing and structuring their lives. They need to make their treatment-related appointments and they need assistance with school, all of which are impaired if a parent is dealing with untreated ADHD. For many, the single biggest thing you can do to help your child, may be treating your own ADHD.
  • Medication: WebMD, and many other sources, identifies four categories of ADHD medication.
    • Stimulants:Stimulants are the first choice for treating ADHD symptoms with medication. They’ve been around a long time and have demonstrated their effectiveness. Some studies estimate that 85% of children respond favorably to stimulant medications. Treatment guidelines, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, suggests trying a stimulant medication before trying other medications for ADHD. There are two types of stimulant medications for ADHD.
    • Non-Stimulants: These include the brand names: Strattera and Intuniv. These are thought to be effective for fewer children than the stimulant class, but are sometimes used as additions to stimulant medication or alternatives for children who experience side-effects from stimulants medications. For more information see: http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/adhd-medication-chart
    • Anti-depressants: These include: Welbutrin, Tofranil, Pamelor, Aventyl, and Norpramin. In the treatment guidelines, these are also thought to be effective for fewer children than the stimulant class, but are sometimes used as additions to stimulant medication or alternatives for children who experience side-effects from stimulants medications. For more information see: http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/adhd-medication-chart
    • Blood Pressure Medications: These seem to be growing in popularity. They include: Clonidine, Kapvay, Tenex. These are also thought to be effective for fewer children than the stimulant class, but are sometimes used as additions to stimulant medication or alternatives for children who experience side-effects from stimulants medications. For more information see: http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/adhd-medication-chart
  • Accommodation: In terms of long-lasting effects and helping children learn strategies to cope with their symptoms, this step is key. (This section is still under construction. Check back soon)
    • School- Teacher training
    • Home- Parent training

Treatment Guidelines: To Medicate or Not….That is the Question!

There are several Treatment Guidelines for professionals, such as the American Academy, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, the Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance, and about 2-dozen others. Below basic consensus of many guidelines.  In short though, medication management and behavioral therapy together is usually the most effective approach for children over 6-years of age.

  • Children diagnosed with ADHD ages six and under:  First line treatment  is Behavioral Parent Training
  • Children diagnosed with ADHD ages 7 to 12 years:First line treatment is either Behavioral Parent Training, medication management, or both.
  • Teens diagnosed with ADHD ages 13-18: First line treatment is medication, with Behavioraltherapy assupplemental compliment to treatment.