Treating&Coping+with+ADHD

Treating ADHD.
A variety of medications and behavioral interventions are used to treat ADHD. The most widely used medications are methylphenidate (Ritalin), D -amphetamine, and other amphetamines. These drugs are stimulants that affect the level of the neurotransmitter dopamine at the synapse.40 Nine out of 10 children improve while taking one of these drugs.19 When used as prescribed by qualified physicians, these drugs are considered quite safe. Side effects associated with moderate doses are decreased appetite and insomnia. These side effects generally occur early in treatment and often decrease with time. Some studies have shown that the stimulants used to treat ADHD decrease growth rate, but ultimate height is not affected. Interventions used to treat ADHD include several forms of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, social skills training, support groups, and parent and educator skills training. A combination of medication and psychotherapy is more effective than either treatment alone in improving social skills, parent-child relations, reading achievement, and aggressive symptoms.24 Treating ADHD with a combination of medication and psychotherapy is more effective than either treatment alone in improving social skills, parent-child relations, reading achievement, and aggressive symptoms. In addition to the well-established treatments described above, some parents and therapists have tried a variety of nutritional interventions to treat ADHD. A few studies have found that some children benefit from such treatments. Nevertheless, no well-established nutritional interventions have consistently been shown to be effective for treating ADHD.24

Coping with ADHD.
As the symptoms indicate, ADHD interferes with a person’s daily life. Treatment is available to help individuals and relieve the symptoms, but some simple strategies—including those listed below—can also help. http://science.education.nih.gov/Supplements/Nih5/Mental/guide/info-mental-c.htm
 * Asking the teacher or boss to repeat instructions (rather than guessing what they were).
 * Breaking large assignments or job tasks into small, simple tasks. Set a deadline for each task and give a reward as each one is completed.
 * Making a list of what needs to be done each day. Plan the best order for doing each task. Then make a schedule for doing them. Use a calendar or daily planner to keep on track.
 * Working in a quiet area. Do one thing at a time. Take short breaks.
 * Writing things that need to be remembered in a notebook with dividers. Carry the book at all times.
 * Posting notes as reminders of things to do.
 * Storing similar things together.
 * Creating a routine. Get ready for school or work at the same time, in the same way, every day.
 * Exercising, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep.