The treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, known as ADHD, is done using medication, behavioral therapy or the combination of these. In the presence of symptoms that indicate this disease, it is important to consult with the pediatrician or child psychiatrist, who can guide the best treatment for each child. To identify the symptoms of ADHD and take the online test, check out how to know if it is ADHD.
In addition, for the treatment of childhood ADHD to be effective, it is very important that parents and teachers become involved in the treatment, improving the environment in which the child lives, through the creation of a routine, organization of the environment and the offering of activities in the right moment.
The natural ways to aid in the treatment of this syndrome are food control, avoiding foods rich in dyes and sugars, such as lollipops, candies and gelatine, stimulating the practice of physical activities, as well as performing alternative therapies such as meditation and acupuncture, which are very useful for calming and stimulating the concentration of the child.
Treatment options for the hyperactive child include:
1. Drug treatment
The treatment for ADHD is made with medications that promote a decrease in impulsiveness, inattention and movement symptoms, facilitating better social interaction and performance in school or work. Options include:
- Psychostimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), are the first choice for treatment;
- Antidepressants, such as Imipramine, Nortriptyline, Atomoxetine, Desipramine or Bupropion, for example;
- Antipsychotics, such as Thioridazine or Risperidone, for example, are useful only in specific cases for behavior control, especially when there is mental retardation;
In case of difficulties with the treatment, there are still other medicines that can be used, such as Clonidine or Guanfacine, for example. The type of medication, doses and time of use are determined by the psychiatrist, according to the need of each child or adult.
2. Treatment with psychotherapy
The psychotherapy that is indicated for the treatment of ADHD is called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, made by psychologists, and is focused on supporting behavior changes and creating better habits, allowing a coping of the problems caused by the disease and bringing motivation and autonomy.
Throughout the psychotherapeutic treatment it is also important to work with the entire social context of the child with this syndrome, involving parents and teachers to maintain day-to-day guidelines that are essential to help maintain the focus and attention of the child.
3. Natural Options
Alternative ADHD treatment, which does not replace but assist in the treatment of the person with ADHD, includes:
- Relaxation techniques and meditation, through yoga, acupuncture and shiatsu, for example, as they help control the symptoms of agitation and improve concentration. Check out some natural ways to help calm and tips on how to help your child sleep faster;
- Maintenance of an organized home environment, with rules that facilitate the development of tasks and improve concentration, since the disorganized environment can influence the behavior of impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention;
- Encouraging the practice of physical activities is essential to decrease hyperactivity as it helps to expend energy and relax.
- Caring for food by avoiding foods rich in colorings, preservatives, sugars and fat, which can worsen behavior and impulsivity.
In addition, treatment with a speech pathologist is recommended in specific cases where there is, simultaneously, a reading disorder, known as dyslexia, or disorder of the written expression, known as dysortography.
Family orientations
Guidelines for the family on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are important to complete the treatment of this disease. Some of them are:
- Create regular schedules in the child's daily life;
- Look into the child's eyes when talking to her;
- Help organize the study site by removing materials that may distract you;
- Offer a quiet and quiet space for the child to sleep and study;
- Offer another activity when the child begins to get restless;
- Divide the information and use fewer words to explain something.
In addition, it is important to promote the socialization of the child with other children as a way to decrease the symptoms of ADHD. Also check out some tips to teach the child to pay attention.
