Top Ten Questions About Treatment For ADHD Answered

Have you ever wondered about all the treatment options that are available for ADHD? Although psycho-stimulants are the conventional treatment of choice for ADHD, parents still have a lot of questions about its safety and effectiveness. Further, many parents are looking for alternatives to conventional treatment but need unbiased information about it. Here are the top ten questions about treatment for ADHD answered to help you decide which treatment method is best for your child.

1. What prescription drugs are available for the treatment of ADHD? Long-acting and short-acting stimulants are available for ADHD treatment. Long-acting stimulants are preferred because only a single daily dose is needed. Some popular stimulants for ADHD treatment include Ritalin, Adderall, Clonidine, and Dexedrine.

2. What alternative treatments for ADHD are known to be effective? Some people find success with herbal supplements but the most successful treatments are homeopathic preparations, which are formulated in laboratories and known to be highly effective.

3. What are the side effects of treatment for ADHD with prescription drugs? Side effects of prescription drugs include insomnia, headache, stomachache, anxiety, depression, psychosis, mood swings, and dizziness, to name a few.

4. Are alternative treatments for ADHD 100% safe? Some herbs are known to be just as dangerous as prescription medications and must be used with caution. However, homeopathic formulas are 100% safe and can be taken for long periods with no risk of side effects.

5. Do psycho-stimulants work for everyone who takes them? Psycho-stimulants are effective for many people but some people suffer too much from their side effects. Others only see mild improvement with the use of psycho-stimulants.

6. Are the long term results of treatment for ADHD with prescription drugs known? Studies show that long term use of prescription drugs for ADHD treatment can lead to a higher susceptibility to substance abuse problems and depression in adulthood. It can also lead to brain changes and permanent behavioral changes sometimes considered a suppression of personality.

7. Do alternative treatments for ADHD dangerously interact with prescription drugs? Some herbs do interact dangerously with prescription drugs so you must read labels very carefully before taking any herbal supplements. Homeopathic remedies do not interact with any drugs and can be taken safely with any prescription drug.

8. Which are more affordable, prescription drugs or natural treatment for ADHD? Americans spend billions of dollars annually on prescription drugs for ADHD. Natural treatments are highly affordable and widely available over-the-counter on the other hand, even though insurance doesn't cover them.

9. Are there any lifestyle factors that could contribute to ADHD? Nutritional deficiencies and a lack of exercise can lead to ADHD. A healthy diet and lifestyle can go a long way in treating the symptoms of ADHD.

10. Are alternative treatments for ADHD the best treatment choice for everyone? No treatment choice is the best for everyone who suffers from ADHD. Some people may only have success with prescription drugs but because of their dangerous side effects, they should be considered a last resort and only sought out after all other treatment options have been exhausted.

Do yourself a favor and keep this information in mind when deciding on a treatment plan for your child. ADHD can severely affect your child's quality of life if not treated effectively. While conventional treatments may be helpful in some cases, it's important to address all factors that could cause ADHD such as diet and lifestyle. By making the necessary changes and administering a 100% safe homeopathic treatment for ADHD, it's possible that your child's ADHD will go away once and for all. Remember that medication is not a cure-all. It's possible to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD in your child without putting his health at risk.

John Paduchak is a health researcher and the webmaster of http://adhd-planner.com and http://natural-adhd-remedies.com designed to help parents and those with ADD/ADHD find natural remedies & information to improve their lives. John has ADHD and is also a parent of 2 children with ADD/ADHD. One of his children's ADHD symptoms were so severe it forced him to do continual research on the subject and share it with everyone who might benefit from the effort in his sites.

Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD

ADHD is a biological disorder where there is more disagreement than agreement. It has even gone through a lot of incarnations from "Hyper-kinesis" to its present form, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Much of the information is gained from experiences and stories narrated by ADHD adults or parents of ADHD children. Let's see what kind of questions are generally asked about ADHD.

1. What is ADHD? What causes it?

Ans: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a biological mental disorder found in both adults and children who exhibit problems in four main areas of their lives: Inattention, Hyperactivity, Boredom. The root cause of ADHD is under debate. But it is commonly maintained that ADHD can be due to the brain structure and functioning and some genetic factors. Studies show that if a parent or a relative carries the ADHD gene, the child stands a 70% chance of getting ADHD.

2. How do I know if my child has ADHD?

In reality, the symptoms of ADHD vary from one individual to another. Children in common are seen to be distracted and hyperactive. But you should observe carefully if he or she

a) Is very easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds.

b) Does not listen to what is being said.

c) Cannot follow instructions.

d) Fidgets or squirms excessively.

e) Cannot remain seated for a while.

f) Does not pay attention for a long duration.

g) Interrupts the activities or talks often.

h) Jumps from one activity to another.

i) Often loses things.

j) Often talks excessively.

i) Is making careless mistakes often without paying attention to detail.

3. How can I confirm it?

A little inattentiveness or hyperactivity is common in children and in some adults. You don't have to worry or panic if your child or an elderly family member is being too talkative, forgetful or impulsive as in ADHD. The diagnosis is mainly based on the degree at which these symptoms show up and how inappropriate they are for the person's age. They have to be excessive, long-term, and pervasive in order to be ADHD.

4. Will my child outgrow ADHD?

ADHD has no ultimate cure and it grows with the individual. By developing their strengths (high-energy) and by using medication when needed ADHD individuals can lead a better life.

5. How can I correct the causes?

Nothing is known about how to prevent ADHD. It is believed that "brain foods" can reduce the chances of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Your brain should get enough nutrients and blood circulation for the proper functioning of all its parts. In addition, healthy habits during pregnancy, good parenting skills and helping your child's attention skills- all can help with his learning disabilities.

6. What are the medications given for ADHD children?

Unlike the earlier days, now there are a lot choices on ADHD medications. The first line treatments happen to be Stimulants whereas antidepressants are administered if stimulants don't work. Vyvanse, Adderall XR and Concerta are some of the Long-acting stimulants (up to 12 hrs) while Short/Intermediate acting stimulants are Ritalin (Methylphenidate HCl), Ritalin SR, Methylin Chewable Tablet and Oral Solution, Metadate ER, Methylin ER and the like. Strattera is a non-stimulant given to children to help with their anxiety.

7. Do the ADHD stimulants have any side-effects?

Some people may find decreased appetite, headaches, stomachaches, difficulty in falling sleep, jitters, and social withdrawal as side effects. But these can be handled by lowering the dosage levels.

Puneet writes a blog about ADHD and helps ADHD sufferers to find new treatments in naturopathy and alternative medicine. If you are looking for a well-researched herbal remedy for ADHD, you may read more.