Does your child have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)? Let's talk about the treatment for it.

When your child is diagnosed with ADHD, it's normal to feel overwhelmed and confused . "What do I do now?", "Will my child get better?", "Do I need medication?" are all questions that come to mind. Don't worry. ADHD is a manageable condition. With the right treatment plan, your child can do much better in school, with friends, and at home.

Simply put, ADHD has three main symptoms: inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The goal of treatment is to manage these symptoms and make your child's life easier. But remember, not every child is the same. What works for one person may not work for another. So it may take some time to find a treatment plan that works for your child. Patience is key.

What are the treatments for ADHD?

Once your child is diagnosed with ADHD, you can work with your child's doctor to develop a treatment plan that's right for them. This may include a combination of several things:

• Medicines ( drugs )
• Behavior Therapy
• Counseling
• Educational services (support received through school)
• Lifestyle changes

It can take some time to find the right combination of all of these. The important thing is that while these treatments can greatly reduce ADHD symptoms, they cannot cure it completely. It is something we have to manage and live with.

Medications for ADHD

There are several main types of medications used to treat ADHD . Let's look at each one separately.

Stimulant Medication

These are the most common medications prescribed to children and young adults with ADHD. They have been used for decades, so there is a lot of evidence that they are effective. Studies have shown that once a child finds the right stimulant medication and dose, 80% of children experience a reduction in symptoms . That's why doctors usually try this type of medication first. They can be used in children as young as 6 years old.

They are called "stimulants" because they increase the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain called dopamine and norepinephrine . These chemicals help a child focus, concentrate, and control impulsive behavior.

There are two types of stimulants :

1. Short-acting: These only work for about 4 hours. So you have to take them two or three times a day. When the potency of a single dose decreases, the child's attention and mood can suddenly decrease.

2. Long-acting: These usually last for 6-8 hours, sometimes up to 16 hours. They help keep the baby's condition consistent throughout the day.

Non-stimulant Medication

If stimulants cause too many side effects for your child or if they don't work as well, doctors will switch to non-stimulants. These have a lower risk of addiction. Sometimes a doctor may prescribe a stimulant along with a non-stimulant.

These medications take a while to start working. You may not see a big difference for 3-4 weeks. However, the effects of a single dose last about 24 hours. Some of the approved non-stimulants are:

• Atomoxetine (Strattera)
• Viloxazine (Qelbree)
• Clonidine ER (Kapvay)
• Guanfacine ER (Intuniv)

Atomoxetine and Viloxazine are both antidepressants. So if your child has ADHD and also has anxiety or depression, these may be a good choice. Clonidine and Guanfacine are medications for high blood pressure. These can help control your child's hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.

Is medication alone enough? No, behavioral therapy is also needed!

While medication can help reduce ADHD symptoms, behavioral therapy is essential to help your child develop their behavior patterns, social skills, and ability to manage their own tasks. This involves teaching them good behaviors and eliminating problematic behaviors.

• For children under 6 years of age: It is recommended that parents receive parent training on behavior management before administering medication. Children of this age are more likely to experience side effects from medication.
• For children over 6 years of age: A combination of medication, behavioral therapy, school support, and parent training is recommended.

Things we can do at home (lifestyle changes)

In addition to the treatment plan, there are many things you can do at home that will provide great relief to your child.

1. Provide good sleep

It's common for children with ADHD to have sleep problems. Here are some things that can help:

• Make it a habit to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day .
• Turn off all electronic devices like TV, phone, computer, and video games at least an hour before bed.
• Reduce running and jumping before bed.

2. A healthy diet

• Eat small meals every 3 hours . This keeps blood sugar levels consistent, making it easier to stay focused.
• Offer protein-rich foods like milk, eggs, and nuts, as well as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (complex carbohydrates).
• Give fish like salmon and tuna, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as eggs and milk fortified with omega-3. Studies have shown that these can help reduce hyperactivity.

3. Exercise and outdoor play

• Give your child a good amount of exercise every day. This increases attention span as it produces brain chemicals.
• Things like dancing, gymnastics, and karate are great for children with ADHD because they require focus and discipline.
• Allow at least 30 minutes of outdoor, natural play time a day. Research has shown that this can reduce ADHD symptoms.

4. Ways to support the child

• Create a consistent routine: Keep mealtimes, homework time, playtime, and bedtime all in the same order.
• Give clear instructions: When telling your child to do something, be brief and clear. Don't give too many tasks at once.
• Praise your child: ADHD children often have to listen to criticism. So praise them for even the small good things they do, saying "Very good" or "Well done." This builds their self-confidence.
• Discipline calmly: Scolding and hitting a child will not help, especially with an ADHD child. When a child misbehaves, it is more effective to temporarily suspend a privilege (like watching TV) (time-outs or removal of privileges).

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