" ADHD"
ADHD is defined as a behavioral disorder that includes symptoms such as, developmentally inappropriate levels of attention, concentration, activity, distractibility, and impulsivity. The causes and prevention strategies are unknown at this time. ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder of childhood, and it is estimated that from 3 to 5% of youngsters are affected.
Children with ADHD experience long-term effects on academic performance, vocational success, and social-emotional development. They suffer from peer rejection, have higher injury rates, are more likely to smoke cigarettes, get involved in violent criminal activities, abuse drugs, become pregnant as a teenager, and exhibit antisocial behavior. It is also estimated that schools spent over $3 billion on ADHD students, in 1995.
If you have a child who you think might be exhibiting these symptoms, what type of treatment should you expect to get from your health-care provider? There are several current treatments for ADHD, which include, psychotropic medications, psychosocial treatment, dietary management, herbal and homeopathic treatments, biofeedback, and meditation. The most effective treatment to date includes a combination of psychotropic medications and clinical behavior therapy. Teaching parents "child management skills" has also been shown to be effective. Ask your health care provider where to take these classes.
Once your child has been appropriately diagnosed by either his physician or therapist, you should expect to have monthly visits with school personnel as well as your health care professional who is prescribing the medication, so that everyone involved can continually evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. It is very important for your doctor to closely monitor the effects of different doses of the prescribed medication. Very high doses have been known to cause adverse effects such as central nervous system damage, heart and blood vessel damage, hypertension, liver damage, and movement disorders.
What are the psychostimulants used in treatment?
Methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), and pemoline (Cylert). These medications are known to reduce restlessness by an unknown mechanism. If your child takes Ritalin, you will need to be educated on a few things. First of all, make sure that your child takes the medication 45 minutes before meals. The last dose of the day should not be taken after 6 pm to avoid insomnia. Vital signs should be taken at every doctors visit, and appropriate blood tests should be administered, such as CBC, platelet counts, and liver function studies, on a periodic basis. Adverse effects from the drug may, and probably will diminish with time, so encourage your child to stay on it. Careful supervision is required during withdrawal from the drug to avoid severe depression and psychotic behavior. Don't panic now! Adverse reactions usually happen to people who don't follow their providers advice.
Having a child with ADHD puts a tremendous amount of stress on the family, the child with the disorder, and the school.
Do everything you can to help your young one.
