children s health issues
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Treatment of ADHD
Psychostimulant drugs Behavior modification Children are treated with both behavioral therapy and stimulant drugs. Drugs help to relieve symptoms and allow children to participate more easily in school and other activities. Younger children, especially, benefit from combination therapy. For preschool-aged children, behavioral therapy alone may be all that they need. The federalIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)requires public schools to provide free and appropriate education to children and adolescents with ADHD. Education must be provided in the least restrictive, most inclusive setting possible—that is, a setting in which the children have every opportunity to interact with nondisabled peers and have equal access to community resources. TheAmericans with Disability ActandSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Actalso provide for accommodations in schools and other public settings. and other Amphetamines are the psychostimulants most often prescribed. They are equally effective and have similar side effects. A number of slow-release (longer-acting) preparations are available in addition to the regular forms and allow for once-daily dosing and may help to prevent inappropriate use. Side effects of psychostimulant drugsmay include Sleep disturbances (such as insomnia) Appetite suppression Headaches Stomachaches Elevated heart rate and blood pressure Depression, sadness, or anxiety Most children have no side effects except perhaps a decreased appetite. All side effects disappear when the drug is stopped. However, when taken in large doses for a long time, stimulants can slow children’s growth, and this slowed growth can continue into adulthood, so doctors monitor weight and height. If children are growing slowly or have other significant side effects, doctors may advise drug holidays. A drug holiday is stopping the stimulant drug at times when children do not need to be as attentive and focused, for example on weekends or during the summer. However, some children have great difficulty functioning even outside of school and may not tolerate drug holidays. A number of other drugs can be used to treat inattentiveness and behavioral symptoms. These drugs include Atomoxetine(a nonstimulant ADHD drug) Certain drugs typically used for high blood pressure such asclonidineandguanfacine Antidepressants Antianxiety drugs Sometimes, a combination of drugs is used. To minimize the effects of ADHD, structures, routines, a school intervention plan, and modified parenting techniques are often needed. Children without significant behavior challenges may benefit from drug treatment alone. However, stimulants do not work around the clock, so adaptations may be needed to help with organizational and other skills. Behavioral therapy conducted by a child psychologist is sometimes combined with drug treatment. 