If you have a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), deciding on the best course of treatment can be stressful and confusing. There are many options for helping children and parents cope with the symptoms and specific challenges related to treating ADHD. Medication is not the only route to take. While medication is often extremely helpful, there are other choices to consider as well. A number of reliable treatments and strategies exist to help a child cope more effectively with concentration, focus, and impulsivity. It’s always best to consider all possibilities, including a combination of approaches, to help achieve a positive outcome at school, home, and socially.
Medication and ADHD
Medication is often recommended for the treatment of ADHD. For many children, medication not only offers relief from hard-to-manage symptoms, like impulsivity and hyperactive behavior, but also helps with increasing attention and focus. Of course, choosing medication over other types of treatment options is a very personal decision, and depends a lot on the severity of symptoms, the age and general health of the child, and whether or not other treatment choices may offer similar results. In considering medication, it is important to seek the guidance and recommendations of a practitioner with extensive experience in this area. Psychiatrists specializing in children and adolescents, with a focus on ADHD, are the most qualified to help make the best medication recommendation. There are many types of medications to consider, and having an experienced doctor evaluate the child is extremely important.
Exercise, Diet, and ADHD
Multiple studies have shown that physical exercise, for all children, but especially those with ADHD, can improve memory, focus, and cognitive flexibility. The medical journal Pediatrics cites research that children who participated in regular physical activity demonstrated improved cognitive performance and increased brain activity. Another study found that over a 12-week exercise program, children with ADHD showed improved results in math and reading scores. The study went so far as to suggest that current research supports the assertion that physical activity can have a very positive effect on children who have ADHD. This is particularly important information because many children today, especially children with ADHD, spend a great deal of time on computers, texting friends, and playing video games. As a result, it becomes that much more important to make sure children–again, all children, but especially those with ADHD–engage in regular physical activities, at school and outside of school. Organized sports, as well as individual pursuits like skating, biking, and swimming, are just a few examples.
Alternative Treatment Approaches
Yoga and mindfulness training have both been cited as alternative treatment approaches for children with ADHD. Researchers have found that the regular practice of yoga and mindfulness training increased a child’s ability to deal more effectively with attention problems and impulsive behavior. In some cases, adding yoga along with medication was also found to be very effective. One study suggested that, when used as a complementary treatment along with medication, yoga was particularly effective in the evening hours, when the effectiveness of medication is no longer present. Additionally, both mindfulness training and yoga have an impact on overall relaxation and calmness, which can aid in sleep, something that is often challenging for children with ADHD. Mindfulness meditation can be used by children of varying ages, helping them to gain better internal controls, have positive experiences of being quiet and still, and increase overall awareness of their behavior.
Therapy and ADHD
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help children learn to become more aware of the connection between their thoughts and behavior. Being able to develop this skill can aid in recognizing triggers for certain types of impulsive behavior, and think before acting. Often times this type of therapy involves a reward system, so a child can learn more effectively how positive behaviors have a positive impact. It can also help children organize their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, in ways that improve social relationships and school experiences.
Social Skills Training (SST) is very useful for children who have difficulty managing their social relationships. They may have trouble making and keeping friends, or act out inappropriately in social situations. These children can often benefit from a program where actual skills in relating effectively to others are taught. Children take part in groups where other children are having the same sort of difficulties, and the leader works collectively with all the members of the group to understand, respond, and interact more empathically and effectively. For many children, these groups can be their first successful social experience.
Parent Training
Parenting Skills Training (PST) can be very useful when raising a child with ADHD. There are so many factors to consider, and as a parent it is hard to know how best to address many of the challenges that come up at home and school. A therapist or educational professional can be of tremendous help in showing parents how to discover effective ways to deal with certain behaviors that are particularly challenging when raising a child with ADHD. It can also be helpful in teaching how to manage stress, which is often present for parents and child alike.
Diet
While diet doesn’t cause ADHD, a healthy diet can only help. It’s important, especially for children taking medication, to make sure they get enough calories throughout the day, plenty of protein, and lots of fruits and vegetables. Look for treats that are low on sugar, with limited preservatives and food coloring. Some professionals feel strongly that omega-3 oils help with brain activity, such as focus and concentration, though the research has some limitations.
Summary
In reviewing all of the treatment options and strategies, it is very important to consider all aspects of your child and family life. The best treatment is the one you will be able to use effectively, follow through with, and adapt to as easily as possible. If it’s too much of a struggle or challenge, it is less likely to work, resulting in frustration and a sense of failure. In researching the choices available, be thorough in your approach, ask lots of questions, and prepare yourself for some trial and error. Remember: treating ADHD is a process.
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Jamie Kay, Ph.D., received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from The Derner Institute at Adelphi University. She was the Director of the Center for Attention and Learning at Lenox Hill Hospital for seven years, securing and maintaining six Robin Hood Foundation grants. She has held senior positions at behavioral health centers and hospitals throughout the greater metropolitan area. Dr. Kay developed a series of groups and workshops at the esteemed 92nd Street Y Parenting Center on the Upper East Side of New York and maintained a private practice in Manhattan for over 20 years. Currently, Dr. Kay works exclusively with parents of children with learning disabilities and attention issues, through Learning Solutions NYC (www.LearningSolutionsNYC.com)
