ADHD: Managed through Medications and Behavioral Therapy

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disability that cannot be cured but can be managed through treatments such as medications, which have been used for decades, and behavioral therapy, which can be used to manage the disorder. In some instances, behavioral therapy has been recommended by medical professionals to enhance the effectiveness of the medications. Behavioral therapy could be just as effective without the prescriptions and safer. Along with weekly appointments to see a therapist as a treatment, it would require family involvement, which would encourage a day to day lifestyle change and include a structured support system. Though medications are a solution, in time tolerances can build and leave the patient with the initial problem requiring more doctors’ visits, more trials of dosage for medications, and additional therapy. Treating ADHD with behavioral therapy should be an option considered over medications.
ADHD is a disability common and mainly treated in children but also affects adults. ADHD is a disorder caused when a part of the brain is not functioning properly causing the person to be over-active and unable to control themselves in situations that require focus and patience. Around 2 million children are diagnosed with ADHD, a chronic disorder, in the U.S. (Doheny, 2007). Paying attention or sitting still in school can be difficult for children with ADHD; it also can affect their grades, their peer relationships (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011), and their ability to respond to authority figures such as teachers or principals. The inability to sit still for long periods of time or to concentrate on schoolwork, especially tests, supports the thought of the child needing extra help in school to eliminate the challenges. Many, but not all children with ADHD are being or can be classified as having learning disabilities which would qualify them for special education services in their school (American

References: American Academy of Pediatrics. (2011, October 16). Medications and behavior therapy. Retrieved from http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/adhd/pages/Medications-and-Behavior-Therapy.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken Block, J., & Smith, M. (2012, December). [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_treatments_coping.htm Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (adhd) Contrada, J. D. (2004, September 09). Consider behavioral therapy before medication for ADHD kids, ub psychologist says