ADHD Treatment
Tuesday, August 8, 2006

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, affects an estimated three to seven percent of school aged children. In today’s 60 Second Housecall, Dr. Ken Davis focuses of treatment of the condition.

Treatment rarely cures Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It can help control the symptoms, of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

It can also improve:

-   relationships with family, teachers and peers,

-   disruptive behaviors,

-   school performance,

-   self‑esteem.

The most effective treatment for the symptoms of ADHD is medication. This includes psychostimulant medications, such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. These medications improve symptoms in about 70 percent of people who have the condition. Antidepressants may also benefit people with ADHD.

Behavior training is also used to treat ADHD in children or adults. It is tailored for individual problems and may include behavior management, social skills training and counseling.

It is important to understand that ADHD is a medical condition that cannot be consistently controlled without treatment. Help your child learn about the condition and the importance of following treatment plans. Your child is more likely to successfully control symptoms when he or she actively participates in treatment.

For North Mississippi Medical Center, I'm Dr. Ken Davis.