Is Treating ADHD Really Necessary?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Many parents are all too familiar with the common symptoms of ADHD. They've spent their lives with a child who is filled with energy, finds it impossible to concentrate, and struggles with basic tasks in school. If you're the parent of a child with ADHD, however, you may find yourself wondering if it's really necessary to treat ADHD.
ADHD Treatment Isn't Just Drugs
When you think of treating ADHD, you probably think of drugs--and many parents don't like the idea of giving those medications to their child. Medications can come with a host of side effects, many of them negative: they can alter a child's moods and personality, increase heart rate, and decrease appetite, for example. Treating ADHD, however, isn't just about medication. It also involves:
- Behavior therapy
- Parent support
- Teacher support in school
- Classroom modifications
- Exercise and activity to help relieve symptoms
For students with ADHD, this combination of factors is critical to their academic, social, and emotional success both in and outside of school. Ignoring these critical aspects of treatment can lead to more significant problems down the road.
What are the Benefits of ADHD Medication?
Medicating a child or adult with ADHD has a number of key benefits. Adults with ADHD admit that medication helps them concentrate better, slowing the racing thoughts that characterize their daily lives and helping them to feel calmer. Medication can also help individuals with ADHD sleep better at night, which can also lead to a better day the next day.What Are the Drawbacks of Medication?Medication for ADHD can raise blood pressure, increase pulse rate, and lead to a decrease in appetite. The wrong ADHD medication for your child can also have extremely worrisome symptoms, including a child who loses their energy and zest for life temporarily.Can You Treat ADHD Without Medication?Whether or not you can treat ADHD without medication often depends on the severity of the symptoms, the individual child, and the dedication of the people around them to helping them achieve success with or without medication. The simple answer, of course, is, "Yes, it's possible to treat ADHD without medication." Many successful ADHD treatments begin with retraining the parents in how to deal with their child's symptoms. In other cases, modifying the classroom environment, working with the child's teacher, and implementing plenty of physical activity throughout the day can help a child with ADHD function better. The decision ultimately rests with the parents and the child's doctor, who can help guide them to a responsible decision for their child.Finding the right course for treating your child with ADHD is a journey. It's important to recognize that, while medication may take effect immediately, it's not an overnight solution. If you're ready to start working with your child on ADHD treatments or you're concerned that your child might have ADHD, contact us today to learn more.
