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2008 ADHD Series
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The most common treatment recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics is medication. The first and most effective choice is stimulant drugs – including Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate CD, Focalin, Dexedrine, Adderall and Daytrana – which improve symptoms in about 70% of ADHD patients. It seems contradictory that stimulants would help calm the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD, but they do just that, as well as improve focus. If stimulants prove ineffective, the next drug class doctors prescribe are the anti-hypertensives: high-blood-pressure medications that are effective in treating aggressive and impulsive behaviors. These drugs include Catapres and Tenex. A third drug option is antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin. Parents are advised to closely monitor teens and children taking antidepressants for signs of suicidal behavior. All medications may have significant side effects, including loss of appetite, tics or twitches, nervousness and insomnia. Research of stimulant medications indicates they’re safe, but long-term effects haven’t been studied. A 2-year study of 540 7- to 9-year-olds showed those on stimulant meds grew 1/2-inch less per year than those unmedicated. So what, other than drugs, is available to treat ADHD? At the Drake Institute in Irvine, Dr. David Velkoff has developed a neurofeedback program that boasts impressive results by helping patients strengthen their brain and manage their symptoms without medication. “It’s a powerful technology but not a stand-alone treatment,” says Velkoff. “We combine it with behavior modification and family counseling. Used properly, we’ve seen long-term improvements in many patients we’ve helped, where years later they’re still symptom-free of ADD, or their initial improvement is sustained.” Drake Institute Stonecreek Plaza 4330 Barranca Parkway, Suite #130, Irvine 877.603.7253; drakeinstitutefm.com |
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