Treatment types:
Behavior Therapy
Behavior therapy, including training for parents; and
The goals of behavior therapy are to learn or strengthen positive behaviors and eliminate unwanted or problem behaviors. Behavior therapy for ADHD can include:
- Parent training in behavior management
- Behavior therapy with children
- Behavioral interventions in the classroom
These approaches can also be used together. For children who attend early childhood programs, it is usually most effective if parents and educators work together to help the child.For young children with ADHD, behavior therapy is an important first step before trying medication because:
- Parent training in behavior management gives parents the skills and strategies to help their child.
- Parent training in behavior management has been shown to work as well as medication for ADHD in young children.
- Young children have more side effects from ADHD medications than older children.
- The long-term effects of ADHD medications on young children have not been well-studied.Medications
Stimulants
Non-stimulants
Medication can help children manage their ADHD symptoms in their everyday life and can help them control the behaviors that cause difficulties with family, friends, and at school.
Several different types of medications are FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children as young as 6 years of age:
Stimulants are the best-known and most widely used ADHD medications. Between 70-80% of children with ADHD have fewer ADHD symptoms when taking these fast-acting medications.
Nonstimulants were approved for the treatment of ADHD in 2003. They do not work as quickly as stimulants, but their effect can last up to 24 hours.
Medications can affect children differently and can have side effects such as decreased appetite or sleep problems. One child may respond well to one medication, but not to another.
Healthcare providers who prescribe medication may need to try different medications and doses. The AAP, or the American Academy for Pedeatrics, recommends that healthcare providers observe and adjust the dose of medication to find the right balance between benefits and side effects. It is important for parents to work with their child’s healthcare providers to find the medication that works best for their child.