How is ADD treatment done?
ADD is a complex disease and involves different and often, contradictory symptoms in people. This affliction is diagnosed and treated from childhood onwards; this makes the issue of treatment and medication, even more sensitive because it involves children. There is also a real risk of wrongly treated children, o carry the repercussions throughout their lives. So, the diagnosis, treatment methodology, medication and duration can only be determined by professionals. The treatment methodology is also highly individualized because every ADD afflicted child needs special diagnosis, attention and treatment. In general, ADD treatment involves combination of behavioral therapies, life style changes and medication. The emphasis is laid more on the life style changes and behavioral therapy because strong medication for children can lead to side effects that can last for their entire life time. Also, behavioral training can help the children in coping with their affliction in better way. Behavioral training can include many exercises that can help children to control their hyperactivity, impulsive behavior and also help them improve their concentration. The exercises can vary for each individual child, to suit the specific needs. Behavioral training must be continued religiously, without any breaks so that children get an opportunity to incorporate these changes into their routines.
Life style changes can also be unique and in accordance to the requirements of the children. Based on the symptoms and existing life styles, professionals can recommend additions and exclusions of tasks and activities, in the daily routines of the children. These tasks can help children to become more disciplined, organized and less forgetful. These life style changes can also help to control ADD in children. The major part of ADD treatment involves extensive usage of the above two aspects. Medication is also used in ADD treatment but only when it is absolutely necessary. Medication involves drugs for stimulation as well as suppression because ADD In children can have both types of symptoms. There is always the danger of children developing side effects because of medication, especially the suppressants. Children can get addicted to these drugs and can also develop psychological effects because of these drugs. But, some amount of regulated usage of these drugs is unavoidable. In spite of the above mentioned steps and medication, ADD in children cannot be successfully diagnosed and treated, without the help of the parents. The afflicted children need all the support and co-operation of their parents to cope with their ailment. Parents will have to be ready to become a part of the treatment process, even if it means a change in their own life styles.
