Medication versus Alternative Therapy in ADHD

964 Words2 Pages

Medication versus Alternative therapy in ADHD

When dealing with adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD may become a challenge for many parents. Knowing the facts about this disorder and how to treat the problem is the key to a healthy lifestyle for adolescents as well as families. Many therapies and medications are available to families with children with ADHD but many questions that parents have with their children with ADHD is which therapy is best and what would work best with their children and their quality of life. The question of which therapy, alternative versus medication therapy would improve adolescent’s quality of life and behavior modification.
One of the biggest concerns when dealing with ADHD is the cost of treatment. A recent study conducted by the centers of disease control estimated if improvements were made in the health promotion of individuals then the financial savings could reduce the cost by 31.6 billion dollars (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. 2013).
The impact of ADHD has been noted to have an effect on an individuals social, educational, and health status. Understanding the nature of ADHD and the effect it has on other family members is also imperative. ADHD can increase family conflict and stress as well as limit family activities such as work and community life (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. 2013).
One of the main treatments for ADHD is the use of medication. Primarily the main medication used is stimulants such as amphetamines. Amphetamines have been used in this treatment due to its effects of reducing the symptoms of ADHD such as behavior and irritability (Hodgkins, Shaw, McCarthy, Sallee, 2012). A major concern though with the use of amphetamines is...

... middle of paper ...

...rtz-dorten, A., Breuer, D., Hautmann, C., Rothenberger, A., & Döpfner, M. (2011). What contributes to patient and parent satisfaction with medication in the treatment of children with ADHD? A report on the development of a new rating scale. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 20, 297-307. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00787-011-0207-z
Hodgkins, P., Shaw, M., McCarthy, S., & Sallee, F. R. (2012). The pharmacology and clinical outcomes of amphetamines to treat ADHD. CNS Drugs, 26(3), 245-68. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.2165/11599630-000000000-00000
Sarris, J., Kean, J., Schweitzer, I., & Lake, J. (2011). Complementary medicines (herbal and nutritional products) in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A systematic review of the evidence. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 19(4), 216-27. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2011.06.007

Show More
Related

  • The Pros and Cons of Adderall

    824 Words  | 2 Pages

    ADHD is believed to be caused by abnormalities in the dopamine neurotransmitters in the brain (Berne 4). The symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity that are inappropriate for a person's age level. In other words, the patient’s brain is like a light constantly going off and on at the worst possible times. Although there is no cure for ADHD, treatment can help control symptoms. Stimulant therapy is the most commonly used type of treatment. These drugs improve ADHD symptoms in 70 percent of adults and 70-80 percent of children shortly after starting treatment (ADHD 3). Adderall RX, or its formal name of Methylphenidate, is the most common form of treatment for ADHD. In an article by Dr. Phillip W. Long, he states that, “The mode of action in man is not completely understood, but meth...

    Read More

  • Over Diagnosis And Over Prescriptions Of Adhd

    1834 Words  | 4 Pages

    sure what causes ADHD, although some suggest that genes play a dominant role. Most likely

    Read More

  • Children, Adolescents & Psychotropic Medication

    1677 Words  | 4 Pages

    The use of psychotropic medication in children and adolescents dates back to 1937 when Charles Bradley conducted a study by prescribing the stimulant amphetamine sulphate (Benzedrine) to modify the behavior of children with severe behavioral disturbance. (Adams, 1991) Since these studies were conducted, more and more children and adolescents have been prescribed stimulants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers for various mental disorders, such as: depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The potential side effects that happen to children taking these medications can include: fainting, blurred vision, vomiting, extreme weight gain, and even death ("Seroquel information,” n.d.).

    Read More

  • The Medication Of ADHD

    701 Words  | 2 Pages

    Obtaining an ADHD prescription medication depends on a variety of factors. A consumer must have access to a provider with prescribing privileges and must be able to obtain any test necessary to determine the need for or appropr...

    Read More

  • ADHD Stimulant Medication Abuse and Misuse Among U.S. Teens

    1273 Words  | 3 Pages

    U.S. Heath News reported (2013) that 6.4 million children ages 4 to 17 have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Since 2007, the utilization of stimulant medication to treat ADHD has jumped 11% nationally as a whole. It was also reported that the U.S. spends more on prescription drugs to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder than it does for all but six other medical conditions (U.S. News Health, 2013). The number of ADHD diagnosed teens prescribed stimulants, such as Ritalin and Adderall, will be increasing over time as the new guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics now recognizes physicians prescribing ADHD stimulant medications to childre...

    Read More

  • ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment

    1236 Words  | 3 Pages

    This book makes parents and guardians aware of the other treatment options available to them and their children for ADD and ADHD. It gives natural and holistic ways to treat it also it tells about different physicians you could make an appointment with for treatment without drugs.

    Read More

  • Compare And Contrast Medication And Behavioral Therapy

    1634 Words  | 4 Pages

    As stated previously, medication is the most common option that parents choose for their children. The most common prescriptions are Dexedrine, Cylert, Ritalin, and Adderall. Medication is highly effective. For around 75%-90% of prescribed patients, these work to solve their issues. This is a definite advantage to taking medication is that it is almost guaranteed to work. There are drawbacks to taking medication however; the trial-and-error process, cost of medication, and the side effects that can come with medication. As with any brain chemical medication, there comes a trial-and-error process to determine the right balance and the right amount to really curb the symptoms that come with. Just like any medication that people need to operate, the cost does add up whereas with behavioral therapy, there is no medication to buy and thus no costs. Lastly, there are side effects that come with ADHD. These can be insomnia, nervousness, headaches, and weight loss. Despite all these drawbacks, medication is the fastest and most effective way to treat ADHD (“Identifying and Treating Attention Deficit

    Read More

  • adhd in the health care setting

    646 Words  | 2 Pages

    The health care setting plays an integral role in the diagnosis and care of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The diversity of services available and the pathways that child and family inevitably find themselves taking can be long and arduous, therefore finding a service that will meet the needs of both is crucial.

    Read More

  • ADHD: A Pandemic Without a Disease

    1962 Words  | 4 Pages

    The treatment of ADHD includes medication and counseling. The main drugs that are prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They include Methylphenidate and Dextroamphetamine-ampthe...

    Read More

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

    966 Words  | 2 Pages

    Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is very commonly known. Today, ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders among children. The NIMH (The national institute of mental health) predicts that it affecting 3 to 5 percent of all children(AACAP), with an approximate amount of 30% to 65% of these children experiencing persistence of symptoms into adolescence and adulthood (AACAP).There are three types of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, Predominantly Inattentive Type, and Combination Type(ehow.com). The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three main categories; hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. These behaviors can interfere with ADHD sufferers’ ability to focus deliberately on organizing and completing a specific task that they may not enjoy. A case of this kind of behavior is recognized in a report written by the National Institute of Mental Health where one of the subjects under study was unable to pass schooling examinations due to her inattentive behavior (clinicaltrials.gov) These kinds of behaviors can damage the person's relationships with others in addition to disrupting their daily life, consuming energy, and diminishing self-esteem, depending on severity of their symptoms (adhd.com). In this paper, the multiple factors of how ADHD affects, and is handled, of those who undergo this disorder, are shown.

    Read More

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

    1337 Words  | 3 Pages

    Wigal, Sharon B. "Efficacy and Safety Limitations of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Pharmacotherapy in Children and Adults." CNS Drugs 23.(2009): 21-31. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 27 Mar. 2011. Helmke Library, Fort Wayne IN.

    Read More

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

    1686 Words  | 4 Pages

    Stimulant drugs are widely used to treat the symptoms of ADHD. These stimulants dramatically reduce the hyperactivity of sufferers and improve their ability to focus, learn and work. Such medication may also improve physical coordination, for instance handwriting and sports. Research completed by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) suggests that these medicines may also help children with an accompanying conduct disorder to control their impulsive, destructive behaviours. The three medications that have been proven by the NIMH to be most effective in both children and adults suffering from ADHD are: methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine or Dextrostat), and pemoline (Cylert). (NIMH 1999) Yet there is currently much research on the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, such as t...

    Read More

  • College Candy Making Success That Much Sweeter

    1287 Words  | 3 Pages

    Moore, Elaine A. The Amphetamine Debate: the Use of Adderall, Ritalin, and Related Drugs for

    Read More

  • ADHD and Its Treatments

    1853 Words  | 4 Pages

    The purpose of this research was to describe and understand Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the most effective treatment options that are available today. ADHD is a mental health disorder that affects 3-9% of the population in ways that, if left untreated, can wreak havoc on the mind of the sufferer. It makes concentration difficult, large tasks seem insurmountable, and causes impulsive and hyperactive tendencies. Fortunately, research and experiments have led to new and effective treatments to help those who suffer from this disorder (Dupaul 8). This research examined journal articles and internet sources on the topic to help unlock the complexities of the disorder through scientific research. It also was a way to separate the myths of the disorder from the truths, while discovering the causes, diagnosis methods, and best treatment alternatives to battle this prevalent disorder.

    Read More

  • Effects of Different Drug Use: Short Term and Long Term

    1346 Words  | 3 Pages

    Amphetamines are typically used to provide the same effect that pure adrenaline does. The drug is specified for people with attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity as well as narcolepsy, although if you decide to abuse the drug and use it for recreational purposes you may start to feel paranoia and nervousness. Using amphetamines can also put a strain on the circulatory system by causing the user's blood pressure to increase suddenly. (Amphetamine) Long term psychological effects of the drug can cause something called amphetamine psychosis which is much like paranoid schizophrenia. This could lead towards hallucinations, paranoid delusions, and obsessions. (Amphetamine)

    Read More

More about Medication versus Alternative Therapy in ADHD

Open Document