ADHD can be a serious problem for parents and their kids. ADHD can develop in virtually every child and when parents find out that their child has ADHD, most of the time they don't know what to do. They try many things like talking with the child or giving them medicines, but it's best to leave this to the doctors. Only a doctor can provide the best diagnosis and propose a medication, or other activities that might influence the symptoms. Medication is not always the best choice and is always given as a last resort.
1. What is ADHD?
ADHD in its simplest explanation is the inability of children to focus on tasks presented to them. They can easily disregard what they are doing in search of something more fun. They can have mood swings and problems with homework, school, etc. These problems lead to poor school results. It can also cause excessive behavior in children and energy bursts that are difficult to control.
2. Why are Medications used?
Even though medications aren't recommended as the first line of problem-solving methods, they are sometimes necessary. Medications can lower the energy amount in children, calming and relaxing them to the point where they simply do not have enough energy to be impulsive. A much more common method of solving ADHD-related problems is through counseling and communication with the child.
3. Which Medications are used?
Stimulants are the most commonly used types of medicine in regards to ADHD. Ritalin is the most common of these stimulants. Unfortunately, we don't know a lot about the long-term use of medications for ADHD and it's not recommended for preschool children because of this reason. Some of the stimulants have an effect on addiction, and the intake of these stimulants should be monitored at all times.
4. ADD/ADHD Medication Stimulant safety concerns
There are some concerns regarding the medication and stimulants for ADHD and ADD:
- Effect on the developing brain – The main concerns about the use of stimulants is their effect on the developing brain of the child. Constant use can lead to consequences that can be irreparable after the brain stops developing because stimulants can alter their perceptions.
- Heart-related problems – Some people may find taking stimulants to fix their ADHD and ADD be the cause of heart problems. If you react badly to any stimulants, stop taking them immediately and contact your doctor.
- Psychiatric Problems – There can be several psychiatric problems that are connected to the use of stimulants which is another reason people are unwilling to take them.
- Potential for Abuse – As mentioned before, people can develop an addiction to stimulants and also have their minds changed in a negative way.
5. Are ADHD Medications safe?
As for the health concerns, they do exist. However, they don't happen that often if enough monitoring and supervision are provided. They do have their side-effects which can be devastating, but it's like that with all medication.
6. Can Medicine Cure ADHD?
This is a difficult question to answer. ADHD can go away completely on its own after some time and as the child develops into a teenager or adult. Some people have ADHD for their entire lives and taking medication helps them prevent it from being very violent and serious.
7. ADD/ADHD Medications and your child
You should always seek professional help regarding your child and ADHD and try to avoid taking medicine. It should be used as a last resort as the first choice for fixing the problem is counseling and communication. Try to make regular tasks fun for your children!
8. Medication alone is not enough
Obviously, medication cannot be used as the only resort in ‘curing' ADHD. There have been cases about children developing heart-related and psychiatric problems, as well as having an increased potential for abuse. This is why most doctors are concerned about giving it to children and always strive for a different method of controlling ADHD. Not only can that but the medicine has prolonged effects on the developing brain of the child. Hence there is the need for alternatives. Medicine itself cannot cure ADHD and can only, in the best case, regulate the symptoms.
So what alternatives are there?
1. Maintain a positive attitude and healthy living
You can try and talk to your child and constantly teach them something new. It's important to pay attention to him/her because it can help them understand the nature of the problem. Also, it's important that the child has enough play time and recreation and a healthy diet because these can influence the symptoms of ADHD. Lastly, the child needs to get enough sleep so they can have a healthy and rested life. The parents also need to keep their attitude positive and try to make the child happy and entertained.
2. Therapy
People may try therapy to get rid of ADHD and thus they need to consult with a specialist. Therapy and counseling are great first options if you want to get help for ADHD.
3. Food/Eat a healthy diet
The child needs a healthy and balanced diet, but there are some foods which can be bad for the symptoms of ADHD. Food coloring and foods like apples, plums, milk, eggs, chocolate, etc. can make the symptoms worse and by taking them out of the child's diet, you lower the risk of that happening. We understand that some of these foods that are mentioned are very healthy, but it's something that needs to be restricted from the child's diet.
4. Yoga Classes and Massages/Exercise regularly
Science has proven that taking yoga classes and receiving massages helps alleviate stress and similar symptoms. Not only that but you feel relaxed and refreshed. The same can be applied to children with ADHD. This is a harmless alternative method of battling your child's hyperactivity and can be done fast. Massages don't take a lot of time and yoga classes will help improve overall health! The best way to try to improve the situation is doing something that isn't boring, and that is rewarding – exercise!
5. Proper sleep
Getting enough sleep is imperative for feeling good about yourself as well as feeling rested
