Treating ADD with Medication

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is referred to a condition of behavioral and developmental disorder, which is mostly seen in children. Many parents and teachers might have come across children with ADD since it is a common disorder. About 3-5% of preschool children in the United States are affected by this disorder. Studies have revealed that more than 50% of ADD cases are due to hereditary factors and about 20% are caused due to environmental factors like exposure to alcohol and smoke during pregnancy and also exposure to lead after birth. Other causes may include brain injury and food additives.

Symptoms of ADD are mostly seen in children before 7 years of age and include inattention (lack of attention and difficulty in listening) and impulsiveness (disorganization and acting before thinking). ADD along with hyperactivity symptoms is called ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Sometimes anxiety, stress and depression may accompany ADD. Previously, it was assumed that the symptoms of ADD disappear as the child grows up. However, it is not true since the symptoms related to hyperactivity may remain even in adolescence. There are no tests to diagnose ADD; it can only be diagnosed by studying the behavior of the child by qualified psychiatrists, psychologists, pediatricians or family physicians.

Treatment of ADD with Medication

Different treatments of ADD are followed, namely treatment with medicines, behavioral therapy, and combination of both. According to a study, it has been found out that the medication and combined treatments are found out to be more effective than the behavioral therapy alone. In some specific cases, the combined treatment was proved to be more effective than medication, regarding a child's behavior, interaction with his/her parents and other social issues. In a combined method, lower doses of medication were prescribed as compared to only medication treatment.

The most effective type of medication that has been used for treatment of ADD is use of stimulant drugs. Stimulants act on the dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter found in the brain responsible for the normal functioning of the central nervous system. There are different types of stimulants that are prescribed according to the particular age group of the children. Here is a list of the generic names along with the age group of children to which the drugs are to be given.

• Methylphenidate - 6 years and above
• Amphetamine - 3 years and above
• Dextroamphetamine - 3 years and older
• Dexmethylphenidate - 6 years and older

There may be side effects of stimulants such as headache, loss of appetite, hypertension and change in the blood sugar level, sleep difficulty, depression, etc. It is advisable to discuss with your concerned physician if any of these symptoms are noticed after giving stimulants to avoid further complications.

Recently, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved another medication called atomoxetine for treatment of ADD, which is not a stimulant. It acts on the norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that is involved in the autonomic activity of the nervous system. However, more studies have to be done to confirm whether atomoxetine can replace the present stimulants or not.

The support of the family members and teachers are the most important factors for successful treatment of ADD. Special training of the parents should be conducted to take care of the child suffering from this type of disorder. Every child may show some symptoms of inattention, impulsiveness or hyperactivity to some extent. It is to be noted that not every child with the said symptoms has ADD. Consult a qualified health specialist for a proper diagnosis before coming to any conclusion about a child suffering from any of these behavioral symptoms.