Receiving a diagnosis of attention deficit disorder can be a confusing time in a person’s life. The fear of a stigma may be present in people who are disappointed with their diagnosis, but the opportunity to begin treatment for ADD can seem promising to any person who has suffered the debilitating symptoms of attention deficit disorder.
Conventional treatments exist, including treatment with medication, although it may take some time to find the right medication and dose for the patient. For those who prefer to take a different route, more non-traditional treatments are available to discuss with a medical doctor.
ADD Diagnosis and Conventional, Traditional Medication for Attention Deficit Disorder Treatment
The most popular types of medications used in treating attention deficit disorder in children and adults include Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall and Cyclert. Although these central nervous stimulants are considered the most popular, they do not always provide the best form of prescription treatment for every person who has been diagnosed with ADD.
Tricyclic antidepressants have shown positive results in certain ADD patients when prescribed in the proper dosage. Some of these types of drugs include Tofranil, Elavil, Pamelor, and Norpramin. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eldepryl), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft are some examples) have also shown promising results in some ADD patients.
Dopamine agonists, such as parlodel, and a different form of antidepressant, Effexor, have both shown good results in ADD patients as a substitute for central nervous stimulants, which tend to be addictive.
Some physicians have been experimenting with using certain antihypertensive medications in the treatment of ADD, including beta blockers, which are used to lower blood pressure. Depakote and Tegretol, which are anticonvulsants, are another viable alternative.
Non-Conventional, Non-Traditional Treatment for Diagnosis of ADD, ADHD
There are situations where patients and/or their physicians choose to take another route with the treatment of attention deficit disorder. Central nervous stimulants can become habit forming, and this may be a turn-off for patients with certain histories. Some non-conventional treatments are used alone or in combination with traditional ADD treatments.
Psychotherapy can help provide positive feedback to the attention deficit disorder patient, helping to curb individual disturbing behaviors. Cognitive-behavior therapy, group-therapy, and biofeedback have all provided results that appear promising with ADD patients. Auditory integration therapy is another non-traditional route that can be applied.
Modifications through dietary intervention, vitamin and mineral supplements and chiropractic manipulation are options that can be discussed with a medical doctor as well.
The use of non-traditional medications has become a very popular subject. Certain supplements and herbs have shown to improve behavioral functions in certain individuals, but should be discussed in detail with a medical doctor before a patient attempts to self-medicate.
The Importance of ADD, ADHD Treatment in Children, Adults
Treatment of attention deficit disorder is essential after a diagnosis has been determined to help lessen the severity of the ADD symptoms. Many ADD sufferers and physicians understand the crippling effect that attention deficit disorder can have on everyday life, from work to family to school. The advice of a physician is always necessary to receive proper diagnosis and treatment, as each individual may respond differently to various medications and procedures.