Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder are characterized by a child’s inability to stay focused and keep still. Children afflicted with ADD/ADHD are also impulsive and inattentive. This is a condition may be caused by a decreased functionality of the brain, causing the organ to function improperly. Children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD are often prescribed medication to help deal with the symptoms of the condition. However, the drugs are not a cure-all for the problem as most of them have short-term effects. Your child may be required to take the medication more than once a day. Before you choose to have your child undergo medication, learn all you can about the condition and the effects of the drugs on your child’s development.
First, ask your child’s doctor about any other options in terms of treatment or at least management of the symptoms. If you can handle alternative treatment options then that may be the better track for you and your kid. Alternative treatment includes counseling, behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques. Children who underwent intervention programs based on school and play activities showed much improvement. These options will not completely solve your child’s condition and experts say that these activities will work best coupled with the proper medication.
If you do choose the prescription medication track then you better know both the good and bad sides of medication. In general, the medications are designed to improve your child’s focus, increase his or her ability to concentrate, control his or her impulses, and to be able to finish tasks that he or she started. However, your child may still develop other problems such as social awkwardness and emotional issues. Also, medication for ADD/ADHD is designed to lessen the occurrence of the symptoms and cannot cure a child of the condition. Also, the drugs must be taken regularly in order to keep the symptoms at bay. Some children respond to some medication differently than others.
The good side
Of course, as mentioned earlier, ADD/ADHD medications prevent the occurrence of the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Hence:
- Children are able to pay more attention in school. They learn and retain more information when under medication. There will be less complaints from teachers regarding impulsive behaviors and inattentiveness.
- Simple instructions and rules are better understood by children. They are able to follow such rules. Structure is important for children with ADD/ADHD. The more they are able to deal with simple rules, the better.
- In some children, the medication helps keep their attention long enough to be able to plan or think ahead. The decrease in inattentiveness enables the child to make coherent and logical decisions.
- Children are able to get more sleep. A good sleeping habit helps the child become well rested and better prepared for the day ahead. However, some medications have the opposite effect on some children.
- Children who undergo alternative treatment techniques together with medication show great improvement. Behavioral intervention programs teach children how to focus and how to manage their condition both in school and during play time. Coupled with the proper medication, your child can go a long way.
The bad side
The medications are only to prevent the symptoms from occurring and do not cure ADD/ADHD.
- Some medications have side effects that include: irritability, depression, loss of appetite, headaches and mood swings. There are others who react positively to the drug while others develop such side effects.
- Although unproven by research, the medications are thought to cause long term effects on brain development. The ingredients in the medicines target the brain and this is believed to cause adverse effects on the child’s brain development that may be seen in their adolescent years.
- The medications for ADD/ADHD based on stimulants have been shown to cause certain issues with individuals with heart problems. Heart conditions may be triggered by the stimulants and may cause more complications.
- As mentioned earlier, side effects include anxiety and depression and other ADD/ADHD medication may have ingredients that worsen these existing conditions in some users.
- Some medications can cause sleeping problems. This leaves your child feeling tired in the morning. When your child is tired, his or her ability to focus is decreased. He or she may become more irritable and inattentive.
Dealing with the medication’s side effects
It can be extremely frustrating when the medicine that is supposed to help exposes the affected individual to side effects that can be difficult to handle. In case your child loses his or her appetite due to the medication, you can opt for alternative meals that are equally healthy. If your child develops sleeping problems, then make him or her take in the medication early so it would wear off in time for bed. Also, ask your doctor what specific side effects does the medication have and do not forget to ask how to deal with these side effects.