Highland Park Psychologist

ADHD TreatmentHighland Park, IL

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a condition that affects behavioral patterns. ADHD has no known cure, but there are multiple treatment options for managing the symptoms.

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Symptoms of ADHD

The symptoms of ADHD are typically classified into two types of behavioral disorders: inattentiveness, and hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Most patients of ADHD have issues that fall under these categories, but it is not common with everyone because each case of ADHD is unique.

For instance, some people may have issues with inattentiveness, but not hyperactivity or impulsiveness. This type of ADHD is usually called Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). ADD is not often diagnosed because the symptoms are not always apparent.

ADHD treatment

The treatments for ADHD include behavioral and prescription drugs. The National Institute of Mental Health recommends the inclusion of other treatment options with medications. The following are the options available for ADHD treatment.

Medications

The major types of ADHD medications are stimulant and non-stimulant medications. To make the most out of these medications, you should work together with your primary care physician. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. These medications work by boosting the levels of brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. Their effects increase the patient’s concentration and improve focus. Non-stimulants are mostly recommended when stimulants fail to work or cause unwanted side effects. Some of these medications increase norepinephrine in the brain, to help with memory and attention.

Therapeutic ADHD treatments

Therapy options that are beneficial to ADHD patients include:

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can be helpful for helping your child become more expressive about dealing with ADHD. This disorder can cause issues with peers and authority, and psychotherapy can help children handle those relationships better. With psychotherapy, the child may also be able to evaluate their behavioral culture and learn to make positive choices going forward. Family therapy can also help determine the best way to handle disruptive behaviors.

Behavior therapy

Behavior therapy aims to train your child to watch their actions and correct those behaviors accordingly. You have to work collaboratively with your child, as well as the teacher. You will create tactics for the child’s behavior in reaction to specific situations. These tactics could entail a kind of direct feedback to help the child form proper behavior. For example, a reward system could help encourage positive actions.

Social skills training

This training can be beneficial if the child has problems with handling social situations. Like behavioral therapy, social skills training helps the child learn new and more suitable behaviors. Social skills training helps a child with ADHD play and relate better with peers. Social behaviors to learn include waiting for turns, asking for help, sharing toys and handling teasing.

Support groups

Support groups are excellent for parents of children with ADHD to interact with others who have the same experiences and concerns. Support groups usually meet frequently to build relationships and support networks. The comfort of knowing you are not alone is helpful for many parents.

Parenting skills training

Parents of children with ADHD can learn ways to guide and handle their child’s actions and make sure that the child gets the required treatment and services.

The bottom line

Every case of ADHD is unique. Seek help from a professional if you believe you or your child might be suffering from ADHD.

Contact Us

Center for Emotional Peace is located at
210 Skokie Valley Rd Suite C
Highland Park, IL
60035

(847) 722-6118