Considerable debate remains over the best way to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Medications called psychostimulant drugs are the most common treatment for the disorder, and are believed to boost levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine (associated with activity) and norepinephrine. This improves attention and reduces impulsiveness, hyperactivity and aggressive behavior. 

Antidepressants may also be used to treat ADHD, especially in children who are depressed or who do not respond to psychostimulant therapy. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently required that all antidepressants include a label warning that they may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children. In addition to stimulants and antidepressants, the drug atomoxetine has been approved to treat ADHD. This medication is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which was originally tested to treat depression. It was later approved and has shown good effects treating ADHD. Atomoxetine also has an FDA “black box” warning about suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adolescents.

Children who are treated with medications may be monitored by their physicians weekly until a helpful dosage level has been established. At that point, visits are likely to be scheduled every few months. Parents are urged to consult a physician about any side effects associated with medication use, including loss of appetite, problems sleeping, increased irritability, excessive weight loss and suicidal thoughts. Changes in dosage levels can usually reduce or eliminate these side effects.

Up to 90 percent of children with ADHD respond to medication, according to Mental Health America. However, the drugs do not cure ADHD, and many patients find that a combination of medications, special attention in the classroom, and family and community support remain the best treatment approach. About 80 percent of children who take medications for their ADHD continue to need the drugs during their teen years, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

Various forms of therapy including standard psychotherapy, behavior therapy, family therapy and social skills training, may also help relieve ADHD symptoms. Parents may benefit from taking parenting skills training that teach special techniques for addressing the unique challenges of raising a child with ADHD. For example, parents may learn to use a token or point system to reward their child for good behavior. Therapy is particularly helpful for children who are diagnosed with both ADHD and an associated condition such as depression or anxiety.

Parents can help their children to better deal with ADHD by providing structure to the child’s life and making expectations clear. Keeping children on a schedule of activities (including eating, sleeping, homework and play times) and encouraging children’s efforts and good behavior can also help. Parents are urged to communicate with their children to make sure directions are clearly understood. All of these techniques can be improved during parenting skills training. Parents can also request an evaluation from their child’s school district, which is the first step to initiating an individualized education program (IEP) for the child in school.