ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is usually first identified in children and commonly persists into adulthood. It is one of the main reasons children consult pediatric psychological and behavioral clinics. Children diagnosed with ADHD may exhibit impulsive behavior, lack of self-control, difficulty concentrating, or excessive activity. Hyperactivity is one of the main symptoms of ADHD, and it may render a child mentally and socially unfit for their family, school, and society (Mechler et al., 2021). Fortunately, research has shown that certain therapies may lessen side effects while increasing children’s attention. The FDA-approved and non-approved drugs for the treatment of ADHD will be examined in the next study.
FDA-Approved Drug
Stimulants are the primary line of therapy for ADHD in children (Wolraich et al., 2019). The treatment of several stimulants, all of which are equally effective, has been authorized. The only things that change are the dosage, length of action, and adverse effects. Ritalin is one of the stimulants that is most usually advised (Fu et al., 2022). While taking the medication, anorexia, headaches, stomachaches, and sleeplessness are possible side effects, most of which are bearable for lengthy periods.
Off-Label Drug
An antidepressant called Wellbutrin is often used off-label to treat ADHD. Wellbutrin may lessen impulsivity, restlessness, and inattention, even if stimulant drugs are the first-line treatment for these symptoms of ADHD (Mechler et al., 2021). In 1985, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first use of Wellbutrin as an antidepressant. Since then, it has been used to treat SAD and lessen the symptoms associated with quitting smoking. Although Wellbutrin is classified as an antidepressant, it is now often used as an “off-label” medication for ADHD because it enhances brain processes that impact dopamine and norepinephrine.
Nonpharmacological Intervention
Children who get CBT as a kind of ADHD therapy may benefit. It could help kids as they develop their coping mechanisms and self-control. For example, to help an ADHD kid be more organized, a CBT therapist would suggest that the child utilize a checklist to record important tasks. A smartphone app with additional helpful functions like calendars, timers, and reminders can be more beneficial for older kids (Fu et al., 2022). The best way to treat ADHD usually involves a combination of medication and treatment. This is a result of how quickly medication lessens the effects of symptoms. Conversely, therapy takes longer to work but endows children with skills that last a lifetime.
Clinical Practice Guidelines
By including many crucial components, the clinical practice guidelines of the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of ADHD further support the suggested treatment options (Kollins et al., 2021). The age range for which ADHD screening should start is 4 to 18. Therapy suggestions are age-appropriate, and if medication is required, it should be modified to minimize side effects for the kid. Following the DSM-V criteria for ADHD identification, the patient should get continued treatment and be evaluated for co-occurring disorders, such as emotional and behavioral issues.
Conclusion
Most children may use stimulant medications to safely and effectively address their symptoms of ADHD. Just as glasses help people concentrate their eyesight to see, these medications help kids with ADHD improve their mental attention and ability to ignore distractions. They can concentrate better and control their behavior as a consequence. Children with ADHD who received both CBT and medication, as previously noted, showed significant improvement.
References
Fu, D., Wu, D.-D., Guo, H.-L., Hu, Y.-H., Xia, Y., Ji, X., Fang, W.-R., Li, Y.-M., Xu, J., Chen, F., & Liu, Q.-Q. (2022). The Mechanism, Clinical Efficacy, Safety, and Dosage Regimen of Atomoxetine for ADHD Therapy in Children: A Narrative Review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.780921
Kollins, S. H., Childress, A., Heusser, A. C., & Lutz, J. (2021). Effectiveness of a digital therapeutic as an adjunct to treatment with medication in pediatric ADHD. Npj Digital Medicine, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-021-00429-0
Mechler, K., Banaschewski, T., Hohmann, S., & Häge, A. (2021). Evidence-based pharmacological treatment options for ADHD in children and adolescents. Pharmacology & Therapeutics
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