Attention Deficit Disorder Treatment - Medications For ADD

Attention Deficit Disorder is a common problem not only in the US but in European countries as well. Studies estimate that about 3% to 5% of children in the United States alone may be suffering from this disorder. Scientists have not yet found the factors that could be linked to the occurrence of this disorder but they are currently making a study on genetics since most ADD patients come from a family which has a history of this disorder.

Attention Deficit Disorder is characterized by excessive activity or hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattentiveness, talking endlessly, interrupting others, squirming and fidgeting, difficulty to remain seated, and inability to focus on a certain task. ADD patients may also tend to not listen when spoken to, have temperamental outbursts, and may have difficulty following directions.

Treating Attention Deficit Disorder usually involve the use of stimulant medications. Over the years, stimulants have been clinically proven to be effective in treating this disorder. There are cases, though, that an ADD patient may not tolerate stimulant drugs. In these cases, doctors may opt to give the patient other forms of medications such as non-stimulants and antihypertensive drugs.

Some of the most common medications used in the treating ADD are Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta, Wellbutrin, Dexedrine, Strattera, and Dextrostat. These drugs are the primary drugs that may be used in Attention Deficit Disorder treatment. When these do not work, doctors would usually find other alternative drugs.

It is still not clear how stimulant drugs work in ADD children. However, scientific studies are available to back their effectiveness in treating the disorder. They can lessen hyperactivity and impulsivity and are found to be effective in boosting focus in children.

Although side effects have been known to be associated with the use of these drugs, doctors still prescribe these medications as they can be very safe when used under a physician's guidance.

Many parents have had bad experiences related to the use of prescription drugs; therefore, they look for alternative methods in treating ADD. Now, aside from medications prescribed by doctors, parents now have the option to use other methods of treatment.

One of the most popular alternative methods in treating ADD in children is the use of homeopathic remedies. More and more parents are using this kind of alternative treatment because of the many benefits that homeopathic remedies can bring. Several studies made on this form of treatment have shown that these treatments bring about positive improvements in children.

However, unlike prescription medications, the results of homeopathic remedies on ADD patients may not be seen immediately. Long term use of the treatment is necessary before any improvements may be noticeable. Another downside is that not all ADD patients may also respond to this kind of medication.

If you are in doubt about the treatment used in your ADD child, it is better to always communicate your thoughts to your child's doctor. Together, you can make a better treatment plan for your child.

Jennifer Kaplan is a health enthusiast. She is especially interested on issues concerning ADD/ADHD and Attention Deficit Disorder treatment. Her interest on this subject has also led her to learn ways in treating Attention Deficit Disorder.

Medications For Attention Deficit - How Effective Are Drugs?

Drug companies are always coming out with new medications for Attention Deficit Disorder which is why it pays to keep pace with the research and learn about the medicines that have been recently approved. In this article, you'll learn about the new medications available to treat both children and adults. At the end of the article, we'll also take a look at some alternatives.

One of the newer drugs to treat children is Daytrana which is made by Shire and known as the ADHD Patch. This drug works just like Ritalin, which has been shown to be more effective than any other drugs for suppressing symptoms. Since Daytrana is a stimulant, this means it has all the same side-effects as Ritalin: loss of appetite, insomnia, stomach problems, heart and blood pressure issues and even psychosis.

Although the patch makes it easier to take the drug, it also has its disadvantages. The patch may not work as effectively on some kids as on others because skin absorption varies with individuals. Additionally, some children complain of itchiness so intense that they want to tear off the patch. Another complaint is skin irritation.

Before we get into the adult deficit disorder medications for adults, I'd like to point out a recurring theme. Even though the drugs that come out are "new," they have the same side effects as the drugs that have been available for years.

When an adult has been diagnosed with Adult Attention Deficit Disorder (AADD), typically he or she is treated with antidepressants. If antidepressants don't work, there are always stimulants. Although the pharmaceutical companies are always coming up with drugs (like Focalin, Effexor, and Dexedrine Spansules, no matter what their formulations, they are still either antidepressants or stimulants and have the accompanying side effects.

The point is that all synthetic drugs have side effects and implications for long term use. To tease out the truth, just watch the t.v. commercials that are put out by the pharmaceutical companies: first, they hype up the drug, but then by law, they are required to list the side effects.

Pharmaceutical companies have convinced us that drugs are the only way to suppress ADHD symptoms, but this just is not true. A growing number of adults and children have stopped taking medications for attention deficit disorder and are using natural remedies in their place.

When you consider that natural remedies are just as effective at suppressing the symptoms, but also nourish and heal the brain without the worry of side effects, you start to realize that this may be exactly what the body has needed all along: to heal what it was deficient in. And after all, our bodies are made up of organic materials, so it makes sense that the most effective remedies would be natural, rather than synthetic.

Whether you decide to stop taking adult attention disorder medications or get your child off ADHD drugs, be sure to discuss this with your physician. Also, make important lifestyle changes, like following a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. Before choosing a natural remedy to use in place of medications for attention deficit, be sure to do your research.

Laura Ramirez is a passionate researcher of natural remedies for ADHD and other health issues. Read more about her research by going to http://www.treating-adhd-naturally.com

Ms. Ramirez is also the author of the award-winning parenting book, Keepers of the Children: Native American Wisdom and Parenting and is a parenting educator and keynote speaker.