Hyperactive children generally are considered to have a disorder called ADHD, which stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. While most children have a certain degree of high energy and impulsive behavior, hyperactive children do not make enough of a chemical in the brain that manages organizing functions. This leads to unmanageable behavior that interferes with school and home life. Approximately 4 to 12 percent of school-age children are diagnosed with hyperactivity in the form of ADHD, which requires treatment via behavioral therapy, medication or both.
Treatment
The two main methods of treating ADHD are drug therapy and behavior modification. Often, the treatment methods are used in conjunction with each other. While many advocates believe that ADHD children require medication to improve, some physicians and public-interest groups believe that children are being overmedicated and/or that ADHD medication causes dangerous side effects.
Behavior Modification
Children with ADHD often respond well to behavior modification, either alone or in conjunction with drug therapy. Children with ADHD require a clear structure and clear directions. Order and consistency should be stressed and maintained as much as possible. Make and post a schedule so an ADHD child knows what to expect. Clear, simple directions and a strong system of positive reinforcement and rewards also help a child with ADHD to manage and cope with her hyperactivity.
Medications
There are a number of drug therapies used in conjunction with the treatment of hyperactive children. The most common drugs are methylphenidates (Ritalin). Other drugs include pemoline (Cylert), atomoxetine (Strattera), and amphetamine and dextroamphetamine mix (Adderall).
Ritalin
Ritalin is the most commonly prescribed drug for hyperactive children. Ritalin stimulates the central nervous system and alters biochemical pathways in the body that screen out irrelevant stimuli. Generally, the effects of Ritalin begin shortly after the drug is taken and last for approximately 3 hours.
Dangers of Medicating Children
An article at cyc-net.org cautions that children are being overmedicated for ADHD, and that the drugs being used to treat this hyperactive disorder are highly addictive. The article cites the ever-increasing numbers of children being prescribed ADHD medication, and cautions that a recent FDA review found that ADHD drugs could potentially increase the risk of psychosis in children.
Tags: children being, conjunction with, hyperactive children, that ADHD, with ADHD, ADHD medication