In This Article
Overview 
We've drawn on advice from medical experts and survey data from more than 934 families with children who have been diagnosed
with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to identify treatments that work best. Our conclusion: ADHD is a condition that
can be managed well, and children can improve with a comprehensive treatment plan.
This special report answers such questions as:
How severe are your child's symptoms?
Other conditions may also be involved. How to make sure your child gets an accurate diagnosis.
Am I seeing the right health-care providers?
While pediatricians and psychiatrists can offer a diagnosis and medication, involving your child's school and making sure he or she learns certain skills will increase the odds of success.
Which nondrug strategies work best to improve behavior?
Accommodations at school, such as moving a child's seat and providing specific instructions, paid off for many children. Teaching life skills and organizational abilities helped at home.
The pros and cons of drug treatment
Most parents of children with moderate or severe symptoms used drug therapy, which helped more with behavior at school than at home. Managing side effects is crucial.
This special report answers such questions as:
How severe are your child's symptoms?
Other conditions may also be involved. How to make sure your child gets an accurate diagnosis.
Am I seeing the right health-care providers?
While pediatricians and psychiatrists can offer a diagnosis and medication, involving your child's school and making sure he or she learns certain skills will increase the odds of success.
Which nondrug strategies work best to improve behavior?
Accommodations at school, such as moving a child's seat and providing specific instructions, paid off for many children. Teaching life skills and organizational abilities helped at home.
The pros and cons of drug treatment
Most parents of children with moderate or severe symptoms used drug therapy, which helped more with behavior at school than at home. Managing side effects is crucial.
