Read up on Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Key points about treatments

Learning that your child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be distressing. But ADHD can be treated. And the right treatment and support can help your child behave a lot better, so that he or she can develop and learn normally.

You may worry about your child having drug treatment for ADHD. We hope our treatment information will help you and your doctor weigh the benefits and risks of each option and decide on the best treatment for your child.

Key points about treating ADHD

The stimulant drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) can help your child concentrate, feel calmer and think before acting.
If these drugs don't help your child, or they stop working there are other treatments your child can try. These include atomoxetine (Strattera), modafinil (Provigil) and bupropion (Zyban). But there's less evidence that these drugs work than there is for methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine.
About half of all children who take stimulants have mild side effects. The main ones are trouble falling asleep and loss of appetite.
Behavioral therapy is likely to help your child when it is combined with drug treatment. We don't know if it helps when it is used on its own.
We don't know how well any treatment works in the long term because most have only been studied for short periods. Your child may need treatment for many years.

This information was last updated on May 12, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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