Along with packing your child’s lunch bag, helping to organize schoolwork, and speaking frequently with teachers, there are other measures you as parents should be taking. Evaluating a child’s performance in school and at home gives a clear picture of how he or she is being affected by ADHD. Because of the nature of the disorder and mounting social pressures, a child with ADHD, if not adequately treated, is at high risk for many potentially serious problems, such as substance abuse (illegal drugs and alcohol), antisocial behavior, dropping out of school, and expulsion from school.
The following questions can help you evaluate your child’s performance and behavior:
- Is my child performing at or near his or her potential?
- Is my child able to get along with and play well with others?
- Are there particular times of the day that my child has difficulty focusing or managing his or her behavior?
ADHD should be medically evaluated and addressed early on, so that appropriate and effective treatments can be put in place before consequences of the disorder take their toll. Stimulant medication has been shown to help improve self-esteem, reduce antisocial and aggressive behaviors, and help reduce the risk of future substance abuse by as much as 85%.
Living with ADHD should not be a question of survival. Treatment can mean the difference between merely surviving and living. Stimulants are one type of medication that has been studied and used in the treatment of ADHD for over 60 years. Today, 75% of clinically diagnosed hyperactive children and an increasing number of adolescents are being treated with these medications. As a result, children are better able to interact with their peers throughout the day and achieve improved academic performance as their symptoms diminish. As many as 90% of children respond favorably to these medications.
One type of stimulant medication is thought to directly increase the levels of two key chemicals in the brain—the neurotransmitters dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE)—and is referred to as a dopamine/norepinephrine modulating agent, or DNmA™ for short. Imbalances in levels of DA and NE, which regulate various brain functions including concentration, memory, mood, and energy, appear to be one of the causes of ADHD. Stimulants, such as those known as DNmA have been found to enhance focus, self-esteem, and social interactions in children with ADHD.
A long-acting, once-daily formulation that delivers all-day efficacy can provide various benefits, including:
Reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity
Increase concentration and self-esteem
Enhance compliance and eliminate the awkwardness of in-school dosing
Improve behavior and cognitive functioning during the school day and in after-school activities
Provide proven safety, with generally minor side effects
Give parents responsibility for dispensing medication
Discuss with your doctor the treatment option best suited to your child’s particular needs. Remember that ADHD is a medical condition that requires medical attention, just like diabetes or asthma. Medication is one of many ways in which you can help your child overcome the challenges presented by ADHD.
