How is ADHD treated?
Treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can include therapy and medication. Therapy is usually used first for young children.
ADHD medications are among the most effective medications in all of pediatrics and psychiatry. A combination of therapy and medication has been shown to be the "gold standard" treatment for many children with ADHD.
What should I expect from therapy for ADHD?
Children with ADHD often benefit from behavior therapy. Behavior therapy typically focuses on working with caregivers and teachers to develop strategies aimed at strengthening the child's positive behaviors and eliminating problematic behaviors. These strategies may include use of praise and ignoring, development of reward systems, implementing an effective timeout procedure and other strategies known to help motivate children to engage in more appropriate behaviors.
Behavioral health providers can also work directly with a child to help them learn new skills for managing their feelings and behaviors more effectively. Children with ADHD can learn more appropriate social behaviors through participation in social skills training as well.
What medications are used for ADHD?
There are several classes of medications that can be used to address ADHD symptoms including stimulants, atomoxetine and alpha 2 agonists. A pediatrician or child and adolescent psychiatrist can assess if medication is recommended for your child.
Why choose Children's Colorado for your child's ADHD?
Our Pediatric Mental Health Institute (PMHI) Outpatient Services are staffed by mental health professionals who are experts at evaluating and addressing your child’s symptoms. Our psychologists and therapists offer evidence-based individual, family and group-based therapies.
Our group therapies include the Safely Expressing Emotions Daily (SEEDS) group for children 5-7 years old and our Collaborative Coping Group for children ages 8-12. Our providers can provide medication management for ADHD symptoms, as well as for possible co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. We also collaborate with primary care physicians in your child's ongoing care.