There are several types of ADHD, such as:
- ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type
- ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
- ADHD, Combined Type.
Effective ADHD treatment depends on an appropriate diagnosis. A comprehensive medical evaluation of the child must be conducted to establish a correct diagnosis of ADHD and to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms. ADHD can be reliably diagnosed when appropriate guidelines are used. Ideally, a healthcare practitioner making an ADHD diagnosis should include input from both parents and teachers. However, some health practitioners diagnose ADHD without all this information and tend to either overdiagnose ADHD or underdiagnose it.
ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, although the condition can continue into the adult years.
(Click Adult ADHD for more information on ADHD in adults.)
Research has shown that certain medications (stimulants in most cases) and behavioral therapies that help children with ADHD control their activity level and impulsiveness, pay attention, and focus on tasks are the most beneficial treatments. Stimulants commonly prescribed for ADHD include:
Despite data showing that stimulant medications are safe, there are widespread misunderstandings about the safety and use of these ADHD drugs, and some healthcare practitioners are reluctant to prescribe them. Like all medications, those used to treat ADHD do have side effects and need to be closely monitored.
Most experts agree that treatment for ADHD should address multiple aspects of the individual's functioning and should not be limited to the use of medications alone. ADHD treatment should include:
- Structured classroom management
- Parent education (to address discipline and limit-setting)
- Tutoring and/or behavioral therapy for the child.
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