Treatment for ADD-ADHD

Do You or Someone You Love Need ADD or ADHD Treatment?

The conflict with ADD or ADHD is a tough one to fight. It is a never-ending battle. The person dealing with the ADD or ADHD has a racecar mind with bicycle breaks. Their brain is constantly racing; it is incredibly hard to focus; and people often consider him or her to be a nuisance and distraction. In addition, the person struggling with ADD or ADHD also has to fight a litany of stereotypes fraught with social stigmas and prejudices.

Are you wrestling with ADD or ADHD? Is the hyperactivity, impulsivity, disruptive behavior, and lack of focus becoming too much to bear? Are you frustrated with your mind running 150 miles per hour and not being able to control it? Then admit you need help. This is the first step in learning how to manage the ADD or ADHD. Do you have a friend or family member that is grappling with an ADD or ADHD disorder? Does the person constantly talk? Can they pay attention for more than a second? Is the person continually bouncing off the walls? Then try to speak to them about getting assistance with their ADD or ADHD. Help them understand that an ADD or ADHD treatment center can assist them in learning how to deal with this disorder. A normal life can be lived with the right care.

Treatment Plan for ADD or ADHD

Dealing with ADD or ADHD is hard on everyone involved. The person suffering from ADD or ADHD has to go through the frustrations of knowing there is something different about him or her. They are frustrated that they cannot control themselves and stay focused when they need to do so because their brain will not allow them that luxury. It is hard on the family members because they are aggravated that the sufferer will not control themselves and act normal. This is why an ADD or ADHD treatment team needs to be created. The team will be made up of an ADD or ADHD treatment center, loved ones, a support group, and a therapist.

  • Loved ones – Loved ones will play a significant part in the healing process and cannot be undervalued. They will provide support and help when therapy and treatment becomes challenging.
  • Licensed counselor – A licensed counselor will be able to create a personalized ADD or ADHD treatment program. They are also important in making the arrangements to enter an ADD or ADHD treatment facility.
  • ADD or ADHD therapy program – An ADD or ADHD therapy program will boost the ability to successfully deal with ADD or ADHD. It will also help in working with any additional co-occurring disorders or addictions.
  • Continuing groups of support – The motivation and accountability provided by a support group is invaluable. A support group can offer supervision when facing tests of ending treatment and taking medications. They will play a key role in ongoing success.

Treatment Levels for ADD or ADHD

The intensity levels for treating mood disorders vary. A disorder such as ADD or ADHD rarely requires the more demanding treatments such as an ADD or ADHD residential treatment center, intensive outpatient program (IOP), partial hospitalization program (PHP), and inpatient program. Treatment levels that are more often used for ADD or ADHD are:

  • Outpatient Treatment Care – This type of care is comparable to an Intensive Outpatient Program but less intense. It places fewer limits on the person but still implements both group and personal therapies.
  • Treatment with Support Groups – This type of treatment is important as the members help alleviate the trials of relapsing. The group can supply much needed care and compassion on the road to recovery.

Types of Pharmacological Therapy for ADD or ADHD

One of the key parts to treating ADD or ADHD is implementing a pharmacological treatment regime. Stimulants are the most common drug type used. They have proven to be successful in treating the ADD or ADHD symptoms. However, there are some non-stimulant pharmaceutical solutions that have shown success in treating the ADD or ADHD symptoms as well. Some of these medications include:

  • Stimulants
    • Ritalin (methylphenidate)
    • Adderall (amphetamine)
    • Concerta (methylphenidate)
    • Focalin (dexmethylpenidate)
    • Methylin (methylphenidate)
  • Non-stimulants
    • Strattera (atomoxetine)
    • Intuniv (guanfacine )
    • Kapvay  (clonidine)

Types of Therapy for ADD or ADHD

In many cases, the best treatment approach for treating ADD or ADHD is a combination of pharmaceutical and behavioral therapies. There are several behavioral therapy techniques and a competent ADD or ADHD treatment center will employ numerous therapy methods in order to help the person manage their disorder. Some of the behavioral therapy practices include:

  • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) – The level of therapy provided by IPT centers upon the interpersonal connections and community functions utilizing brief supportive treatment and also tries to assist the person to better resolve existing situations and troubles. The four main parts acknowledged by IPT are role changes, relationship shortcomings, unresolved grief, and role disputes.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – This category of rehabilitation is designed to work on a patient’s maladaptive ways of thinking as a way influencing their behavior with an approach that is more positive. This also assists the patient in developing coping skills that replace negative skills with positive ones.
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) – This level of rehab integrates the common behavioral therapy components of IBT and CBT for the regulation of emotions. The introduction of stress management and mindful awareness are key for this therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – This type of cognitive behavioral treatment uses mindfulness and acceptance approaches mixed in multiple ways with strategies of commitment and behavior-change. The emotional and mental flexibility should be increased.
  • Supportive Programs – Groups much like group therapy, support groups, family therapy, etc. are included in this type of treatment. These support groups help the people dealing with ADD or ADHD to better manage the difficulties.

The burden of dealing with ADD or ADHD is tough on all involved, but more so for the sufferer. He or she is the one that has to fight the constant fidgeting, racing mind, lack of focus, criticisms of those around them and being considered a nuisance. An ADD or ADHD treatment center can help you manage this disorder. Through medications and behavior modification, a steady ordinary life is available. You are not alone in this battle. Your loved ones can help you to get the care you need.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on April 25th, 2013
Published on AddictionHope.com, Addictions Information Online