Help with ADHD is what all parents and ADHD adults alike seek after a confirmation of the disorder. This probably comes as no surprise due to the many symptoms they likely have been dealing with for years such as inattention, distractibility, impulsivity, hyperactivity, anger issues, low self esteem and lack of patience. But finding the right treatment option to satisfy their unique needs is the key to solving the stubborn and complicated problem we know as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The general consensus is that help with ADHD should be a combination of medications to stabilize brain neurotransmitter activity and counseling to assist the individual in learning how to better cope with the challenges of the condition. The most common variety of biological treatment comes in the form of stimulant medications such as Ritalin, Adderall, and Cylert. All these medications increase the activity level of dopamine leading to an improvement in attention and impulse control. Antidepressants (SSRIs) such as Zoloft are sometimes uses in combination with stimulant medications to manage secondary symptoms or symptoms produced by the primary medication.

Help with ADHD in the form of counseling often come in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy. This non prescription medication treatment option has received much praise in recent years. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a combination of perhaps the oldest form of ADHD management (behavioral therapy) and cognitive therapy. The combination of these two forms of treatment focuses on the way your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions all influence each other and contribute to your mental wellbeing. The success of CBT relies on the relationship between patient and therapist and establishing problem solving and coping skills through that relationship. For young children CBT may not be an option due to the close interaction needed.

Help with ADHD in the form of large doses of vitamins, chiropractic adjustments, allergy treatments, and glasses with rose colored lenses have not been proven by research studies to have any positive impact whatsoever.

What Next? While the biological aspect of ADHD is generally treated with prescription medications such as Ritalin, many parents of ADHD children are reevaluating this option. While prescription drugs may alleviate the symptoms they are only putting a band-aid on a bigger issue and with potentially serious consequences. The short term side effect risks include changes in personality, skin rashes, tics, headaches, stomachache, rebound symptoms, insomnia, and loss of appetite; long term risk include stunted growth, depression and drug addiction. This long list of side effects has driven many to consider natural alternatives such as homeopathy. Homeopathic remedies for ADHD are a safe and effective alternative to harsh prescription drugs and when combined with cognitive behavioral therapy can produce powerful long lasting results.