Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that bears a mark on both the brain and behavior of a child. While there is no definite cure to be rid of ADHD, there are various treatment options to help with the management of symptoms and control its impact from disrupting regular life. The options for treatment range from the prescription of medication to behavioral intervention through therapy and such. In most of the cases, ADHD can easily be managed with medication, but therapy is prescribed alongside the enabling self-maintenance in the long run. A combination of treatment options has been often prescribed as the best treatment course for effective management of ADHD.

Some of the common treatment options for ADHD in children include

Stimulant and non-stimulant medications
It is always difficult to adapt on to a medication routine, and it is all the more difficult for parents who need to get their children on to a medication course for the long term, especially with the ADHD diagnosis. To determine the best course of action for your child, it is best to work closely with the doctor on their suggestions and decide on the use of medications on the basis of their expert recommendation. You can not only learn more about the medication but also know how it would fit into your child’s routine, and even what type of medication would be apt for your child. Essentially, the medication for ADHD can be broadly classified into two main categories:  stimulant and non-stimulant medication.

Central nervous system stimulants
These types of stimulants are one of the most commonly prescribed types of medication for the treatment of ADHD. The main aspect of these medications is to work on increasing the chemicals – dopamine and norepinephrine which are present in the brain. This balancing of the brain’s chemicals helps the child to not only concentrate but also focus on clarity. Some of the most commonly used types of central nervous system stimulants include amphetamine-based medications such as Adderall, Dexrostat, Dexedrine, Focalin, Desoxyn, methylphenidate, Daytrana, Ritalin, Concerta, and Metadate.

Non-stimulant medications
In the event that these common forms of stimulants bear no effect on your child, and their condition or cause major havoc through the side effects that disturb the child’s routine, then the doctors switch over to non-stimulant forms of medication. In this type of medication, the main objective of the medications is to increase the norepinephrine which is a chemical in the child’s brain. The effects of these medications are designed to improve the child’s memory and attention on things, and the common forms of treatment include Strattera and Pamelor. There are also certain other forms of non-stimulation medication being tested for ADHD and its effects are yet to be fully disclosed.

As with any medication, the use of these types of stimulant and non-stimulant medication too has its fair share of side effects. While most of the side effects between the two, the intensity of the ones caused due to the stimulants are pretty much stronger.