Wednesday, May 27, 2009

What Are The Treatments For Hyperactivity In Children

Children who exhibit signs of extreme energy, especially without an apparent stimulus, often are diagnosed with a hyperactivity disorder. While there are accepted levels of age-related metabolic rates that suggest a median amount of activity for a "normal" child, hyperactivity can have a variety of causes that can affect any child. There are a variety of treatment approaches for hyperactivity in children as well.


Degrees of Hyperactivity


Most children have occasional episodes of misbehaving or disobedience, but these do not necessarily indicate a more serious underlying problem. However, children who have difficulty paying attention or who are easily distracted from thoughts or activities might have a mild functional disorder. And children who are excessively anxious, fidgety, interruptive or who are excessively talkative may have a more severe disorder.








Behavior Modification and Hyperactivity


According to Dr. Dennis S. Phillips, a board-certified pediatrics physician, while medications are often prescribed for certain hyperactivity disorders, an attempt to modify behavior patterns is also used to interrupt the mental and emotional cycles associated with these disorders. Focusing on specific goals, such as remaining seated and quiet for one hour, can be applied in this type of treatment. Rewarding successful behavior, such as extra television time or time on the computer, also might be useful in this treatment approach.


Diet and Hyperactivity


According to Dr. Jay L. Hoecker at the Mayo Clinic, there may be a link between diet and hyperactivity in some children, although a direct causal relationship has not yet been established scientifically. However, alternative nutritional treatments have been used, and in some cases positive results have been reported. These alternative approaches include herbs, such as hyoscyamus, verta alb and arsen iod. Adding more omega-3 fatty acids to the child's diet also has been reported to have positive results.


Communal Counseling and Hyperactivity


According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the diagnosis and treatment of hyperactivity in children should include the parents and other family members, as well as school staff. The regular monitoring of goal achievement and educational progress in the home and at school is recommended as a means of partnering with physical and mental health professionals to assess the treatment methods being used.


Medication


Some children with ADHD might require medication. When this happens, a doctor prescribes one of several stimulants. Some of the most common are Concerta and Adderall. Both of these medications are time-released, which means that your child will receive continuous medication throughout the day. Parents might find medication frustrating at first, because they expect the medication to solve all the problems. The reality is that the medication only will help your child to focus, which will help him learn to make better choices. The medication will not cure the ADHD symptoms but rather help your child learn to deal with them.


Personal Relationship and Hyperactivity


The success rates for most accepted treatment methods depends on a thorough assessment of all of the possible contributing factors in the child's life. Those who are part of the child's daily life should be best able to understand and monitor the progress a child is making. Increasing family members' personal assessment of and contact with the child gives a clearer picture and is also considered the best morale support available to encourage the child to successfully cope with the problem of hyperactivity.

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