Attention Deficit Disorder - Essay Example

The first step that most patients take that you may want to consider is that of pharmacological medication. By choosing this option you will be using a cost effective way of managing the disorder because this treatment has been proven to be the most successful. Your doctor my prescribe Ritalin, Adderall, Cylert with Ritalin being the most popular. Ritalin contains methylphenidate which is "Currently the focus of widespread and intensive study and is broadly considered by experts in the treatment of ADD to be the single most effective intervention for inattention and impulsivity" (Noral).

Methylphenidate has demonstrated effectiveness in controlling undesirable symptoms such as "Inattentiveness and impulsivity for approximately seventy percent of the diagnosed with ADD for whom it was prescribed (Noral). While methylphenidate is the most effective in most patients, your doctor may go through the process of elimination and have you try several different drugs in order to find the one that works best for you. Typically you will be prescribed a once daily dose of this medication and the "Effects of this dose on predetermined behavioral and educational objectives such as focus, time on task, and impulse control are carefully monitored" (Noral).

When you take these medications they will raise the level of your neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine which are all chemicals in your brain that control your motivation, concentration and alertness. In the beginning of your treatment you may suffer several side effects depending on the medication you are taking. This is why it may take some time and patience before you and your doctor find the medication and dosage that is best suited for you. "Nervousness and insomnia are the most common adverse reactions to methylphenidate and other medication side effects can include "Upset stomach, decreased appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, allergic reactions, increased blood pressure and psychosis" (ADHDNews.com). While you will find this pharmacological treatment to be the most effective it is also the most controversial due to the undesirable side affects that have been seen in certain patients.

If these side effects are too detrimental you may want to then take a step back and explore other treatment options. Often behavior therapy and interventions are the second step patients take when they are not getting results from their medication or the side effects are too overwhelming. You may want to consider this second step in treating your ADD if you have exhausted all possible pharmacological medications. One type of behavioral therapy you may want to consider is psychoeducational input.

"Psychoeducational input is a form of therapy in which patients and their relatives should be empowered to understand and accept the illness and cope with it in a successful manner" (Sherman). This method can often mean many sacrifices for yourself and your family, because you will need to make changes in your routine and daily life in order to work around your ADD. Another method you may consider is Interpersonal Psychotherapy. If you choose to pursue this method your therapist will work with you and help diagnosis the direct instances when your ADD symptoms appear and identify your problem areas.

Once these have been