Are Stimulants Good for My Child?
ADHD
Most parents whose children suffer from the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) reject the consumption of caffeinated drinks. They often think that such drinks could worsen their children’s symptoms. So why do medical doctors prescribe sedatives to kids experiencing severe ADHD symptoms? It appears to be very counterintuitive.
A swift internet search can provide you with an exhaustive medical explanation that ADHD stimulants increase the levels of norepinephrine or dopamine neurotransmitters and also quicken the body’s blood flow. While this is the reality, this explanation still leaves many people confused as to why stimulants work perfectly as ADHD treatments.
Kids having ADHD are consistently self-stimulating. They waggle, speak out of turn, and their thoughts seem to vary. Their mind processes are non-linear. They talk a lot and wiggle their feet at the same time.
Symptoms of ADHD in Children
- Inattentiveness, hyperactivity, or impulsivity
- Difficulty organizing tasks or activities
- Inability to remain attentive for a considerable period of time
- Talking too much
- Too much carelessness, especially while handling daily routines and class work
- Inability to concentrate on tasks demanding sustained mental effort
- Inability to listen when directly spoken to
ADHD patients often have trouble paying keen attention to video games, which offer constant audio, tactile, and visual stimulation. Reading texts or books and following instructions, nonetheless, aren’t stimulating activities. ADHD kids will always try getting through these experiences by undertaking self-stimulating activities like wiggling and talking.
If you prescribe stimulant medications to your children, they may not need further self-stimulations. According to recent studies, most children who’ve been diagnosed with ADHD tend to use certain medications. Many parents are not willing to give stimulant medications to their children. Perhaps due to this parental resistance, drug firms are now advertising new non-stimulant medicines for ADHD. These drugs include Intuniv and Strattera.
There are certain situations that necessitate the use of such drugs. For instance, 10-13% of those patients who don’t show a significant response or are incapable of tolerating stimulant medications may find it helpful to utilize sedatives. They’re also suitable for people having other heart-related diseases that can’t withstand stimulant medications.
However, stimulants are a true medication for ADHD. Since 1960, Ritalin has been used to treat ADHD. There is a substantive amount of premium medical research on stimulants, particularly on Ritalin that was supported by drug companies. Stimulants boost the functionality of motor control mechanisms, executive regulations, and cognitive performances.
ADHD diagnoses have massively increased in the US. Many people attributed this response to the advanced screening techniques and greater awareness of the procedure. As the prognoses gain momentum, drug firms continue to market designer drugs that solve the worries of parents. It’s advisable that parents undertake intensive research on diversified treatment options before declining sedative medications.
Don’t take caffeinated drinks late at night. Such drinks can trigger a racing ADHD mind to become more excited and alert. Again, caffeine is a diuretic, and can cause intense sleep disruptions. It’s a reliable strategy to avoid taking any fluids shortly before retiring to bed.
Treatment Options
ADHD in children is treatable. For most cases, medical doctors recommend medications, while parents prefer the use of alternative treatments. Numerous treatment choices are available. They include:
