The Pros And Cons Of ADHD Medication

When evaluating drug interventions, we can see that it is positive because all six symptoms can be effectively treated as a cluster and respond together to stimulant treatment. (Brown, 2005) Since symptoms are caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain the best treatment is a reintroduction of these missing chemicals. This allows the brain to send messages through neurotransmitters in a normal time to give better functioning. Even though the drugs that are given to the children are stimulants it does not give the children the ability to be “high” (NICE, 2013). However, there are some side effects of taking medication to help the effects of ADHD, such as sleep problems depressed appetite and even supressed growth. Goldman (2010) looked at
When looking at longitudinal studies there has been research between the use of stimulant medication and substance abuse. Breyer, Lee, Winters, August, & Realmuto, 2014 found that those whose ADHD continued through to adulthood were more likely to become dependent on smoking, alcohol and drugs. When weighing out the pros and cons, we can see that ADHD medication is good for controlling all symptoms of ADHD and is widely prescribed, however there are many complications that were mentioned that show that it is important to consider the other interventions. These behavioural interventions are usually used alongside drug interventions to get the best results for a child with ADHD. There is vast support that both drug interventions and behavioural interventions combined is the best possible action for children with ADHD as this shows greater improvement (Jensen, 1999). However, when comparing the two medication strategies were superior to behavioural
This means its important to combine psychological programs such as cognitive-behavioural strategies as well as drug treatment. There is a range of different approaches that include health professionals, parents and teachers to work together. Firstly, it is important for parents to be given training so they understand how to react to their child. This training is usually about 8 weeks and includes an overview of ADHD and how to improved positive attending skills as well as understanding parent-child relations and principles of behaviour management (NICE 2011). This means a child can their behaviour in different setting such as school or playground. These environmental manipulations include changes in school; such as providing more opportunity in free play and in structures setting to reduce distractions for the child. As well as changing the environment in the home such as not letting the child have any overstimulation, such as only having one or two toys at a time. Having this as well as other therapies such as behavioural therapy, social skills training and cognitive behavioural therapy, will help to teach a child that has ADHD to go through stages and learn other skills to control their ADHD symptoms. Bloomquist, August, & Ostrander, 1991 found that multicomponent CBT helped ADHD children to be significantly better in their behaviour as they were less disruptive. However, these therapies only help