ADHD Help
If you are worried that you might have ADHD then you should talk to someone you trust and go to see your GP.
There is no test for ADHD and so a specialist such as a psychiatrist or specialist paediatrician would talk to you and maybe your parents about your difficulties to find out the best way to help.
A variety of approaches including medication, behavioural therapy, individual counselling, family meetings and special educational provision can be effective for children and young people with ADHD. Children under five should not be given ADHD medication and older children may be offered group sessions to help with their behaviour. Young people may be offered similar help, but you should be offered psychological therapy on a one-to-one basis.
Nice is the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and makes recommendations to healthcare professionals on ways to treat certain conditions. It recommends that the first steps in treatment for ADHD include help with behaviour and stress management, and educational support. It suggests that parents of children with mild to moderate ADHD should be offered training sessions to teach them how to cope with and manage your behaviour.
Medication
Children under school age should not be given medication. Nice also suggests that medication should not be the first suggestion for children of school age and young people with ADHD. You should only be given medication if your symptoms are quite bad or if other help and support has not helped.If you are given medication, you should be given other help and support too.
Nice says that where medication is the best option for you, medication called methylphenidate (Ritalin), atomoxetine and dexamfetamine are recommended. You should not be offered drugs called ‘antipsychotic drugs’. Methylphenidate or dexamphetamine may reduce hyperactivity to stop you feeling fidgety and improve your concentration. Once you have taken the medication, it calms you down to help you to concentrate and learn new skills so it is a short-term help rather than a long-term cure for ADHD. Children often say that medication helps them to get on with people, to think more clearly and understand things better.
Your doctor or specialist will regularly check your health if you take the medication such as checking your blood pressure to make sure it is suitable for you.
Some people feel the medication is too strong for children. Other people think it is really helpful. Talk about it with your parents or carers and get the doctor to explain all about it. Ask any questions if you are not sure about anything. You should have regular reviews, which is the case with most medications, so if you don't feel happy taking it then you can always bring it up with your doctor at a later date.
Psychological therapy
Young people with ADHD should be offered psychological therapy. This is where you meet with a professional or therapist on a one-to-one basis to talk about your feelings, mood and behaviour.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of psychological therapy where you talk to a professional like a therapist about your problems, thoughts, feelings and behaviour. CBT can help you to challenge negative thoughts and change any behaviour that causes problems.
Diet and exercise
If you have ADHD you may find that certain food or drinks can affect your behaviour. Some young people find that fizzy drinks can make them hyperactive. It is a good idea to keep a food diary so you can see the effect that different food has on you. Having a good varied diet will help and the doctor can help advise you on what foods to eat.
See the next section for further information on ADHD.