Theoretical Orientation
Developmental Stages
Statistics
Treatment & Outcomes

Treatment & Outcomes

It is important to address your child's ADHD symptoms as early as possible because the struggles inherent to ADHD of social skill deficits and poor peer relationships are among the strongest predictors of poor social adjustment and poor mental health (Guevremont & Dumas, 1994; Hoza, Mrug, Gerdes, Hinshaw, Bukowski, 2005).

There are a number of treatment methods for ADHD, including counseling, medication, behavioral interventions, neurological biofeedback (or neurofeedback) and prayer. Although each one helps with ADHD symptoms, most individuals are benefited from a combination of treatment methods because each combats different facets of ADHD and because every ADHD sufferer is different and will respond as such.

Counseling for ADHD incorporates multimodal approaches. Counselors utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address dysfunctional thinking, including inaccurate perceptions of personal social skill levels, social situations, and the views, feelings, and attitudes of others (Shillingford, Lambie, Walter, 2007; Hoza, et. al., 2005).  Behavior management techniques are also implemented to address negative behaviors associated with ADHD (Shillingford, Lambie, Walter, 2007). Counselors involve parents to establish structure for the child and to create a goal setting and reward system for the child (Shillingford, Lambie, Walter, 2007).

Counseling also addresses deficits in emotional regulation and negative feelings that your child may develop, including low self-esteem, anger or aggression, anxiety or withdrawal, loneliness, and depression.

In counseling, your child can learn and practice social skills like conversation skills and problem solving skills, as well as improving higher order functioning tasks like organization, memory, and sustained attention.

Counselors may also work with teachers and school counselors to implement a peer involvement intervention in which several students are trained to invite and encourage socially isolated peers to participate in group activities (Guevremont & Dumas, 1994). Studies have shown that interventions like these improve these children's relationships with their classmates, which helps in the development of control of aggressive impulses, feelings of acceptance and belonging, morality, stress resistance, self-esteem, and cooperative social exchange skills (Guevremont & Dumas, 1994).

Medication treatment for ADHD addresses the neurobiological contributions to ADHD behavior. There are different classes of medications currently used to treat ADHD, most of which are stimulants and a few are non-stimulant medications. These include Methlphenidate (MPH), MPH Extended Duration, Amphentamine (AMP), and Atomoxetine (Newcorn & Ivanov, 2007). Talk with your doctor about treating your ADHD child with medication and any related concerns.

Biblical Concerns about Medication. Christians might suggest that medication is inappropriate for treatment of ADHD or other disorders, citing verses such as 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) which says, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." This verse might imply that no other methods are necessary, acceptable or biblical for correction. However, we believe that this verse implies all methods used for such "teaching... reproof... correction... and for training...." be biblically sound, have scriptural justification, and absolutely not contradict sound theological principles

Neurofeedback. Research is also finding another alternative to medicating ADHD. Neurofeedback utilizes Electroencephalogram (EEG) technology to measure brain waves. It uses a computer program to help increase brain waves related to attention, focus and concentration. Neurofeedback is usually conducted by a local mental health professional, such as a psychologist or counselor. A recent literature review found that neurofeedback appears to be a valid treatment for ADHD (Heinreich, Gevensleben, Stehl, 2007). Initially neurofeedback was a very expensive form of treatment, due to the high cost of necessary EEG and computer equipment; however, the cost appears to be decreasing as technology becomes more prevalent and well-researched (Wood, S. L., personal communication, October 7, 2008).  Check out this link for more information on neurofeedback.

Prayer. As Christians we are told to pray "in everything... with thanksgiving, present our requests to God." (Phil 4:6, ESV). Prayer should be an integrated method of handling ADHD. The Bible is clear that our children belong to our Father and are gifts from Him (Psalm 127:3, ESV). We should be diligent in teaching our children biblical principals and teaching them how to pray (Prov. 22:6, ESV). Seek pray, assistance, and support from your church community. Communicate with other parents of children with ADHD.

Click here for more tips on Parenting your ADHD Child