Brief Answer:

Several treatment, medications and others mentioned- please see below for detailed answer

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I carefully read your question and understand your concerns with your son and the symptoms related to ADHD.

ADHD in itself can be very difficult and frustrating for parents and teachers of the child and also for the child himself.

I see in the summary of the question that the child has been using some medications but they mostly have side effects on him, and not help him much with the symptoms.

It is not mentioned which ones he is using, this would help for a better understanding of why he is having these and how to better help.

Treatment is focused in two major directions: medications and behavioral therapy which if combined literature shows are more effective.

Have you been able to have behavioral therapy with the child? Is someone helping you with this therapy?

In the age of your child (generally 6-11 years of age) the best and first line of treatment is the stimulants combined with parent or teacher based behavioral therapy.

Stimulants would be any of these: methylphenidate, dexmethylphenidate, amphetamine, lisdexapmhetamine, etc.

If the first line treatment is not tolerated well due to side effects or is not giving the desired effect than non-stimulants are the ones that are used next.

Atmoxetine is one of the nonstimulants that can be used.
Antidepressants are nonstimulants also and might be used: bupropion being one of them.

Clonidine is another nonstimulant that can be tried in some cases.

Even though I am mentioning all these groups of medications, it is necessary that you discuss them with your doctor on the benefit and possible side effects and which would be the most beneficial in the case of your child.

One of the most important thing in ADHD treatment is regular follow up and treatment trials to find what is helpful to the child with fewer side effects and this is done by a regular follow up by a doctor and evaluation in time how the child is reacting.

There are no natural treatments for ADHD. Some omega supplements like 300-600 mg/day of omega-3 and 30-60 mg/day of omega-6, may help with the symptoms of ADHD. Avoiding synthetic food colors might be helpful also.

Some herbal treatments tried and that might have improved in some children might be proprietary compound herbal preparation formula (Nurture & Clarity).

Neurofeedback is another treatment that is tried and that might help in some patients (this has to do with EEG that studies the brain waves to help teach behaviors).


So to conclude I would say:

- There are many treatments available for ADHD and almost all of them have their side effects and when we treat we try to find the one that is effective with fewer side effects.

- symptoms tent to decrease with age but unfortunately still some kids even with the best treatment and care might continue to have some of the ADHD after 18 years of age.

- different children might benefit from different medications
- combining medication and parent or teacher based behavior therapy is crucial for success.

- there are a few dietary restrictions (avoiding synthetic colored food), supplements (omega 3 and 6) and some herbal treatments that might help in some children and are mentioned above.

- patience and long term and regular follow up of the child is very important for better evaluation and treatment.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Zotaj Antoneta, General & Family Physician

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