ADD & ADHD Health Center

Hyperactivity: Medical Reality or Convenient Excuse?

Treatment

The mainstay of treatment for ADHD is stimulant medication, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin). Numerous short-term studies have shown that these agents are safe and effective, although long-term data are scarce. While adolescents without ADHD have been known to abuse stimulants, this is very rare among ADHD sufferers. Stimulants do not make the individual with ADHD feel "high" -- just normal. For most children with ADHD, a working alliance of parents, clinicians and teachers is essential, since these children require both a structured educational environment and a behavioral modification program that can assist them in learning how to deal with their disruptive or aggressive acts. Finally, adults with ADHD may also benefit from a combination of medication and counseling.