Which ADHD Medication is Right for Your Child? - Other ADHD Treatments

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Other ADHD Treatments

If 2 or 3 stimulants don't work for your child, second line treatments might be tried, including tricyclic antidepressants (Imipramine or Desipramine) or Bupropion (Wellbutrin). Clonidine is also sometimes used, especially for children that have ADHD and a coexisting condition.

In addition to medications, the AAP policy statement on the Treatment of the School-Aged Child With ADHD recommends the use of behavior therapy, which might include parent training and '8-12 weekly group sessions with a trained therapist' to change the behavior at home and in the classroom for children with ADHD. Other psychological interventions, including play therapy, cognitive therapy or cognitive-behavior therapy, have not been proven to work as well as a treatment for ADHD.

Non-stimulant Medication for ADHD

Strattera (atomoxetine) is the only nonstimulant for treatment of symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Sources:

• Clinical Practice Guideline: Treatment of the School-Aged Child With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, American Academy of Pediatrics, PEDIATRICS Vol. 108 No. 4 October 2001, pp. 1033-1044.
• FDA warning on ADHD medications, Feb. 2007.
• Margaret Austin, Ph.D., Natalie Staats Reiss, Ph.D., and Laura Burgdorf, Ph.D, Side Effects of ADHD Medications.

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