Therapy
As individual as the symptoms of ADHD are, the therapy must also be designed. This means that every therapy should be individually tailored to the deficits of the child and, if possible, should be holistic (multimodal). In doing so, the child must be “picked up” where it is currently located.
This means: the pedagogical and therapeutic work must be based on the individual learning level and in the area of the individual learning conditions and working possibilities of a child and must be oriented towards them in a special way. “Holistic approach” implies at this point also a cooperation of therapist – parents – school. It must be made clear to all those involved in education (especially grandparents) that only cooperation among each other can lead to success.
In addition, “holistic” always implies a combination of the social-emotional area with the psychomotor and cognitive area within the framework of a therapeutic approach. Among other things, there are specific therapeutic approaches that we have developed specifically. These are:
- The drug therapy of ADHD: ADHD drugs, including methylphenidate and antidepressants,
- The psychotherapeutic approach of the ADS – Therapy: Psychotherapy for ADS,
- The curative education approach: ADS curative education,
- The nutritional therapeutic approach: nutrition in ADS, and
- Family support: ADS and family
Medicines for ADS
ADHD is also treated with drugs against the hyperactive forms of ADHD. A cure is not achieved, but the symptoms are reduced and thus the pressure of suffering is lowered. The most commonly used drug is the so-called methylphenidate (e.g. in Ritalin ®), an amphetamine-like substance that improves signal transmission in the brain and thus increases performance.
In ADHD, this substance does not affect the brain as frequently as in typical ADHD, but patients often manage with lower doses or with other therapies without medication. Other substances such as atomexetin (e.g. in Strattera ®), which are often not sufficient in hyperactive ADHD, are more widely used in ADHD. Homeopathic and herbal alternatives are also available to the patient.
Which substance works best in individual cases or shows the least side effects varies from person to person and therefore requires detailed consultation and patient trial and error. In almost all cases, however, drug therapy alone is not sufficient and should be supplemented by psycho- and behavioural therapies. Methylphenidate is the most common substance used in ADHD and ADHD therapy and is found in drugs such as Ritalin® or Medikinet®.
It is an amphetamine-like substance from the group of psychostimulants that improves signal transmission in the brain via the messenger substance dopamine by increasing the concentration of this substance in the synapses. Methylphenidate therefore does not eliminate the cause of the disorder, which remains unexplained to this day, but alleviates the symptoms. Unfortunately, side effects of Ritalin® are very common, especially in the gastrointestinal tract and the psyche.
The use of this drug is therefore controversial today. Many ADS patients use herbal medicines for mild symptoms or as a supportive treatment. Examples are the extracts of the gingko tree to improve the ability to concentrate or Bach flower preparations to increase mental well-being. However, herbal substances can also have side effects and not all of them are compatible with conventional medicines, so it is advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist.
