Once a child is diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder it is important for a family to decide the appropriate treatment to fit the specific needs of the child.  Get the information on child ADHD treatment here.

The National Institute of Mental Health has done a ground breaking study to help parents with this decision. The study is called the Motimodal Treatment Study of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or MTA.

The NIMH states that: "The results of the study indicated that long-term combination treatments and the medication management alone were superior to intensive behavioral treatment and routine community treatment. And in some areas—anxiety,academic performance, oppositionality, parent-child relations, and social skills—the combined treatment was usually superior. Another advantage of combined treatment was that children could be successfully treated with lower doses of medicine, compared with the medication-only group.

The NIMH also recommends that parents and doctors be aware of which medications are meant for which age group of children. The following is information from the NIMH about the age group meant for each medication listed.

Trade Name	Generic Name	Approved Age
Adderall	amphetamine	3 and older
Concerta	methylphenidate (long acting)	6 and older
Cylert*	pemoline	6 and older
Dexedrine	dextroamphetamine	3 and older
Dextrostat	dextroamphetamine	3 and older
Focalin	dexmethylphenidate	6 and older
Metadate ER	methylphenidate (extended release)	6 and older
Metadate CD	methylphenidate (extended release)	6 and older
Ritalin	methylphenidate	6 and older
Ritalin SR	methylphenidate (extended release)	6 and older
Ritalin LA	methylphenidate (long acting)	6 and older
*Because of its potential for serious side effects affecting the liver, Cylert should not ordinarily be considered as first-line drug therapy for ADHD.

Please be aware that this site is not meant to replace medical advice from a licensed physician, therapist or psychologist or any other professional. This is for informational uses only! Always consult with your child's doctors about which treatments are best for your child.

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