Medication is one of the most common methods of ADHD treatment for teens. Although it is often associated with the disease, other treatments can be equally effective. Behavioral therapy is one such method. Medication is also known to improve your teen’s attention. Wilderness therapy is another form of treatment.
Behavioral therapy
The behavior therapy approach aims to change a child’s negative actions through positive reinforcement of the behavior. Parents are encouraged to replace negative behavior with positive behaviors. Behavior therapy starts with a consultation with a child’s therapist. Problem behaviors may be talked out of turn, not finishing homework, or exhibiting angry outbursts. Parenting strategies will vary depending on the individual child’s needs.
Medication
Medication is the most common form of ADHD treatment for teens, but other methods can be just as effective. Behavioral therapy, for example, can help your teen cope with the symptoms of ADHD without medication. Therapy is often done in a group or individual sessions and can help your teen improve time management and relationships. While therapy isn’t an exact cure for ADHD, it can help you and your teen gets the right help.
Before starting any medication for ADHD, talk to your doctor about side effects and any other medications you may be taking. If you’re worried about the stimulant effect, consider lowering the dose, overlapping doses, or switching to a different drug. However, it’s important to know that your doctor can make recommendations only after a careful evaluation. Sometimes, you might need to switch to an extended-release version of the drug.
Wilderness therapy
A wilderness therapy program may greatly boost a teen’s self-confidence, self-efficacy, and self-esteem. A teenager who spends much time escaping into the digital world is likely to suffer from low self-esteem and bullying. A higher level of self-efficacy is associated with improved motivation, more positive thinking skills, and decreased vulnerability to depression and stress.
Wilderness therapy aims to reduce stress and improve overall mental health. The natural environment provides an environment free from everyday distractions, which allows an individual to focus on a task. Breaking down daily duties can help an individual feel less overwhelmed by the pressure. This sense of accomplishment is a powerful element in managing symptoms. While wilderness therapy requires a large financial investment, it will help your teen achieve more.
Educational adjustments
In addition to individual behavioral contracts, educators should use behavior assessment techniques that will identify the strengths and weaknesses of a child with ADHD. This assessment process can include formal diagnostic assessments and learning style inventories and should help educators identify the areas that may be challenging for the child.
