Non-Pharmacological Treatment Approach to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) impacts as many as 1 in 10 children. ADHD can affect academic performance, social interactions, relationships, and self-esteem. Pharmacological interventions with the use of stimulant medication is the first line of treatment. Children who do not respond to medication trials and suffer adverse side effects need alternative treatment options to manage symptoms. New and immerging treatment options being studied to determine efficacy for symptom management is cognitive behavior therapy, social skills training, exercise and neuro feedback. They represent alternative options for non-pharmacological treatment. Evidence supports the use of these treatment options alone, or in conjunction with medication management. The evidence has led to an evidence base practice project conducted in a psychiatric outpatient clinic using Play Attention technology and quantitative behavior testing to determine the effectiveness of neurofeedback in treating children and adolescents with ADHD.