After the diagnose (ADHD)

No medicin
There is no medicin that cures ADHD. Also a simple therapy can not 'erase' this disorder. Medication can decrease the phenomena and make the child more accessible for educational measures, school tasks are performed better, better and intense social contacts and a better, finer psysical movements. Th biggest 'plus' of medications is avoiding all kinds of failures for the child and a breakthrough of the negative spiral between the child and his/her environment.

Ritalin
Methylfenidate works for 70 to 80 percent of the children (also known as Ritalin or Concerta); the main characteristics of ADHD are less evident. Use of Ritalin is often the first choice.

Concerta
In April 2003 a more extensively working medication is on the market with the same functioning as Ritalin. The name of this medication is Concerta. It contains also Methylfenidate. Concerta solves several problems at once. The pill is taken in the morning and works all day. The teacher does not need to check whether the child gets his/her medication on time. Also these children do not have to be emberassed anymore because they have to take their pills during classtime.

Strattera ®
After having 40 years of experience with Methylfenidate in November 2004 a new medication was officialy registered for treatment for ADHD. This medication is called Strattera ® (Atemoxetine). It has a different way of working than the other medication. It is a non stimulating medicin and therefor, in contrary to the other medication, it is not seen as a drug.
Strattera show effective treatment during the whole day in enlightening the symptoms of ADGD: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and attention disorder. Strattera ® only needs to be taken once a day, in the morning.

Side effects
Sleeping problems and lower appetite are the main side effects when using Methylfenidate. Sleeping problems could be solved by using Melatonine. Melatonine is a rhythm medication; the natural sleeping hormone that everybody creates in the brains at night.

Safe spot
Keep Ritalin at a safe spot, so you avoid problems when Ritalin is missing. At school you are responsible for keeping Ritalin. The school has to have medication passports from the children who needs this medicin. Don't you have these passports, you are committing a criminal offense.