A Promising New Approach to Treating Children With ADHD | NBC Nightly News

A new ADHD study focuses on treating children with behavioral therapy before medicine, and doctors say it’s an approach that could change the way young children are treated.

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A Promising New Approach toTre ating Children With ADHD | NBC Nightly News

[ChicagoRailfan]

I had adhd in the 80s, my parents just screamed at me till I got better grades. Instead of studying 2 hrs I studied 4. I wish we woulda knew back then.

[abandonedmuse]

Coming from experience, I did my own inner work (self therapy) for many years. I wasn’t sure I had ADHD until 4 years ago. Before that I learned ways to make myself get things done. Then when I was finally diagnosed at 40 and took meds, it was as if a fog had been lifted. Can I function without meds? Yes. Things take forever though and mostly get half way done. With meds, I’m at 100%. But like this kid, I did inner work first, then took meds. So if you can work on your habits first and create a way that works and then you do the meds, you will be 100, 000, 000 times better than if you go in thinking meds alone will help. Think of meds like a boat. Your inner work is the main sail to steer the the boat, but a boat without a sail is still gonna go in all directions. You want to create those good habits (a strong sturdy sail) so when you get the power boat(amphetamines) you can handle it. If not, it’s like if you took nothing. You’ll focus but on all the bad stuff you did before. Amphetamine isn’t a cure all, it just helps organize thoughts, you still have to be willing to do the work of putting yourself back on task when a facebook post or a youtube video seems more important than an assignment paper or work.
Both things create success. Without one you won’t succeed at the same degree...
Hope that helps...

[AI-chif]

I have symptoms of ADHD, and one day I decided to try self deliverance in Jesus' name to see if it worked. Yep, it surely did! I yawned about 10 times, and afterward, I was able to work on a project that I struggled with for years! Praise God! The mental health people often have no idea what they're really dealing with, unfortunately.

[butterflypathchristiancoach]

Beautiful! I have a non medicated daugther with adhd and she is triving! There are only some things we are still working on such as impulsive behavior and learning to self regulate but is been a journey of growth and Is definitely worth trying without the meds. I love her as she is and i am so glad i never wanted to give her pills to change her.

[DA-ofsv]

I'm from the uk my son has ADHD the eldest of three children. I think i need nanny 911.. unfortunately the stresses he puts on us as parents, the other 2 children too. It's so demanding and disruptive. After fighting with the system and NHS for 5 yeah have diagnosed him with ADHD last September. However even on medication he is extremely difficult. When he stays out at our parents house for a night, It's like someone has taken a giant load of stress off us all. I've read books and tried strategies however to know avail.

I hope I learn to manage my stress levels but more importantly help manage his condition better.

[Godislove]

You shouldn't be disciplining a child for actions they can't control. The problem with adhd is that much of their behavior looks like bad behavior. All kids behave poorly from time to time its part of how they learn whats ok and what's not ok. All kids benifit from encouragement when they do good. As parents we need to find the root cause of unwanted behaviors and treat that.

[johneaston]

Evidence from extensive research and clinical studies contradicts this claim, showing that behavioral therapies alone are insufficient for addressing the core characteristics of ADHD and do not produce long-lasting improvements in executive function deficits.


Neurological Basis of ADHD


ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder with genetic and brain-based differences, particularly in areas related to executive function such as the prefrontal cortex. Behavioral therapies are designed to modify behaviors through external reinforcement but do not address these underlying neurological differences. ADHD's strong biological component, as indicated by genetic markers and brain imaging studies, requires more than just behavioral interventions for effective treatment.


Short-term vs. Long-term Effects


While behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can provide short-term improvements in managing specific behaviors and coping strategies, they do not result in lasting changes in core ADHD symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity nor do they show long term benefits in many of the cooccuring executive function challenges that are arguably the condition's most impairing aspect. Research consistently shows that these therapies offer limited impact on core symptoms and that their benefits often diminish once the interventions stop.


Research Findings


Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD (MTA Study): This large and comprehensive study found that medication management was significantly more effective than behavioral therapy alone in reducing core ADHD symptoms. The combination of medication and behavioral therapy showed some additional benefits, but medication alone was the most effective for core symptoms.

Meta-analysis: Published in the "Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, " this study reported that behavioral interventions had small to moderate effects on ADHD symptoms compared to medication, which had large effects. Behavioral therapies were found to be beneficial for managing associated behavioral problems but insufficient for addressing core ADHD symptoms.


Practical Limitations


Behavioral therapies require consistent application of techniques and reinforcement, which can be challenging for individuals with ADHD due to their inherent difficulties with self-regulation and consistency. The practical implementation of these therapies often demands a high level of external structure and support, which may not be sustainabllong term.


Comparison to Sensory Deficits


Just as behavioral therapy cannot alter the physiological aspects of blindness, it cannot change the neurological underpinnings of ADHD. ADHD is characterized by differences in brain structure and function that behavioral interventions alone cannot modify.


Evidence and Supporting Studies


Neurological Evidence: Neuroimaging studies have shown structural and functional differences in the brains of individuals with ADHD, particularly in regions responsible for attention, behavior, and emotion regulation.

Genetic Evidence: Twin studies and genetic research have identified specific genetic variations associated with ADHD, underscoring its strong biological foundation.

Long-term Follow-up Studies: Long-term studies, such as the MTA Study, have demonstrated that while behavioral interventions can provide immediate benefits, their effects on core ADHD symptoms do not persist once the intervention ends. In contrast, medication has shown more sustained benefits in managing these symptoms.


The claim that behavioral therapies before medication lead to better long-term outcomes in children with ADHD is not supported by substantial evidence. Extensive research and clinical studies show that while behavioral therapies can play a supportive role in managing certain aspects of ADHD, they do not address the core neurological deficits underlying the condition. Effective treatment for ADHD typically involves a multimodal approach, including medication, behavioral strategies, coaching, and environmental adjustments, tailored to the individual's unique needs and brain functioning.

[rachpalomo]

Finding that behavioral therapy is a nightmare in this country

[SA-xtgd]

Speech therapist, special ed, occupational and others are so important Im tired of some people looking at those fields of study as a waste of money.

[katelynstrong]

The reason this works better is because parents have to buy in to connecting with their child and changing how they approach the relationship...if they just start on medication, there's less chance that the parents will change their approach. I'm sure there's just as much success to doing both at the same time. (which should always be the case...you shouldn't just put a child on medication and not work to improve your relationship and interactions)

[emiliobello]

This footage should be used in documentary films about ADHD

[mistyblackfoot]

Yeah you act like we don't already praise good behavior and encourage positive actions and self control. The problem with ADHD is that you praise the good behavior, and they're already 5 steps ahead of you doing something they shouldn't be doing. I've struggled so hard with this 'positive approach' for as long as I can remember, and my kid still suffers. I'm trying medication, even though I hate to do it, and I know it'll take adjustment. But these 'studies' need to stop acting like parents with adhd kids are lazy or doing praise their kids enough.

[jelliemish]

I think here it's important to say: Yes. A combo of medication and therapy works best, BUT not everyone benefits from the "therapy first" approach.

I am an example for that: My ADHD works in a way that makes it very hard for me to learn and apply skills from therapy. I need medication first, to even make it possible for me to learn. If I have to spend all my energy on coping, I have nothing left to for learning.

[zadekeys]

I was diagnosed with A.D.D in pre-school, im almost 40, I hate my a.d.d... its not a gift...

I think what they are seeing is "simply" :

Positive reinforcement.

Irrespective of a persons neuro makeup, everyone benfits from positive reinforcement, and most people need very little positive reinforcement.

A.d.d kids receive about 10x more negative comments from external sources, vs their neuro typical peers.

IF the child has developed a negative internal voice, this is only amplified.

[Handle]

Yeah. Um... "positive parenting" can help a bit but it's the medication that will allow for the real short-term improvements as well as much better long-term outcomes.

[creamy]

President Ford was taught by his mother to memorize and read poetry to deal with his anxiety. No drugs, and he became President.

[LeilaniPeace-txqt]

Has anyone actually tried this for a six year old, first grader? What was your experience? And if you did go to meds what meds worked for your child?

[Skibodo_edits]

As a 12 year old i have adhd
The most i struggle with is sitting still its like i get and out of breath and i just want live and then i start getting mad when leaving class
I have had abusive parents i dont want to explain but it was really difficult i could never open up cuz i normally just smile i know im not lying

[Passionaction]

I SAY WE AS AMERICAN CITIIZENS,
CHANGE THE FAILED SCHOOL SYSTEM.
EVERYONE IS NOT MEANT TO SIT AT A DESK ALL DAY EVERY DAY!
WE ARE DESIGNED TO BE DIFFERENT BECAUSE WE ARE CAPABLE AND EXPECTED TO DO DIFFERENT AND BE DIFFERENT FROM EACH OTHER.
THERE ARE SECTORS and that should be the starting point of 1st grade.
Imagine your children actully wanting to go to school and not drop out because they are learning a field that they are interested in.
Honestly teachers would love it also..
EVERY ONE IS HAPPIER AND THE ECONOMY IS THRIVING....

[omalou]

Children with ADHD received 20, 000 more corrective or negative comments before the age 12 than their typically developing peers. Lowering that is every parent’s responsibility when considering treatment for their child. Medication is more neuroprotective than once thought because it helps kids to survive in the environment most of them are in. School. Treatment should start with education. #learnallyoucanaboutadhd.