It has been announced, in a press release, that an innovative study examining the efficacy of non-drug treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has been given funding by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment (NIHR HTA).
The research that will be taking place at the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry (PCMD) will involve a systematic review of treatments that do not involve the use of medications within school settings.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the most prevalent behavioural disorders in the developed world and is most commonly onset in childhood, its presence can cause serious disruption within the classroom which can have a significantly negative impact on academic achievement. Symptoms of ADHD include hyperactivity, being unable to remain focused on one task, trouble inhibiting inappropriate behaviour and in some cases, aggression.
Currently there are a number of pharmaceutical treatment options, many of which, the long term impact is largely untested, some are associated with heart problems and others are known to stunt growth and even be connected to suicidal though patterns in adolescents.
The current funding is to review alternative options to drugs in the treatment of ADHD . The results which are due to be published in 2014, will evaluations of class room management programs and certain psychological therapy to establish cost effective reliable and safe means of treating ADHD . The study will also explore the most effective means of delivering non-drug based treatment establishing potential pitfalls such as parental or teacher non-compliance.
