Behavioral Therapy as a powerful alternative to medication

There has been a definite rise in the percentage of preschoolers diagnosed with ADHD. Along with the rise of diagnoses, the number of children from ages 2 to 5 who have been prescribed psychoactive medications to treat ADHD has also doubled. What is interesting about this is that half of the preschoolers diagnosed with ADHD are not getting behavioral therapy.

Behavioral therapy has shown to be very effective, even in children as young as 4 years old. Studies have shown that behavioral therapy can help young children who are diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety by helping them understand their feelings. It also reduces the symptoms of PTSD and anxiety.

For those considering behavioral therapy, the first step would be to undergo a mental health assessment to full understand what is going on with the child. Assessment can also inform parents why they may not be as focused and attentive in school as other children. There are also formal parenting interventions, which are known as parent behavior training (PBT), that help parents focus on positive parenting strategies.

Many psychologists believe that although medications may be necessary, behavioral therapy should be the first line of treatment. Psychoactive medications can also have negative effects on young children, which is why psychologists are encouraging parents who have a child showing symptoms for ADHD, or any other issues involving behavior, to seek a psychologist first. Behavioral therapy can certainly help children with behavioral issues that are affecting them in school, and it is better to seek help early on before symptoms can worsen.

For more information on behavioral therapy and the affects of medication on young children, visit this page:

http://www.apa.org/monitor/2015/07-08/preschoolers.aspx