Behavior Therapy |
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Behavior therapy should be initiated by the primary care provider and monitored at frequent follow up visits. At each clinic visit, specific behaviors can be identified as target symptoms and the primary provider can help the family design a workable behavior management plan. Available in this module is a one page handout: Survival Tips for Parents of Children with AD/HD. This handout can be printed from your computer and reviewed with parents to help them understand appropriate behavior management techniques. At each follow up visit, the clinician can assess the programs effectiveness and design new goals. At the same time, the clinician can monitor the child for side effects of this pharmacologic agent and adjust the dosage. Clinicians must guard against contributing the child's progress solely to the effect of a pharmacologic agent. Referral to a mental health professional should be considered if the child's behavioral symptoms are complex, if behaviors are not responding to intervention, or family dynamics prevent effective therapy in the primary care setting. |