Pervasive Developmental Disorder
Alternate Names : PDD
What are the treatments for the disease?
Treatment for PDD first focuses on education. This should be tailored to each
person's specific needs and symptoms. Some of the treatments include:
behavioral therapy to help the person handle his or her environment
"inclusion programs" to help the person adapt to the outside world as much
as possible
providing a structured environment for the person
audio-visual therapies
dietary review
medications, including antipsychotic medications, depending on the
symptoms
music therapy
physical therapy
speech therapy
Treatment may also include teaching the person how to handle new situations.
This can include asking for help, directions, and other needs. A person with a
PDD often needs guidance in getting jobs and handling the daily work routine.
The families and friends of people with PDD need support as well. The more
support they have, the better the adjustment to living with a person with PDD.
Sometimes the person with PDD may need to go to a group home.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Side effects depend on the treatments used. Behavioral therapy can cause
frustration
for the person and the family going through it. All medications have some side
effects. Some of these include stomach upset, rash, irritability, depression,
and allergic reaction.
What happens after treatment for the disease?
Treatment for PDD will usually last a lifetime. A person with a mild form of
PDD may be able to monitor himself or herself for when treatment needs to
continue.
A person with a more severe form of PDD may need assistance with treatment and
therapy programs.
How is the disease monitored?
PDD needs to be monitored closely. Treatments need to be adjusted over time.
Persons with a mild form of PDD may improve as they mature. Those with a more
severe form of PDD may worsen over time and may need adjustments to their
treatment program. They may also have to rely on a caregiver to monitor their
behavior and help them get the care they need.
|