ADHD treatment depends on individual needs and the severity of some symptoms. It may involve behavioral therapy, coaching, and prescription medications. The same strategies may benefit children and adults.
Managing ADHD symptoms often leads to lower levels of distress and an increased quality of life.
The “best” treatment for ADHD is one that serves your individual needs or those of your child. It’s a good idea to discuss your concerns and experiences with an experienced healthcare professional. They’ll be able to explain how effective and safe each approach is, what you should expect, and as well as the expected outcome.
ADHD treatment strategies may also vary depending on age and overall health status. Whether you’re looking to manage ADHD as an adult or are looking for treatment options for a child, here are some of the most common and effective approaches.
Depending on the type of ADHD and the severity of the symptoms, a healthcare professional may recommend one or more ADHD medications.
The two main types of ADHD medications are stimulants and non-stimulants. Both children over the age of 6 years and adults may take these medications, although the dosage and frequency will be different for each.
Medical perspective“A few questions you could ask a healthcare professional about ADHD treatment include:
- What side effects or adverse reactions should I be aware of with this medication? Knowing what to expect can help you spot issues early and seek medical attention if necessary.
- How often should I take the medication, and what happens if I miss a dose? This question is essential to understand your medication routine and how to manage missed doses.
- Are there any other disorders that can mimic ADHD? This can help ensure an accurate diagnosis and prevent mismanagement of symptoms.”
— Ifeanyi Olele, DO, MBA, MS
Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
Stimulants
Stimulant medications reduce the reabsorption of brain messengers like dopamine and norepinephrine, which increases their levels in the brain. They are
Higher levels of these chemicals produce a paradoxical calming effect, which often results in reduced hyperactivity and fatigue, and increased attention span.
Common stimulant medications for ADHD include:
- amphetamine
- dextroamphetamine
- lisdexamfetamine
- methylphenidate
- dexmethylphenidate
Non-stimulant medications
A healthcare professional may consider non-stimulant medications when other treatments have not decreased symptoms or if side effects are difficult to manage.
Certain non-stimulant medications work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. Norepinephrine is thought to help with attention and memory.
Possible non-stimulant medications for ADHD include:
- atomoxetine
- guanfacine ER
- clonidine ER
As with any other medication, side effects are possible. Stimulant and non-stimulant medications may have similar side effects, although some people may have a stronger reaction to stimulant medications.
Possible side effects of ADHD medications may include:
- headache
- trouble sleeping
- stomach upset
- nervousness
- irritability
- unwanted weight loss
- dry mouth
Serious side effects are rare but possible.
For stimulants, serious side effects may include:
- hallucinations (seeing, sensing, or hearing things that aren’t there)
- increased blood pressure
- allergic reactions
- thoughts of death and suicide
For non-stimulants, serious side effects may include:
- seizures
- nausea and vomiting
- thoughts of death and suicide
For children under the age of 6 years,
Medical perspective“Tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking to avoid drug interactions that could affect how your body metabolizes ADHD medications. Proper management can optimize treatment and minimize unwanted effects.”
— Ifeanyi Olele, DO, MBA, MS
Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
Multiple therapy options exist for ADHD in children and adults. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be useful in getting you or your child to open up about difficulties in coping with ADHD, especially those that affect mood and self-perception.
If you experience challenges in your relationships with others, psychotherapy may also help you develop specific interpersonal skills, tolerance to frustration, and self-awareness.
Talk therapy may also help you explore behavior patterns and how they influence what you feel.
Not all talk therapy is the same, though. Usually, behavioral therapies are the go-to for ADHD symptoms, but this doesn’t mean other approaches don’t help.
The goal of behavioral therapy is to help you become more aware of your thoughts and behaviors and how they affect you. Then, you implement strategies to adjust those behaviors appropriately. These strategies may involve direct feedback or a token reward system that reinforces helpful behaviors.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a short term, goal-focused form of behavioral therapy that’s particularly helpful for ADHD. It aims to re-assess patterns of thinking that cause distress and affect your mood and view of the world and yourself.
Behavioral interventions may also be available in the classroom for children. These interventions may help them manage distractions and get organized. Discussing options with the school’s principal and counselors may be a good idea.
Other support strategies may help with everyday challenges in addition to medications and therapy, which are typically used in combination.
Neurofeedback
This information is intended to serve as real-time feedback on how some behaviors alter brain activity so that you or your child can make changes and self-regulate.
Social skills training
Social skills training can help if interpersonal relationships are causing distress. The goal of social skills training is to explore and implement behaviors that may help resolve conflict and communicate more effectively.
Parenting skills training
If your child has received an ADHD diagnosis, parenting skills training can provide tools and techniques for understanding and managing their behaviors.
Some techniques explored in this type of training may include:
- Immediate rewards: How to use a point system or other means of immediate rewards for helpful behavior or work.
- Timeouts: How to use a timeout when behavior may be disruptive or inappropriate for a given situation. For some children, being pulled out of a stressful or overstimulating situation can help them learn how to react more appropriately the next time a similar situation comes up.
- Togetherness: How to find time to share a pleasurable or relaxing activity. During this time together, you can look for opportunities to point out what your child does well and praise their strengths and abilities.
- Striving for success: How to structure situations in a way that allows a child to feel safe and able. For instance, you may allow them to have only one or two playmates at a time so they don’t get overstimulated.
- Stress management: How to use methods like meditation and exercise to reduce distress and frustration and cope with difficult situations.
Support groups
Support groups can be great for connecting with adults or children who may share similar experiences and concerns.
Support groups typically meet regularly to allow for relationships and support networks to be built. Knowing you’re not alone in coping with ADHD can provide a sense of relief.
These groups can also be a great resource for ideas and strategies for coping with your or a loved one’s ADHD symptoms, especially with a recent diagnosis.
A healthcare professional can be a good source of information on local and online support groups.
If your ADHD symptoms impact your mood, relationships, and occupations, treatment can help. Based on the severity of your symptoms and other individual needs, a healthcare professional may recommend medications, therapy, or both. These are also available and effective for children with ADHD.
Additional supports may include parent training, social skill training, or support groups.