ADHD Treatment: Medication, Therapy & Support

ADHD Treatment: A Comprehensive Guide

ADHD is one of the most treatable neurodevelopmental conditions. With the right approach, most people experience significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life. This guide covers the full range of treatment options available.

How is ADHD Treated?

Effective ADHD treatment typically involves multiple approaches:

1. Medication - Often first-line treatment for moderate to severe ADHD
2. Therapy - Addressing thought patterns, skills, and emotional impact
3. Coaching - Practical strategies for daily life
4. Lifestyle modifications - Sleep, exercise, nutrition, environment
5. Accommodations - Adjusting environments to suit ADHD brains

Research shows combined approaches work better than any single treatment.

ADHD Medication: Does It Work?

ADHD medications are among the most effective treatments in psychiatry:

• 70-80% of people respond well to medication
• Effects are often noticeable within days
• Improvements in focus, impulse control, and executive function
• Can be life-changing for many people

Types of ADHD Medication

Stimulants (First-Line Treatment)

Methylphenidate-based:

• Ritalin, Concerta, Equasym, Medikinet
• Work by increasing dopamine availability
• Various release mechanisms (immediate/extended)

Amphetamine-based:

• Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse/Vyvanse)
• Dexamphetamine (Amfexa)
• Similar mechanism, different chemical structure

Non-Stimulants

• Atomoxetine (Strattera) - Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
• Guanfacine - Often added to stimulants
• Used when stimulants aren't suitable or as additions

What Medication Does

ADHD medication:

• Increases neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine) in the brain
• Improves signal transmission in areas controlling attention and impulse control
• Makes it easier to focus and regulate behaviour
• Does NOT cure ADHD - it manages symptoms while active

What Medication Doesn't Do

• Doesn't give you skills you haven't learned
• Doesn't automatically organise your life
• Doesn't remove the need for strategies
• Doesn't work when it wears off

Common Concerns

"Is it addictive?" When taken as prescribed for ADHD, stimulants have a low addiction risk. People with untreated ADHD are actually at higher risk of substance abuse.

"Will it change my personality?" Properly dosed medication shouldn't change who you are - many people feel "more themselves" when able to control attention and impulses.

"Are there side effects?" Possible side effects include:

• Appetite suppression
• Sleep difficulties
• Increased heart rate
• Initial anxiety or jitteriness

Most side effects are manageable with dosage adjustment or medication changes.

Therapy for ADHD

Several therapeutic approaches help with ADHD:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Addresses unhelpful thought patterns
• Develops coping strategies
• Tackles procrastination and avoidance
• Works on emotional regulation

ADHD-Specific Therapy

• Processing diagnosis and identity
• Dealing with shame and past difficulties
• Building self-understanding
• Developing self-advocacy skills

Mindfulness-Based Approaches

• Improving attention through practice
• Emotional regulation techniques
• Reducing reactivity
• Increasing self-awareness

ADHD Coaching

Coaching differs from therapy by focusing on practical life skills:

What Coaches Help With

• Time management and planning
• Organisation systems
• Task initiation and completion
• Goal setting and achievement
• Accountability and follow-through
• Habit building
• Work-life balance

How Coaching Works

• Regular sessions (weekly or fortnightly)
• Setting specific goals
• Developing strategies between sessions
• Troubleshooting challenges
• Building sustainable systems

ADHD Treatment for Children

Treating ADHD in children involves:

Parent Training

• Understanding ADHD
• Behaviour management strategies
• Creating supportive environments
• Advocating for school accommodations

School Accommodations

• Extra time for tests
• Preferential seating
• Movement breaks
• Reduced homework load
• Alternative assessment methods

Medication Considerations

• Lower starting doses
• Close monitoring
• Regular reviews
• Consideration of growth and development

Therapy for Children

• Social skills training
• Emotional regulation
• Self-esteem building
• CBT adapted for children

Lifestyle Treatments

Evidence supports these lifestyle approaches:

Exercise

• Strong evidence for improving ADHD symptoms
• Particularly beneficial before tasks requiring focus
• Helps with emotional regulation
• Reduces hyperactivity

Sleep

• Poor sleep worsens all ADHD symptoms
• Sleep disorders common in ADHD
• Prioritising sleep hygiene essential
• May require specific intervention

Nutrition

• No specific "ADHD diet" proven
• Regular meals stabilise attention and mood
• Protein at breakfast may help medication effectiveness
• Omega-3 supplements show modest benefit

Environment Design

• Reducing distractions
• Visual reminders and cues
• Organisation systems
• ADHD-friendly workspaces

Creating Your Treatment Plan

Effective ADHD treatment is personalised:

1. Start with assessment - Understand your specific presentation
2. Consider medication - Often the most impactful single intervention
3. Add skill-building - Coaching or therapy
4. Address lifestyle - Sleep, exercise, nutrition
5. Modify environment - Home, work, digital spaces
6. Build support - Understanding people around you
7. Review regularly - What works changes over time

Treatment Challenges

Common obstacles and solutions:

"Medication isn't working"

• May need dose adjustment
• May need different medication
• May have co-occurring conditions
• May need additional approaches

"I can't afford treatment"

• NHS services (though wait times long)
• Right to Choose options
• Self-help resources
• Coaching vs therapy costs

"I tried treatment but stopped"

• Common pattern in ADHD
• Restart when ready
• Address barriers to consistency
• Consider different approaches

The Goal of Treatment

Effective ADHD treatment aims for:

• Reduced daily struggle
• Better functioning at work/school
• Improved relationships
• Enhanced quality of life
• Self-understanding and acceptance
• Using ADHD strengths effectively

ADHD is a lifelong condition, but with treatment, most people live full, successful lives.