ADHD treatment allows you to manage challenging symptoms while surfacing your strengths. Treatment should be advised by a qualified healthcare practitioner and tailored to your unique needs.
Types of ADHD Treatment
Therapy
Licensed mental health therapists help people better understand their ADHD and how it impacts their overall wellbeing and relationships. They work with clients to develop strategies for reducing negative symptoms and nourishing the positive elements of ADHD. They can also help address co-occurring conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
ADHD Coaching
ADHD coaching provides the external structure and support to change behavior, monitor progress, and create a sense of accountability. ADHD coaches work with clients on developing executive function skills and implementing practical strategies to stay on track with day-to-day tasks.
Medication
ADHD is a cognitive condition marked by biochemical imbalances in the brain. For some, medication is an effective way to resolve those imbalances and improve symptoms. Medications include both stimulants and non-stimulants.
Parenting Support
Parent coaching helps parents of children with ADHD understand how ADHD impacts the brain. Parents also learn strategies for managing difficult behaviors. ADHD parent coaching and parenting groups provide both practical and emotional support.
Community Support
Many people find it educational, validating, and restorative to connect with others who have ADHD. Dr. Hallowell refers to connection as “the other Vitamin C” and believes that making human connections is an important component of living well with ADHD. Support groups, educational classes, webinars, and social media can all be forums for connection. For kids, ADHD groups, classes, and summer camps provide acceptance, community, and often lifelong friendships.
Common Questions About ADHD Treatment
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The first step prior to getting treated for ADHD is to be diagnosed by a qualified mental healthcare practitioner or physician. Once you receive a diagnosis, your healthcare provider can refer you to ADHD organizations/practitioners who will develop a tailored treatment plan based on your unique needs.
Learn more about the process of getting diagnosed.
Learn more about diagnostic evaluations at the Hallowell Todaro ADHD Center.
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While ADHD coaching addresses the practical challenges of ADHD, such as time management and competing tasks, therapy focuses on the emotional impact of having ADHD. Therapists can also support individuals who have accompanying mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. A qualified mental health professional who specializes in ADHD, potentially the person who performs your diagnostic evaluation, should be able to provide you with a recommendation for the best type of treatment—therapy, coaching, or a blend of both.
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ADHD medication is prescribed by a qualified physician or nurse practitioner who takes into account the patient’s age, symptoms, and health history.
For people aged 6 and older, medication is considered a safe and effective way to relieve symptoms as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. For children under the age of 6, experts recommend behavioral interventions only (e.g. therapy or coaching).
As with any medication, ADHD medications can have side effects. Depending on the medication, side effects may include appetite suppression, headache, insomnia, jitteriness, and in some cases, elevated blood pressure and heart rate. Doctors and nurse practitioners can work with individuals to reduce any negative side effects by changing the dose or type of medication.
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ADHD is a lifelong condition that affects people from childhood into adulthood. Many people benefit from receiving some form of tailored treatment—be it coaching, therapy, or medication—throughout the course of their life. Individuals should work with their mental healthcare provider to continually assess their progress and determine whether their treatment approach should be adjusted.
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ADHD treatments are considered successful when the individual feels relief from symptoms and shows improved functioning. Evidence that ADHD treatment is working might include an improved performance at work or school, strengthened interpersonal relationships, and greater feelings of contentment.
Not all ADHD treatments work in the same way. Stimulant medications typically take effect right away and, depending on the type of medication, the effects can be noticed for 4- to 12-hour periods of time. Other treatments, such as coaching and therapy, are designed to encourage long-term behavioral and emotional changes. It may take weeks to determine whether coaching and/or therapy is making an impact.
Which treatment is right for me?
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for ADHD. Treating ADHD requires a tailored approach that considers each individual’s symptoms, circumstances, and health history.
Most people benefit from a blend of educational, medical, psychological, and behavioral support. Treating ADHD is an ongoing process that can evolve as you implement strategies and structures that make symptoms easier to manage.
“Perhaps the single most powerful treatment for ADHD is understanding ADHD in the first place”
Dr. Edward Hallowell
Learn More
Our Treatment Services
Getting Diagnosed
ADHD in Kids & Teens
ADHD in Adults