Written by: Gabrielle Lau
ADHD Treatments
DISCLAIMER: This is for informational and educational purposes only. This post does not serve as medical advice and is not an alternative to speaking with a professional. The content of this post is based on peer-reviewed research and publicly available ADHD resources which may not apply to everyone. For inquiries on ADHD diagnosis and treatment, contact your primary healthcare provider. In cases of immediate healthcare concern, seek attention from your doctor or other health care professional right away.
A number of evidence-based treatments exist for ADHD. Importantly, ADHD is not entirely “curable”. Instead, therapy, medication, education, and skill-building programs aim to reduce challenges and improve functioning, wellbeing, and quality of life. Treatment plans should be formulated by a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or other behavioural specialist. The general consensus among experts is that a combination of medication, therapy, education, and skill-building lead to the best outcomes for ADHD-diagnosed individuals. Recommendations vary slightly by age and are tailored according to the individual’s unique presentation. There are over 116 000 possible combinations of symptoms that could form an ADHD diagnosis, so everyone’s journey looks slightly different.
1) ADHD Medications
Experts often recommend pharmaceutical treatments for ADHD, with two main categories shown to be effective: stimulants (the most common) and non-stimulants. Medications can significantly improve symptoms, but they are most effective when combined with therapy, education, and skill-building. They aren’t a stand-alone “magic fix.” Because each person is unique, responses to medications can vary, so finding the right treatment may take some trial and error. This process is carefully guided by your physician—whether a family doctor, psychiatrist, or other medical professional—to ensure the best fit for your needs.
How they work:
Fine-tunes the brain’s signal:
Like adjusting a radio to reduce static, stimulants help the brain focus better and filter out distractions.
Boosts brain chemicals:
They increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine ( these are naturally lower in ADHD brains) which are important for attention, motivation, and self-regulation.
Improves the “braking system”:
Helps the brain slow down racing thoughts and impulses, making it easier for kids to stay focused.
Doesn’t change who the child is:
The medication supports their natural abilities, allowing them to better manage tasks and stay on track.
Makes everyday activities easier:
Helps with tasks like sitting through a class, completing homework, or staying calm throughout the day.
Customizable dosages:
Doctors can adjust the dose to find the “just right” amount for each child, minimizing side effects while maximizing benefits.
Side effects include: (non-exhaustive)
- Appetite suppression
- Trouble sleeping
- Irritability or mood swings
- Dry mouth
- Headaches or stomach aches
Side effects tend to lessen as the body adjusts to the medication, and will somewhat vary by individual. Again, there is no single medication that works for everyone. Additionally, one person may try different medication types and dosages throughout their lifetime. Consult your physician to find out if and which medication is best for your child.
2) Therapy for ADHD
Therapy (sometimes called psychotherapy, behavioural therapy) is generally accepted as the top treatment option for ADHD. Working with a psychologist/social worker who specializes in ADHD is like a personalized roadmap, guiding kids and teens toward lifelong skills that help them succeed. For youth, family-involvement is key to optimizing a supporting environment. Here’s why therapy is a game-changer:
Teaches real-world skills: Kids get practical strategies to stay organized, complete tasks, and manage time effectively.
Sharpens impulse control: Provides techniques to think before acting, helping kids reduce impulsive decisions.
Helps navigate emotions: Kids learn how to recognize, express, and regulate strong feelings, leading to better emotional balance.
Empowers parents too: Parent training/education offers effective approaches for creating routines, setting clear expectations, and handling tricky behaviours.
Builds social cognition: Therapy focuses on improving communication, reading social cues, and developing stronger friendships.
Encourages positive behaviors: Uses praise and rewards to reinforce progress, motivating individuals to keep building good habits.
Avoids medication side effects: No physical side effects, making it a minimal-risk high-reward addition to a comprehensive treatment plan.
Flexible and adaptive: Tailored to fit each child’s needs, making it as unique as they are.
Creates lasting change: While medication manages symptoms, therapy builds lifelong skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Therapy goes beyond treating symptoms—it’s about empowering individuals with ADHD to be and feel the best versions of themselves. equipping them with tools they can carry into adulthood.
3) Education
ADHD thrives in an environment of consistency, routine, and compassionate understanding. Educating key figures in a young person’s life—particularly parents and teachers—is essential for fostering this supportive atmosphere.
Parent Education:
By learning about ADHD, parents can better understand their child’s unique challenges and strengths. Experts can provide practical strategies for at-home reinforcement, such as visual schedules and reward systems. This proactive approach enhances family dynamics, reduces conflict, and strengthens relationships through mutual understanding and communication.
Teacher Education:
Teachers play a vital role in supporting students with ADHD. With proper understanding, educators can recognize symptoms and implement effective classroom strategies, like flexible seating and movement breaks. These accommodations promote focus, self-regulation, and other aspects key to academic success, reinforcing what children learn in therapy.
When parents and teachers are well-informed about ADHD, they can work together seamlessly, creating a cohesive support system that empowers young people to thrive both academically and emotionally.
4) Skill-Building
Everyone relies on a toolbox of skills to meet life’s expectations. In comparison to neurotypical people, ADHD makes it significantly difficult to master seemingly simple skills, like using an agenda or remembering important dates. The coping strategies for ADHD are like any other skill, they take practice, practice, and more practice. Developing independent skills is essential for managing symptoms at present and throughout life.
Skills for Young Children with ADHD
Routine Building: Establish consistent daily routines using visual schedules to help them understand what to expect and stay on track.
Basic Organization: Teach children how to organize their belongings, such as using labeled bins for toys and color-coded folders for schoolwork.
Time Management: Introduce timers to encourage them to complete tasks within a set time, helping them develop a sense of urgency and focus.
Emotion Recognition: Use tools like emotion cards to help them identify and express their feelings. Teach simple strategies, such as deep breathing, to manage emotions.
Social Skills: Role-play various social scenarios to practice skills like sharing and taking turns. Arrange playdates to provide opportunities for real-world practice.
Skills for Teens with ADHD
Advanced Time Management: Encourage the use of digital planners or calendars to organize assignments and deadlines, breaking larger projects into smaller tasks.
Self-Advocacy: Teach teens how to communicate their needs effectively with teachers and peers. Role-play these conversations to build confidence.
Emotional Regulation: Introduce mindfulness practices, such as meditation or journaling, to help them manage stress and emotions more effectively.
Problem-Solving: Discuss everyday challenges and guide them in brainstorming potential solutions. This helps develop critical thinking and resilience.
Effective Study Habits: Teach study techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, which involves studying in focused intervals followed by short breaks. Help them create a distraction-free study environment.
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