The treatment for ADHD for adults is the same as that for children. The only difference of course is the higher doses are required and combined medication therapy may be needed. Also, very important in adult treatment is therapy to help them understand and cope with their condition.
ADD/ADHD Treatment
Because the symptoms of ADD/ADHD vary, treatment varies. Treatment may include medication, but lifestyle changes such as proper diet and outdoor exercise can help reduce ADD symptoms. Behavioral cognitive therapy can help those with ADD/ADHD improve focus and minimize distractions. Without proper treatment, children and adults with ADD and ADHD can develop drug and alcohol problems, and untreated children with ADD/ADHD have a higher likelihood of not finishing high school. However, with proper treatment, many patients are able to organize their lives, hold jobs and care for themselves.
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredSee All 5 AnswersCurrent medications do not cure ADHD. Rather, they control the symptoms for as long as they are taken. Medications can help a child pay attention and complete schoolwork. It is not clear, however, whether medications can help children learn or improve their academic skills. Adding behavioral therapy, counseling, and practical support can help children with ADHD and their families to better cope with everyday problems.
This answer is based on source information from the National Institute of Mental Health.
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredSee All 5 Answers
Children with ADHD can get better with treatment, but there is no cure. There are three basic types of treatment:
Medication. Several medications can help. The most common types are called stimulants. Medications help children focus, learn, and stay calm.
Sometimes medications cause side effects, such as sleep problems or stomachaches. Your child may need to try a few medications to see which one works best. It's important that you and your doctor watch your child closely while he or she is taking medicine. Therapy. There are different kinds of therapy. Behavioral therapy can help teach children to control their behavior so they can do better at school and at home. Medication and therapy combined. Many children do well with both medication and therapy.
This answer is based on source information from National Institute of Mental Health. -
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredSee All 7 AnswersPeople try all sorts of treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including special diets, hypnosis, acupuncture, and more. Right now, the best treatment for ADHD is a combination of ADHD medication and behavioral treatments.
If you are interested in learning more about medication for ADHD, talk to your doctor. To get started with behavioral treatment, locate a therapist that specializes in ADHD treatment. Plenty of psychologists and licensed counselors devote their days to helping children and adults with ADHD. Ideally, you will seek both medical and behavioral treatments. Stay with them. Consistent treatment seems to offer the best help in reducing the symptoms of ADHD.
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NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answeredSee All 5 AnswersParenting children with ADHD may be difficult and can present challenges that create stress within the family. Classes in behavior management skills for parents can help reduce stress for all family members. Training in behavior management skills for parents usually occurs in a group setting, which encourages parent-to-parent support. Behavior management skills may include the following:
- use of "time out"
- point systems
- contingent attention (responding to child with positive attention when desired behaviors occur; withholding attention when undesired behaviors occurs)
Teachers may also be taught behavior management skills to use in the classroom setting. Training for teachers usually includes use of daily behavior reports that communicate in-school behaviors to parents. Behavior management techniques tend to improve targeted behaviors (such as completing school work or keeping the child's hands to himself/herself), but are not usually helpful in reducing inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. -
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Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answeredSee All 2 AnswersStimulants provide you with a steady supply of the chemical in your brain that allows you to pay attention (dopamine). Taking stimulants as directed allows you to continuously concentrate throughout the day.
But there are important side effects from these medicines, so do not request them without a thorough discussion with at least two docs (we believe a second opinion is warranted for any medical treatment whose effects or duration is greater than three days). -
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Sue Hallowell , Social Work, answeredSee All 4 Answers
Social worker and couple's therapist Sue Hallowell discusses some treatment options for adults with ADHD. Watch Sue Hallowell's video for tips and information on couple's health and ADHD.
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Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answeredSee All 9 AnswersThere are several classes of medications that treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Most ADHD medications are stimulants. Ritalin and Adderall are the Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant of stimulants. Used properly, they are highly effective. Not to mention, they relieve symptoms fast.
Sometimes, non-stimulant drugs, like Atomoxetine (Strattera), antihypertensives, and some types of antidepressants can also treat your ADHD. Ask your doctor to find out what medication(s) will be best for you. -
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredSee All 4 Answers
There is no cure for ADHD. Symptoms can be managed with medication, counseling, and behavioral therapy. Talk to you or your child's doctor to discuss the best treatment options.
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Dr. Daniel G. Amen, MD , Psychiatry, answeredSee All 2 AnswersLeft untreated, ADD can be extremely problematic for those who suffer from it; it needs to be properly diagnosed and treated. Watch psychiatrist Daniel Amen, MD, explain the unfortunate consequences and side effects of leaving ADD untreated.