Can my child's ADHD be treated without medications?

The National Resource Center on ADHD reports that medication is superior to behavioral therapies in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), although both treatments are effective, especially when combined. According to the center, multiple treatments usually work best to help people with ADHD. Multimodal therapy for ADHD includes skills training, behavior modification, support groups, special education interventions, and medication. Some people may respond particularly well to one of these interventions over another.

Still, some parents do refuse to medicate their children. For these parents, behavior modification, educational support, and psychosocial treatments are preferred treatment options. There is a large amount of evidence showing that behavior modification therapy is effective for ADHD. Some skills a child may learn in behavioral therapy include time management, goal setting, and practicing new skills. Parents may also participate in education and support groups, learning how to parent their child more effectively and reduce unwanted behaviors. Social skills groups are another alternative to ADHD medication that can help to reduce some ADHD symptoms in children.