Treatment

The standard treatment for ADHD is divided based on three main pillars . Medicine , Psychotherapy and Education- Training

Medication can help to reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity, inattentiveness and impulsivity in children and adults , however medication alone doesn’t provide a 100% cure and can come with some side effects putting at risk the individual.

Because of the nature of dopamine ( motivation, pleasure, attention, and movement) , stimulant medications boost concentration and focus while reducing hyperactive and impulsive behaviours. In most cases, non-stimulant medications are considered when stimulants haven't worked or have caused intolerable side effects

Even when the medication is working, a child with ADHD might still struggle with forgetfulness, emotional problems, and social awkwardness, or an adult with disorganization, distractibility, and relationship difficulties. That’s why it’s so important to also make lifestyle changes that include regular exercise, a healthy diet, and sufficient sleep.

As well as taking medicine, different therapies can be useful in treating ADHD in children, teenagers and adults. Therapy is also effective in treating additional problems, such as conduct or anxiety disorders, that may appear with ADHD.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for example is a talking therapy recommended to help ADHD patients to manage their problems by assessing and changing the way they think and behave in the different environments they have difficulties to live in. Therapists will help and support how patients and caregivers feel about a situation and how they can change their behaviour . In addition , research has found it very effective to provide and educate patients with mindfulness and other relaxation exercises such as breathing, , meditation and or diet , to allow the individual to eliminate possible distractions around and help to focus on what is important in the moment.

Education and training are also very important to be applied in the treatment in order to provide tools to the affected individuals to make sense of being diagnosed with ADHD and also to help you to cope and live with the condition and to also provide guidelines on social behaviour . For example, social skills training where there is a role-play situation can teach an affected individual how to behave in a social situation and how their behaviour affects others

More information:

Parent Plus

Irish Student Health Association

ADHD Ireland

Chadd Org