Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults: Treatments
What are the treatments for ADHD?
Treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) includes medication, therapy, other behavioral treatments, or a combination of methods.
Medication
Stimulants are the most common type of medication used to treat ADHD. Research shows these medications can be highly effective. Like all medications, they can have side effects and require an individual's health care provider to monitor how they may be reacting to the medication. Nonstimulant medications are also available. Health care providers may sometimes prescribe antidepressants to treat adults with ADHD, although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved these medications specifically for treating ADHD.
As with all prescriptions, individuals should disclose other medications they take when discussing potential ADHD medications with a health care provider. Medications for common adult health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression, may interact with stimulants. In this case, a health care provider can suggest other medication options.
Psychotherapy and Support
Research shows that therapy may not be effective in treating the core symptoms of ADHD. However, adding therapy to an ADHD treatment plan may help individuals better cope with daily challenges. Therapy is especially helpful if ADHD co-occurs with other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, might help an adult with ADHD become more aware of attention and concentration challenges as well as work on skills to improve organization and use of time in completing daily tasks. For example, they might help individuals break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Psychotherapy also can help adults with ADHD gain confidence and control impulsive and risky behaviors. Some adults also may find it helpful to get support from a professional life coach or ADHD coach who can help with different skills to improve daily functioning.
Complementary Health Approaches
Some people may explore complementary health approaches, such as natural products, to manage symptoms of ADHD. Unlike specific psychotherapy and medication treatments that are scientifically proven to improve ADHD symptoms and impairments, complementary health approaches for ADHD generally have not been found to improve symptoms and do not qualify as evidence-supported interventions.
How can I find help?
Your employee support program may be able to help you locate mental health professionals and other support resources in your area.
If you or someone you know is in immediate distress or is thinking about hurting themselves, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline toll-free at 988 or 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) or use the Lifeline Chat on the website (Link opens in a new windowhttps://988lifeline.org/chat).
How can I help myself?
Therapy and medication are the most effective treatments for ADHD. In addition to these treatments, other strategies may help manage symptoms:
- Exercise regularly, especially when you're feeling hyperactive or restless.
- Eat regular, healthy meals.
- Get plenty of sleep. Try to turn off screens at least one hour before bedtime and get between seven and nine hours of sleep every night.
- Work on time management and organization. Prioritize time-sensitive tasks, and write down assignments, messages, appointments, and important thoughts.
- Connect with people and maintain relationships. Schedule activities with friends, particularly supportive people who understand your challenges with ADHD.
- Take medications as directed, and avoid use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
Where can I turn if I feel alone in my diagnosis of ADHD?
Adults with ADHD may gain social support and better coping skills by talking with family, friends, and coworkers about their diagnosis. If the people in your life are aware of your diagnosis, they will better understand your behavior. Psychotherapy for families and couples can help relationship problems and teach everyone involved about ADHD. There are also support groups for adults with ADHD.
U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (Revised 2021). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults: What you need to know (NIH Pub. No. 21-MH-3572). Retrieved January 12, 2023, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov