Can ADHD Be Cured? Understanding Treatment And Long-Term Management
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can cause difficulties in focusing, managing daily life, and staying organized. For those familiar with this condition, questions may arise about the prognosis: Can ADHD be cured or only managed? What does long-term treatment involve? How common is remission? Below, explore the answers to these questions in more detail.
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes difficulties with focus and impulse control. While ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, some people aren’t diagnosed until later in life. Although the exact causes aren’t clear, genetics are considered a factor. Other possible causes may include low birth weight, premature birth, and substance use during pregnancy, although these theories are still being researched.
ADHD can cause two types of symptoms: Inattentiveness or hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Inattentiveness can look like the following:
Inattentiveness can look like
- Struggling to follow directions
- Losing track of time
- Getting lost in thought, even when others are talking to you
- Struggling to focus on tasks that require sustained mental effort
- Having trouble finishing projects
Hyperactive and impulsive behavior may include the following:
- Fidgeting
- Speaking without thinking
- Engaging in needlessly risky behavior
- Struggling to be patient
- Experiencing mood swings or angry outbursts
Symptoms like these can have far-reaching effects. Children with ADHD may struggle with schoolwork or behavioral issues, while adults may have trouble performing at work or maintaining healthy relationships. Seeking professional treatment may help individuals avoid these outcomes.
Can ADHD be cured?
If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with ADHD, you may wonder if the condition is curable. However, as ADHD is a form of neurodiversity and also a difference in neurological processing, it is not considered curable. In some cases, people with ADHD have been found to go into periods of symptom remission throughout their lives. However, they still have ADHD.
While there is no medical procedure that can make ADHD go away, symptoms can often be effectively managed. With proper treatment and support, people with ADHD are often able to reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Treating ADHD
The right ADHD treatment, or combination of treatments, can significantly improve a person’s symptoms and make daily functioning easier, but the right treatment may not be the same for everyone. By familiarizing yourself with the different treatment options available and discussing them with your doctor, you may be able to find the best approach for your needs. Treating ADHD often involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and therapy.
Medication
Various medications may reduce symptoms of ADHD. The right one for you may depend on your age, other medications, lifestyle, and preferences.
ADHD medications fall into three main categories: stimulant, non-stimulant, and off-label. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. Stimulant medications work by increasing dopamine levels, one of several brain chemicals that may play a role in motivation and emotion. Because they can be addictive, doctors typically won’t prescribe them if you don’t have an official ADHD diagnosis. Always follow your prescription guidelines, and do not start, change, or stop a medication without consulting your doctor.
Non-stimulant medications are another option for people with ADHD. They may be helpful if you want to avoid taking a stimulant or if the side effects of stimulants are bothersome. Some of these medications may be used by themselves or as an add-on to stimulants.
Off-label medications are other medications that may reduce ADHD symptoms, even if they aren’t typically used to treat ADHD. A doctor may prescribe them as alternatives or add-ons to other medications. Antidepressants may sometimes be used in these cases.
The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action (including starting, stopping, or changing medications) without consulting a qualified medical professional.
Lifestyle changes
In addition to medication, your doctor may suggest adjusting your daily life to make managing symptoms more accessible. For example, ensuring self-care and improving organizational skills can be helpful. You might improve your time management by setting alarms, using planners, and scheduling a predictable daily routine. Improving your sleep hygiene may also help with focus and energy levels, while exercise and eating nutritious foods can benefit overall brain health. Mindfulness and meditation can also be helpful in building concentration and managing emotions.
Therapy
Therapy is often recommended to help people living with ADHD improve their relationships and well-being. A mental health professional may be able to make personalized suggestions based on which symptoms you experience and whether you have any other mental health concerns, like depression or an anxiety disorder.
Certain types of therapy may be beneficial for people with ADHD, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The idea behind CBT (sometimes called “cognitive behavior therapy”) is to identify and change negative thought patterns and beliefs that might be contributing to ADHD-related challenges.
Because ADHD can sometimes cause social challenges, like interrupting others or speaking without thinking, social skills training (SST) may be another valuable form of therapy. SST aims to help people improve their communication skills by learning to read social cues and healthily express their emotions. Over time, this process may boost confidence and self-esteem.
For those whose personal lives are being affected by ADHD, relationship and family therapy may also help romantic partners and family members understand the condition and better support one another. This type of treatment can also provide a safe space for loved ones to discuss their own mental health as it relates to ADHD.
Alternative support options
If you’re living with ADHD, an in-person therapy session may not always be enough to get the support you’re looking for. With online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp, you can contact your therapist at any time using in-app messaging, and they will respond as soon as they can. This option may be helpful if you find yourself struggling with your symptoms between scheduled sessions. In addition, online therapy may be more cost-effective.
Research has found that online therapy may help reduce the symptoms of ADHD. In a 2022 review, researchers examined six studies of internet-based ADHD interventions. The internet-based treatments were found to improve social function and attention.
Takeaway
ADHD is a disorder that can make concentrating, sitting still, and controlling your impulses difficult. Over time, ADHD can also affect your responsibilities and relationships long-term. While ADHD is often considered a lifelong condition, managing symptoms may be possible through a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy.
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