Common ADHD Interventions

Those who have ADHD may face some challenges in their lives, and it is often with the help of their families and friends that those challenges can be most easily and effectively overcome. To understand the symptoms of ADHD and how to find help, exploring interventions for ADHD and the science-backed treatments that are currently in use to improve symptoms may be helpful.  

ADHD interventions and treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Interventions and treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) typically include behavioral therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. These approaches work together to help improve focus, manage impulses, and support daily functioning.

Support options for adults and children

Research suggests that several types of therapy and behavior modification approaches can help children and adults with ADHD manage their emotions and improve their symptoms, including the following. 

Therapy

Psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy or counseling, may involve meeting with a licensed mental health professional to talk about your feelings, thoughts, struggles, and experiences in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. More than 50% of people with ADHD also struggle with additional mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, conduct disorder, substance use disorders, and others. These are called comorbid or coexisting conditions, and they can make living with ADHD more challenging.

Therapy may help clients manage comorbid conditions alongside ADHD symptoms by encouraging them to explore any emotional or behavioral patterns that may be causing mental distress. Talking with an experienced therapist who specializes in ADHD can also help you better understand ADHD and yourself, as well as learn new coping skills for specific situations, such as time management, reduction of procrastination, socialization, and rule-following. Studies show that the most effective types of therapy for ADHD include the following modalities.  

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to change irrational thoughts (cognitions) that might be disruptive for people with ADHD. According to CBT theory, changing maladaptive thought patterns ultimately results in a change in behavior patterns. Research has found that CBT for those with ADHD can result in higher self-esteem, increased happiness, and improved productivity.

Behavioral interventions

Also known as behavior modification therapy, behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective for children with ADHD who exhibit maladaptive behavior. Behavioral treatment may involve teaching the child alternative solutions and reinforcing positive behaviors through praise and reward while discouraging negative behaviors by setting clear boundaries and respectful consequences. Unlike punishment, which can exacerbate problem behaviors, positive reinforcement has been shown to help children with ADHD increase attention and learn. 

Parent training 

Caregivers and parents can develop behavior therapy techniques through a modality known as parent training (also called behavioral parent training). According to CHADD’s National Resource Center on ADHD, behavioral interventions for children are “most effective when their parents learn strategies from therapists and use those strategies to manage their children’s behavior.” 

Several different parent training programs are available to help caregivers promote appropriate behaviors, including the Positive Parenting Program, Parent Management Training, and Parental Friendship Coaching. These interventions center on teaching parents how to foster positive behavior, address severe ADHD symptoms, and communicate with their children effectively. 

A primary focus of these ADHD treatments is providing structure through useful resources and helpful parental instructions. Parents may learn the importance of keeping organizational tools on a child’s desk or how to teach kids to put the due dates of their homework assignments in a planner. Behavioral treatments can not only reduce negative behavior but also decrease parental stress and lead to more constructive parent-child interactions.  

Other ADHD interventions

Aside from psychotherapy, interventions like social training, support groups, school interventions, education, positive parenting classes (for parents of children with ADHD), and skills training can be additions to an ADHD treatment plan. The useful life skills that you or your child can learn through behavior training may include the following:

• Time management
• Organization
• Independence
• Decision-making
• Confidence-building
• Mindfulness
• Listening skills
• Flexible thinking
• Self-control
• Planning and prioritizing
• Task initiation
• Attention
• Stress management
• Medication 

If you believe you or your child is living with ADHD, a healthcare professional can provide you with an evidence-based assessment to determine whether further testing, diagnosis, and treatment are recommended. 

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Pharmaceutical options 

For some people, medication is a part of the treatment plan for ADHD. ADHD medication may improve disruptive symptoms and help an individual build a more functional and comfortable life. The two main types of ADHD medications are central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and nonstimulants.

The BetterHelp platform is not intended for 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 without consulting a qualified medical professional.

CNS stimulants

CNS Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed class of medication for ADHD, and they increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine that the brain releases. Since ADHD involves an impaired ability to naturally produce and process these neurotransmitters, medications that supplement them have the potential to help those with ADHD manage symptoms, though the exact type of medication and dosage is recommended by one’s prescribing doctor. 

Non-stimulant medications

When stimulant medications don’t work or produce unwanted side effects or when a doctor or client doesn’t want to use stimulants, doctors may prescribe non-stimulant medications. In some cases, the medications may be used in conjunction with stimulants to improve their effect. Your doctor may be able to tell you which medication is most appropriate for you, if any. Non-stimulants for ADHD have been shown to improve:

• Overall ADHD symptoms

• Behavioral and social issues

• Impulsivity and aggression

• Tics for ADHD patients with Tourette’s syndrome.

• Attention span

• Hyperactivity

• Severe insomnia

• Medication side effects for adults and children with ADHD

All medications have the potential to cause side effects, and ADHD medications are not the exception. Doctors may start by prescribing a low dose, especially for children, increasing the dosage slowly. Side effects of ADHD medications can vary per person. However, common ADHD medication side effects include the following:

• Sleeping too much or too little or having difficulty staying asleep 

• Tics

• Mood swings

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea

• Headaches

• Stomach aches

• Rebound effect (when the medication wears off and symptoms come back, sometimes stronger)

Long-term use of ADHD medications has also been associated with a range of rare side effects, including the following:

• Heart disease and heart failure

• Irregular heartbeat

• Chronic insomnia

• Seizures

• Medication misuse

• Increased aggression and hostility

Quickly stopping taking prescription medications without consulting a doctor first is often dangerous, so let your doctor know if you think your ADHD medication may be causing unwanted side effects.

Natural supplements and lifestyle habits

Some people cannot or do not want to take medication for a variety of reasons, but there are also natural alternatives available for people with ADHD. Moreover, it has been shown that certain micronutrients, which are compounds found in food and other sources, may reduce ADHD symptoms and improve the effects of medication. Science-backed natural supplements that may mitigate symptoms and improve the quality of life for some people include the following. Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist when deciding what supplements, nutrients, and foods are healthy for your body. Everyone is different, so some supplements may not be helpful depending on your unique experiences. 

Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc in ADHD interventions

Research suggests that people with ADHD tend to have lower levels of a specific type of omega-3 called Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Upping your intake of omega-3 could help fill nutritional gaps and boost your well-being. You can find omega-3 supplements in pill or syrup form, or you may find it in certain foods, such as: 

• Salmon
• Anchovies
• Herring
• Tuna
• Flax seeds
• Olive oil
• Nuts and seeds
• Zinc

Children with ADHD may also have lower levels of zinc, a mineral that plays a role in brain health and development. Zinc-rich foods that you can discuss with your nutritionist or doctor include the following: 

• Chicken
• Beef
• Beans
• Dairy
• Whole grains
• Pork
• Tofu
• Lentils
• Oatmeal
• Mushrooms

Magnesium and its role in ADHD intervention 

Magnesium is another mineral that contributes to brain health. Evidence suggests that people with lower levels of magnesium can become irritable, confused, and develop issues concentrating and remembering information. Magnesium supplements can sometimes cause uncomfortable side effects, such as diarrhea and stomach cramps. To increase your magnesium intake, it may be helpful to discuss the following magnesium-rich foods with your doctor: 

• Pumpkin seeds
• Spinach
• Nuts, especially cashews, almonds, and peanuts
• Bananas
• Dark chocolate
• Avocado
• Beans
• Whole grains
• Brown rice
• Peas
• Leeks
• Tofu
• Mackerel

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Online therapy can help with ADHD symptoms and parent training

Therapy can be an effective support option for people with ADHD. Through therapy, a person can learn new coping mechanisms, discuss their symptoms, and receive compassionate guidance. However, for those who face barriers to in-person therapy, it may be difficult to find a therapist. In these cases, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be beneficial. 

Online support options 

If you are considering online therapy for ADHD, online platforms often have thousands of licensed and experienced mental health providers available to start working with you. Online counseling has been shown to be as effective as in-person therapy for a number of conditions, including many of the symptoms associated with ADHD. 

Effectiveness of online therapy

One study showed that online therapy may be more effective than in-person therapy, especially considering that some individuals and families can spend months on waiting lists for qualified therapists in their area. Online therapy has also been proven to help reduce psychological distress among students. 

Get started with a BetterHelp therapist today.