How To Treat ADHD: A Treatment Option Guide

Treatment for ADHD may help individuals manage symptoms and improve daily functioning. ADHD can be treated with therapy and medication, although different people may benefit from different approaches. Certain complementary treatments and lifestyle choices, like spending time in nature and eating nutritious foods, in addition to traditional treatment, may also help individuals manage ADHD symptoms. 

Getting diagnosed with ADHD 

Getting an accurate diagnosis is an important step in ADHD treatment. For example, someone diagnosed with inattentive ADHD may be prescribed or recommended a different treatment than someone diagnosed with combined ADHD (ADHD combined presentation is an ADHD diagnosis characterized by both hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention).

Many people with ADHD are often diagnosed with other mental health conditions including depression and anxiety, which may add a level of complexity to someone’s treatment plan. Your or your child’s doctor can create a treatment plan based on your or your child’s unique situation and mental health needs.

Can ADHD be cured or only treated?

Before we dive into some of the treatment options available, we may first need to tackle the terminology often used by those seeking treatment. There can be a vast difference between the terms “ADHD cure” and “ADHD treatment.”

How to treat ADHD: Is there a cure?

While there is no cure for ADHD, treatment can reduce symptom severity and make it easier to manage daily life. Many people who struggle with ADHD can lead successful lives because of their treatment plans.

Stating that there is no cure can be an important distinction for those who have been scouring the web for ways to cure ADHD using medications or natural treatments. People who claim to have "cures" are generally providing misleading information. You may not be able to cure this disorder, but you can find ways to make it more manageable.

How to treat ADHD: Behavior therapy for childhood ADHD

Behavior therapy is an effective treatment for younger children with ADHD that can help improve a child’s self-control and minimize disruptive behavior. Behavior therapy seeks to identify the behaviors that are most challenging at home and at school. Then, a therapist will work with the child’s parents in creating a structured behavioral therapy plan that hopefully provides a significant impact on the child’s behavior.

The best results occur when behavior therapy is delivered by the parents. For this reason, experts recommend parent training in behavior therapy for parents with children younger than 12 years old. Parent training teaches parents to give their child the support they need, like adapting their environment to reduce disruptive behaviors and encourage desirable behaviors. 

During parent training, parents may learn:

• Strategies that use positive reinforcement to encourage desirable behaviors

• How to create routines so your child can develop a habit of completing tasks

• How to teach their kids how to turn negative behaviors into positive behaviors

Behavioral therapy may help children with ADHD:

• Stay focused on tasks, such as homework

• Improve daily functioning, such as performing daily hygiene tasks like brushing teeth and taking a shower

• Find ways to cope with emotions like frustration

Medications for ADHD or Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Medication can be a common part of ADHD treatment, and there are often many medication types and options available that individuals can consider. If you’re interested in adding medication to your treatment regimen, speak with your doctor or psychiatrist. 

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.

Alternative treatment methods for symptoms of ADHD

Some people prefer to explore other options before trying medication or instead of medication, and there can be many alternative treatments to consider. 

Supplements for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms

Some supplements may boost brain function and act similarly to the medications often prescribed for this disorder. For example, studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B6 may improve brain function and reduce the severity of ADHD symptoms and barriers in some individuals, especially those who are deficient in these nutrients. Zinc, iron, and magnesium are additional supplements that have been studied in the treatment of ADHD. However, there is insufficient evidence to confirm their benefit.

Consult your healthcare provider to ensure any supplements you wish to take do not interfere with your current medications and other treatments. Check with your doctor to ensure you are taking an appropriate amount of these supplements and that you are not already getting your recommended amount in your daily diet. Taking a non-recommended dose of supplements or self-medicating may result in negative side effects and interactions with other medications. 

Lifestyle changes

What we do with our bodies and what we put in our bodies are two choices that can be important to our overall health. Increasing your protein and fiber intake may reduce sugar spikes that may contribute to hyperactivity for some people. 

Adding certain nutrients, like zinc and iron, into your meals may improve your brain function as well. A systematic review examined the role of these nutrients in ADHD and found that a deficiency in either was often linked to increased intensity of symptoms. However, the evidence for supplementing these nutrients is inconclusive. Talk to a nutritionist or doctor to understand what foods, minerals, and vitamins may be helpful for your unique body and lifestyle. 

ADHD treatment: Mindfulness and brain exercises

Finding the time to fit exercise and other alternative self-care activities into a busy schedule can be a common challenge for adults with ADHD. Mindfulness exercises, which usually consist of meditation or other activities that bring you into the present moment, generally work to improve your focus and your awareness and can easily be done throughout the day in periods of around five minutes.

Likewise, brain exercises can boost basic skills and improve focus and concentration. A myriad of these programs may be available online or through your local library, potentially enabling you to add them to your routine for little to no cost.

Therapy for ADHD

Alternative treatment methods may only be effective if you know how to implement them into your lifestyle for proper results. Therapy can go a long way in treating ADHD, and it can provide you with professional guidance and insight.

Benefits of online therapy

If you have already considered trying therapy but hesitated due to the effort it may take to find a new therapist and schedule an appointment, you might consider online therapy services and resources instead. Many people are matched within 48 hours of creating an account. With online therapy, you can learn strategies to manage ADHD symptoms and identify areas of your life that may contribute to added stress and emotional challenges, all from the comfort of your personal space or any location with an internet connection.

Effectiveness of online therapy for ADHD treatment

A 2022 systematic review looked into the efficacy of online interventions for ADHD and found that it could be an effective treatment option for improving social function and attention deficit symptoms in children and adults.