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What are ADHD Treatments?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), it is helpful to know that many treatment options are available. An important next step is to find the right mental health care professional. LifeStance can help.

For many individuals, turning to their primary care doctor for ADHD treatment feels like a natural choice—they’re familiar, trusted, and convenient. However, primary care doctors often do not have the specialized training or experience needed to create the most effective long-term treatment plan for ADHD.

ADHD is a complex condition, and finding the right clinician can make a big difference in managing symptoms effectively. Specialists like psychiatrists and psychologists with expertise in ADHD have the training and experience designed to provide personalized treatment plans, evidence-based strategies, and ongoing support. Working with a mental health clinician who understands ADHD can help children, teens, and adults develop the tools they need to manage their symptoms and thrive.

Choosing the Right Provider for Your ADHD Treatment

Certain medical professionals, including physicians (M.D. or D.O.), nurse practitioners (N.P.), and physician assistants (P.A.), can prescribe medication and conduct thorough physical evaluations to identify other potential causes of inattention.

Choosing a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD helps ensure individuals receive up-to-date, research-backed treatments. These specialists have the expertise to tailor treatment plans to individuals’ needs, help them manage symptoms, and often improve daily functioning.

What is the Difference Between Psychologists and Psychiatrists?

Psychologists treat ADHD with different types of behavioral therapies, but they cannot prescribe medications.

Psychiatrists treat ADHD with behavioral therapies too but can also prescribe specific ADHD medications as part of the overall treatment.

ADHD Treatment Options Include:

  1. Therapy
  2. Medication Management
  3. Lifestyle Changes
  4. Supportive Strategies for Work and School

Research shows that combining medication with behavioral therapy is often an effective way to manage ADHD symptoms. Behavioral therapy can help individuals develop practical skills, such as setting goals, managing time, organizing tasks, and breaking them down into manageable steps. Therapists work with individuals to identify triggers, develop strategies for improving focus and attention, and strengthen self-monitoring techniques to navigate daily challenges.

Therapy can also provide support in key areas such as problem-solving and time management—often helping individuals feel more in control of their lives. Gaining these skills can shift the perspective on ADHD symptoms, reinforcing that the individual has a common, recognized condition rather than personal shortcomings.

What ADHD Treatment Therapies Are Available?

The goal of ADHD therapies is to manage ADHD symptoms and challenges and keep those challenges from getting in the way of school, work, and everyday activities. These therapies for ADHD may include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
  • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy
  • Group Therapy

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for ADHD

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely recognized as the gold standard for ADHD psychotherapy. It can help individuals of all ages—children, teens, and adults—develop practical skills like goal setting, time management, and task organization. Therapists work with individuals to identify triggers, implement strategies to improve focus and attention, and address daily challenges such as procrastination and poor planning.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) combines cognitive therapy techniques with mindfulness practices. Studies suggest that MBCT can help reduce ADHD symptoms by enhancing attention control and emotional regulation.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is often effective for young children with ADHD. It helps enhance the parent-child relationship and equips parents with strategies to manage their child’s behavior, often leading to reduced ADHD symptoms.

Group Therapy

Group therapy can be a powerful tool for individuals with ADHD, providing a supportive environment where they can share experiences, develop coping strategies, and work to improve social skills. In a structured group setting, participants can learn techniques for managing impulsivity, staying organized, and enhancing focus while gaining encouragement from others who may be experiencing similar struggles. Group therapy also fosters accountability and emotional support, typically helping individuals feel less isolated in their challenges. If you or someone you know could benefit from ADHD-focused group therapy, LifeStance may have an ADHD group therapy nearby or online.

What Are ADHD Treatment Medications?

Medication is often prescribed for adults and children dealing with ADHD. Studies have shown that medication works well for around 80% of individuals with ADHD, as long as they’re receiving the appropriate type and dosage. Still, some may have questions or concerns about medications. That’s why it’s best to speak to a trusted mental health professional to determine what’s right for you.

ADHD is commonly treated with two main types of medications: stimulants and non-stimulants.

Stimulant Medications for ADHD

Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which can help regulate attention and impulse control.

Examples include:

  • Methylphenidate-based stimulants (e.g., Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, Daytrana)
  • Amphetamine-based stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse, Dexedrine, Evekeo)

Non-Stimulant Medications for ADHD

Non-stimulants are often used when stimulants are ineffective or cause significant side effects. These medications can also help improve focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation.

Examples include:

  • Atomoxetine (Strattera) – A selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI)
  • Guanfacine (Intuniv) – A selective alpha-2A adrenergic agonist
  • Clonidine (Kapvay) – Another alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, often used for hyperactivity and impulsivity

The best ADHD medication varies from person to person, and it may take some time to find the right one. A mental health care provider can help determine the right medication to try based on individual needs.

LifeStance Health specializes in ADHD Treatments In-Person and Online with multiple locations in 33 states. Services vary by location.

Find a location near you:

What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Lessen ADHD Symptoms?

Medication is often the most effective treatment for ADHD, but non-medical approaches can also make a big difference in improving daily life. Some helpful strategies include:

  • Getting regular exercise
  • Spending time outdoors
  • Practicing mindfulness
  • Eating a balanced, nutritious diet
  • Avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs

Supportive Strategies for Work and School

The right accommodations can help individuals with ADHD succeed in school and the workplace by helping to reduce challenges and create a more supportive environment.

Examples include:

  • Extra time on tests
  • A quiet space to work
  • Structured schedules or reminders

These accommodations can often be arranged by discussing specific needs with school administrators or workplace managers to find solutions that promote success.

What Are Some Third-Party National Support Organizations for ADHD?

CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD) is the largest national support organization for ADHD. It provides education, advocacy and support for children and adults living with ADHD, their families, and teachers and healthcare professionals. CHADD offers programs and services locally and nationally.

ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association) provides information and training resources for adults with ADHD and promotes ADHD awareness. The organization also spearheads advocacy efforts (for example, advocating for ADHD treatment in correctional facilities). They also have virtual support groups where you can connect with other people living with ADHD.

Living with ADHD

While ADHD can present challenges, it can also come with strengths. Some people with ADHD have unique abilities that can feel like superpowers to those around them. It’s important to recognize and embrace these strengths, fostering confidence and self-empowerment. Working with a trained ADHD mental health provider can help individuals harness their abilities and turn them into valuable assets in daily life.

Co-Occurring Disorders

ADHD often occurs alongside other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. If an individual has ADHD and another condition, an ADHD psychiatrist can help manage both by coordinating treatment and determining the right combination of medications, if needed. Their expertise allows for a more comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of an individual’s well-being.

References

ADHD and Complementary Health Approaches: What the Science Says (August 2023). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/adhd-and-complementary-health-approaches-science

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. What You Need to Know (2024). National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-what-you-need-to-know

Bachmann K, Lam AP, Philipsen A. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and the Adult ADHD Brain: A Neuropsychotherapeutic Perspective. Front Psychiatry. 2016 Jun 27;7:117. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00117. PMID: 27445873; PMCID: PMC4921925.

Greenwood H, Krzyzaniak N, Peiris R, Clark J, Scott AM, Cardona M, Griffith R, Glasziou P. Telehealth Versus Face-to-face Psychotherapy for Less Common Mental Health Conditions: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. JMIR Ment Health. 2022 Mar 11;9(3):e31780. doi: 10.2196/31780. PMID: 35275081; PMCID: PMC8956990.

Treatment of ADHD (May 16, 2024). U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/treatment/index.html

Villagomez A, Ramtekkar U. Iron, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Zinc Deficiencies in Children Presenting with Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Children (Basel). 2014 Sep 29;1(3):261-79. doi: 10.3390/children1030261. PMID: 27417479; PMCID: PMC4928738.

photo of LifeStance provider Nicholas Eilbeck, MD

Clinically Reviewed By:

Nicholas Eilbeck, MD
Head of Psychiatry Services
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Dr. Eilbeck serves as Division Associate Medical Director for LifeStance Health. He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and completed his child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at University Hospitals of Cleveland, where he also was Chief Fellow. He attended Case Western Reserve University, where he graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. After completing medical school at the University of Toledo College of Medicine, Dr. Eilbeck served as Chief Resident during his adult psychiatry training at the University of Toledo Medical Center. Dr. Eilbeck is a member of the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Psychiatric Association and the Ohio Psychiatric Physician s Association. He remains active in medical education, teaching psychiatric residents and fellows. Dr. Eilbeck s specialty areas of interest include pediatric mood and anxiety disorders, attention-deficit disorders, disruptive behavior disorders and autism spectrum disorders.