Managing ADHD

An ADHD diagnosis can be an enormous relief, despite some nerves about what happens next.

Although there is no cure, there are different types of treatments, which range from medications to help stimulate the control centre of the brain, to tried and true strategies and techniques. Treatment can be tailored, and should address all areas you may need support with.

Your ADHD treatment goals

Your first step is optimising attention, executive functions, and emotional self-regulation. This can be done through psychological therapy, psychotherapy, skill training, parent training, or coaching.

Your second is creating a healthier lifestyle to promote brain health, including regular exercise, a balanced diet and reducing unhealthy habits

ADHD treatment for adults and children

​​​​​​​A treatment plan can range from:

• a list of accommodations for work (or school) that will help you (or your child) perform well, such as the ones listed below
• a plan for follow-up therapy with a psychologist, therapist, ADHD coach, or another expert
• recommendations for ADHD medication, if considered appropriate, and 
  

    - if medication is started then regular follow ups to check on the effective of the dosage and type of medication is needed. 

    - a schedule of follow-up appointments with the diagnosing physician or your primary-care doctor will be made to see how well the        treatment plan is working

• if you're seeing a psychologist, regular therapy sessions will be scheduled for you with your therapist.

Some alternatives to medication for ADHD treatment

Tips for you - check out some of our tips for adults with ADHD and young people with ADHD 

Tips if you work in education, check out our information for managing ADHD at school or ADHD in tertiary education.

Attend support groups to share experiences and strategies with others who are in similar situations and can sympathise and support - support groups 

Educate your family - many other families have been through this so read what they have had success with and share these with your family - families living with ADHD

Parenting programmes are worthwhile, especially if they have incorporated strategies that can help you manage ADHD in your family.

Other disciplines that have helped children and adults with ADHD include:

• acupuncture
  
• brain gym
• chiropractics
• counselling
• Cranial Osteopathy
  
• diet, including supplements (especially zinc and essential fatty acids)
  
• naturopathy
• Occupational Therapy
• therapists of all kinds can help if ADHD is clearly understood 

A multi-tiered, multi-modal approach 

Treatment for ADHD has multiple layers (like an onion!). This can include learning to accept ADHD, educational assessment, nutritional intake, exercise, counselling. medication and various therapies. Find out more below: 

A mult-tiered, multi-modal approach (adhd.org.nz)