ADHD Treatment Options

Multiple approaches to manage ADHD: medication, therapy, and lifestyle strategies

Comprehensive Treatment Plans

Effective ADHD treatment is personalized. Most people benefit from a combination of approaches tailored to their specific needs, lifestyle, and preferences.

Our specialists work with you to explore all options and find the treatment plan that helps you thrive.

Illustration of ADHD treatment approaches: therapy, medication, exercise, and consultation

Medication Management

Medications are often an important part of ADHD treatment, helping improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and manage symptoms

Stimulant Medications

The most commonly prescribed ADHD medications. They work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, improving focus and attention.

Amphetamine-Based:

  • • Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
  • • Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
  • • Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)

Methylphenidate-Based:

  • • Ritalin (methylphenidate)
  • • Concerta (extended-release methylphenidate)
  • • Daytrana (methylphenidate patch)

Non-Stimulant Medications

For patients who don't respond well to stimulants or prefer alternatives. These work through different mechanisms to improve attention.

Common Non-Stimulants:

  • • Atomoxetine (Strattera)
  • • Guanfacine (Intuniv)
  • • Clonidine (Kapvay)
  • • Viloxazine (Qelbree)

Non-stimulants often take longer to work but may have different side effect profiles and lower abuse potential.

Important Note:

Medication selection is highly individualized. Our doctors consider your medical history, other medications, lifestyle, and preferences. We'll work with you to find the right medication and dosage that maximizes benefits while minimizing side effects.

Therapy & Behavioral Treatment

Therapy helps develop coping strategies, address underlying issues, and improve life functioning

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps identify negative thought patterns and behaviors, replacing them with more helpful ones. For ADHD, CBT focuses on:

  • • Developing organizational and time management strategies
  • • Managing procrastination and avoidance
  • • Improving emotional regulation
  • • Addressing low self-esteem and negative self-talk
  • • Building routines and habits

Coaching & Skill Development

ADHD coaching focuses on practical skill development:

  • • Creating effective systems and organizational tools
  • • Breaking large tasks into manageable steps
  • • Time management and deadline management
  • • Building accountability structures
  • • Goal setting and progress tracking

Family/Relationship Therapy

ADHD affects relationships. Therapy can help:

  • • Partners understand ADHD and support each other
  • • Improve communication and reduce conflicts
  • • Address relationship impacts of untreated ADHD
  • • Develop strategies for shared responsibilities
  • • Build stronger, more fulfilling relationships

Mindfulness & Acceptance

Mindfulness-based approaches help with ADHD by:

  • • Improving attention and focus through meditation
  • • Reducing anxiety and emotional reactivity
  • • Developing self-compassion and acceptance
  • • Building awareness of ADHD triggers
  • • Creating pause moments before impulsive actions

Lifestyle & Environmental Changes

Non-medication strategies that significantly improve ADHD symptoms

Exercise & Movement

Physical exercise is one of the most effective non-medication treatments for ADHD. Regular movement helps:

  • • Increase dopamine and improve focus naturally
  • • Reduce hyperactivity and excess energy
  • • Lower anxiety and improve mood
  • • Improve sleep quality
  • • Enhance self-esteem and confidence

Goal: 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, or whatever works for your lifestyle.

Sleep Optimization

Sleep quality dramatically affects ADHD symptoms. Improving sleep helps:

  • • Improve impulse control and emotional regulation
  • • Enhance focus and concentration
  • • Reduce hyperactivity
  • • Support medication effectiveness
  • • Improve overall mental health

Key strategies: Consistent sleep schedule, reducing screen time, cool dark bedroom, limiting caffeine.

Nutrition & Diet

What you eat impacts ADHD symptoms. Consider:

  • • Balanced meals with protein to stabilize blood sugar
  • • Reducing refined sugars and processed foods
  • • Staying hydrated throughout the day
  • • Omega-3 fatty acids (fish, nuts, seeds)
  • • Regular eating schedule to maintain energy

Note: Everyone is different—work with your doctor to identify what helps you most.

Environmental Organization

Your environment significantly impacts ADHD functioning:

  • • Reduce distractions in work/study areas
  • • Create organized systems for important items
  • • Use visual reminders and calendars
  • • Establish consistent routines and spaces
  • • Minimize clutter to reduce mental load

Goal: Build an environment that supports your ADHD brain.

Stress Management

Stress exacerbates ADHD symptoms. Helpful approaches include:

  • • Meditation and mindfulness practices
  • • Deep breathing exercises
  • • Time in nature
  • • Creative outlets and hobbies
  • • Maintaining social connections

Technology & Tools

Technology can support ADHD management:

  • • Apps for task management and reminders
  • • Calendar apps for scheduling
  • • Timers and time-blocking tools
  • • Financial management apps
  • • Focus/distraction blocking apps

Ready to Start Your Treatment Plan?

Our specialists will work with you to create a personalized plan

Schedule Your Consultation