Attention deficit disorder, or ADD, is the label previously used to diagnosis attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. The current diagnostic label is more appropriate, because it includes the hyperactivity that is present in many people diagnosed with the disorder. ADHD treatments generally are highly effective.
Basics
To determine the most effective treatment for ADHD, the specific type of this disorder must be considered. There are three types of ADHD that must be considered in determining treatment: hyperactive-impulsive, inattentive and combined. A person with the combined form of ADHD will show symptoms of both the hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive types.
Considerations
People with ADHD often have other mental health issues as well. As a result, treatments will be tailored for the individual's needs. Mental health disorders that often coexist with ADHD include depression, bipolar disorder, oppositional deficit disorder, learning disorders and substance abuse.
Types
Specific types of treatment for ADHD include the use of medication and/or psychotherapy. Possible forms of psychotherapy include behavioral therapy, talk therapy, social skills training, parent skills training, couples therapy, group therapy and anger management. Generally, a treatment professional will use a combination of treatments to achieve the desired results.
Therapy
The length of therapy depends on how ADHD manifests. The goal is to reduce the symptoms by educating the person about ADHD and providing the patient with skills to effectively cope with the symptoms.
People with ADHD often feel socially rejected because they lack the natural ability to effectively interact with others. Therapy can help them increase their self-esteem, notes the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, or AACAP.
Therapists also often teach parents how to provide structure and positive reinforcement to a child with ADHD, notes AACAP. Couples therapy and family therapy offer a way for people close to a person with ADHD to express their feelings about the disorder and to learn how to improve interactions with their loved one.
Medication
When using medication to treat ADHD it is recommended that a person also engage in regular psychotherapy. Both stimulant and non-stimulant medications commonly are used to treat ADHD. Stimulant medications include Adderall and Ritalin. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, stimulant medications come in the form of patches, pills and liquids; some are short-acting and others are long-acting, and are prescribed according to the needs of the individual.
Non-stimulant medications are often used when stimulant medication has not been effective or the person has health issues that may present a risk when taking stimulant medications. Commonly used non-stimulant medications include Strattera and some antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin, which are prescribed off label to treat ADHD symptoms. Antidepressants are often used when the person has depression symptoms in addition to ADHD.
All medications have the potential for side effects, and people should talk with their doctors about their specific risks and read the patient guides for each ADHD medication.
