According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about 4.4% of adults in the US have a current diagnosis of ADHD. While there is no cure for ADHD, there are a variety of treatments that can help with symptom management. The two most common treatments are medication and coaching. But which one is best for you? Let's take a look at some of the options.
Medication is often the first line of treatment for ADHD. The most common type of medications prescribed for ADHD are stimulants, which work by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Dopamine and norepinephrine are chemicals that the brain creates naturally - but in people with ADHD, the brain doesn’t create enough, or struggles to use it effectively. There are also non-stimulant medications which may help with ADHD symptoms. These medications work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain.
Stimulant vs Non-Stimulant Medications: A Quick Comparison
For more information, this article includes a comprehensive list of ADHD medications and how they work.
Medication for ADHD: The Pros
Medication for ADHD: The Cons
Coaching is a type of treatment that focuses on helping the individual develop coping and management skills for their symptoms. A coach will work with you on things like goal setting, time management, organization, and social skills. Coaching can also help parents learn how to best support a child with ADHD at home.
Coaching for ADHD: The Pros
Coaching for ADHD: The Cons
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Therapy is a great treatment for anyone struggling with tough emotions. An ADHD therapist can help change negative patterns of thinking that may impact how you are feeling about your ADHD diagnosis, how you feel about yourself, your abilities and challenges, and your future.
Therapy for ADHD: The Pros
Therapy for ADHD: The Cons
Medication, coaching, and therapy are all effective treatments for reducing the symptoms of ADHD in adults. Medication works by changing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, while coaching helps the individual develop coping and management skills, and therapy facilitates healing. While medication may have more side effects than coaching, it does not require as much time and effort. Ultimately, the best treatment for ADHD is one that is tailored to the individual’s needs and preferences, and may include a combination of all three treatment options.