This site is for US healthcare professionals. If you’re an adult ADHD patient, please visit ADHDADULTHOOD.COM/AGAIN
The primary goal of an ADHD management plan is to control the core symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. A multimodal management plan that incorporates a variety of strategies may work best for many patients with ADHD.1
Not all interventions are appropriate for all patients.
Medication may be an important part of the management plan for patients with ADHD. There are FDA-approved treatment options that may help improve ADHD symptoms.2
*Pharmacologic treatment may not be appropriate for all patients. Reassess pharmacotherapy periodically.
There are no official US guidelines for the treatment of ADHD in adults.
Individuals may respond differently to different medications. It is important to closely monitor symptom improvement and medication side effects for each patient to tailor the individual management plan to the current needs.
Reassess pharmacotherapy periodically
†Only qualified health care professionals can prescribe medications to treat ADHD.
Several nonpharmacologic interventions may help with ADHD symptoms. These interventions can be used as part of a management plan that may or may not include medication as a part of therapy.‡2,7,9
PSYCHOEDUCATION
Education about ADHD is an important starting point in management. The more patients and their families know about the disorder and how it affects them, the better equipped they will be to devise and implement management strategies that target their desired goals.4
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
This skills-based approach can help patients change maladaptive behaviors and thought patterns that interfere with daily functioning. Preliminary data support the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy as an adjunct to medication in adults with ADHD.4,6,7
COACHING/SKILLS TRAINING
ADHD coaches can help adults learn practical life skills to manage the daily challenges of the disorder (eg, being disorganized, forgetful, tardy).3-5
MANAGING ADHD AT WORK
The symptoms of ADHD can present many challenges for an adult in the workplace, just as they may for a child in school. Although each adult patient’s challenges are unique, some general strategies may be helpful to adults with ADHD when applied at work.9
‡Not all interventions are appropriate for all patients.