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Navigating ADHD: Treatment Options for All Ages

Laurie Brier | Dec 17, 2024
Health

Understanding Different Medications for Adults & Children

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) makes it difficult to pay attention or stay still for very long. Those with ADHD may have trouble completing tasks, listening to others in conversation, staying organized or being patient. While often diagnosed in childhood, ADHD can persist into adulthood. Fortunately, effective treatments options for ADHD are available for all ages.

Medication Used to Treat ADHD

Stimulants

  • Quillivant XR. This is a banana-flavored, liquid extended-release medication that contains methylphenidate, the same active ingredient that’s in Ritalin, and has been used since 1955. Quillivant XR is used to treat all ages and is particularly helpful to those who have trouble swallowing pills. Methylphenidate patches are also available for those who prefer them.
  • Amphetamines. Adderall is one of the most well-known treatments for ADHD and is formulated with a combination of amphetamine salts. Other medications in the amphetamine family include Vyvanse and Elvanse (Lisdexamfetamine).

Non-stimulants

  • sNRIs. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, is a medication that works by adjusting levels of the natural chemical, norepinephrine, in the brain. Qelbree (viloxazine) is another option in this family.
  • Guanfacine. This is a blood pressure medication that can be used to treat ADHD in children when stimulants don’t work.
  • Clonidine ER. This is an extended-release version of Clonidine, which is often marketed to treat anxiety. Doctors have found that the extended-release version is also helpful in treating ADHD.
  • Antidepressants. Bupropion, more commonly known as Wellbutrin, is an atypical antidepressant classified as an NDRI, or norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, that works by adjusting the levels of these chemicals in the brain. Norepinephrine and dopamine are both thought to play a part in ADHD, so doctors may prescribe this as a treatment. Tricyclic antidepressants may be prescribed when other treatments fail to work.

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Different Types of Therapy

  • Behavioral therapy. This is a therapy that aims to replace bad behaviors with more helpful ones. This type of therapy can be good for helping those with ADHD improve skills they may struggle with, such as time management, being organized and practicing appropriate social interactions.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on how thoughts impact emotions, which in turn leads to behavioral reactions, such as procrastination.
  • Parent-child interaction. This type of therapy focuses on both the parent and the child and is a hybrid of play therapy and behavioral therapy. Its goal is to improve interactions between the parent and the child. Parents work with a therapist and learn how to ignore their child’s bad behaviors while encouraging good behaviors.

Treatment Strategies for Different Ages

Children

  1. Comprehensive evaluation. The first thing a doctor will do when checking for ADHD is screen for other learning disabilities that are commonly confused with, or occur in tandem with ADHD. This may help with determining the best plan of action going forward.
  2. Therapy. It is advised to try non-medical means of treatment, such as Parent-Child Interaction Therapy before prescribing medication.
  3. School accommodations. If other learning disabilities are diagnosed with ADHD, it may be advisable to talk to the school about accommodations they can offer to help your child succeed.
  4. Medication. As a last resort, the doctor may prescribe medications to help your child focus. Children tend to respond well to stimulant medication. Atomoxetine, Guanfacine, Viloxazine or Clonidine ER may be prescribed in the case stimulants fail to work or if patients favor a non-stimulate route for treatment.

Adults

  1. Comprehensive evaluation. When checking for ADHD in adults, doctors will screen for other common issues such as depression, thyroid conditions, side effects from medication, anxiety or mood disorders that can cause ADHD-like symptoms. Treatment plans will depend on screening results. If there is an underlying cause for ADHD-like symptoms it will be important to treat those first.
  2. Medication. Unlike when treating children, medication is usually the first treatment option offered to adults with ADHD. Stimulants are usually well-tolerated and effective. Non-stimulant options for adults include Atomoxetine and antidepressants.
  3. Therapy. Adults can often benefit from CBT and behavioral therapy to modify thought patterns and behaviors associated with ADHD. Successive approximation can be a useful CBT technique as it trains you to break tasks down into smaller goals. This makes the task less overwhelming and increases the chances of it getting finished.

Lifestyle Changes

Exercise, practicing mindfulness and limiting screen time is beneficial for both children and adults with ADHD.

Visiting Your Doctor

If you or a child are experiencing symptoms of ADHD it's important to see your doctor. Don't attempt to self-medicate, as many medications for ADHD are addictive and should only be administered under a doctor’s care. A doctor can rule out other conditions that may mimic ADHD or make the condition worse. Depending on age, medical history and screening results a doctor will present a treatment plan tailored to your, or your child’s, needs.

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