Chapter 5
Treatment & Management
Effective ADHD management often involves a multi-modal approach, combining medication, behavioural therapy, and educational support.
Medications, such as stimulants and non-stimulants, can help manage symptoms, while behavioural therapies like: Cognitive behavioural Therapy (CBT), Parent Management Training (PMT), and Social Skills Training, can provide valuable coping strategies.
Educational support, including: Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) and Classroom Accommodations ensures an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Subsections of Treatment & Management
Medication
Medication is a common and effective treatment option for managing ADHD symptoms in both children and adults.
The primary medications used for ADHD are stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds, which work by increasing the availability of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, thus enhancing focus and impulse control.
Non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine and guanfacine, are also available for individuals who may not respond well to or tolerate stimulants.
Medication management should be individualised, taking into account the specific needs, medical history, and response to treatment of each person.
Although medications can significantly reduce ADHD symptoms, they are often most effective when used in conjunction with behavioural and psychosocial interventions to address the various aspects of the disorder.
Subsections of Medication
Stimulants
Stimulant medications are a common and effective treatment for managing ADHD symptoms.
They work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps improve focus, attention, and impulse control.
Common stimulant medications include methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamine (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse).
Non-stimulants
Non-stimulant medications can also be prescribed for ADHD, especially when stimulants are not well-tolerated or contraindicated.
These medications work differently than stimulants but still help manage ADHD symptoms.
Examples of non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv), and clonidine (Kapvay).
Behavioural Therapy
Behavioural therapy is an evidence-based treatment approach for ADHD that focuses on teaching practical skills and strategies to manage symptoms and improve overall functioning.
This type of therapy typically involves setting clear expectations, reinforcing positive behaviours, and implementing consistent consequences for undesired actions.
Techniques used in behavioural therapy may include token reward systems, time-outs, response cost, and modeling of appropriate behaviours.
Parents, teachers, and therapists can collaborate to implement these strategies consistently across different settings, such as home, school, and social situations.
When used in combination with other treatment modalities, such as medication and educational support, behavioural therapy can contribute to a comprehensive approach that addresses the diverse needs of individuals with ADHD.
Subsections of Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals with ADHD develop coping strategies, improve self-regulation, and address emotional challenges.
CBT focuses on identifying and modifying unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours, thereby promoting more adaptive functioning and improved well-being.
Parent Management Training
Parent Management Training (PMT) is a behavioural intervention that helps parents develop skills and techniques to manage their child’s ADHD symptoms effectively.
PMT focuses on establishing consistent routines, setting clear expectations, implementing positive reinforcement, and employing appropriate consequences to shape desirable behaviours.
Social Skills Training
Social Skills Training is a form of behavioural therapy that aims to help individuals with ADHD improve their social interactions and communication abilities.
This training focuses on teaching essential skills such as active listening, empathy, assertiveness, conflict resolution, and recognising social cues.
By learning and practicing these skills, individuals with ADHD can foster more meaningful and positive relationships with peers, family, and colleagues.
Educational Support
Educational support is crucial for students with ADHD to help them succeed academically and socially.
In Australia, schools and educational institutions are required to provide reasonable adjustments and accommodations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005.
These adjustments may include Individualised Education Plans (IEPs), which outline specific goals, services, accommodations, and supports tailored to the student’s unique needs.
Classroom accommodations, such as preferential seating, additional time for assignments, and visual aids, can significantly improve a student’s ability to focus and learn.
Additionally, interventions like social skills training, time management, and organisational strategies can enhance overall functioning and foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for students with ADHD.
Subsections of Educational Support
Individualised Education Plans
Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) are legally mandated, personalised plans designed to meet the unique educational needs of students with disabilities, including ADHD.
IEPs outline specific goals, services, accommodations, and supports that the school must provide to help the student succeed academically and socially.
Classroom Accommodations
Classroom accommodations are adjustments made in the educational environment to help students with ADHD succeed academically.
Examples of accommodations include preferential seating (e.g., sitting near the teacher), breaking tasks into smaller steps, providing visual aids, offering additional time for assignments, and incorporating movement breaks.