“What is the best therapy for ADHD?”

First, I am a counselor, not a doctor. Supportive therapy where the person can learn adaptive methods to manage problems that work for them is the best place to start. ADHD needs are different for everyone but everyone can successfully manage the difficulties they may be experiencing, whether that’s sleep issues, time management, or dealing with problems with low self-esteem that may be rooted in beliefs by themselves and/or others in childhood that they are defective.
People with ADHD are not defective. They have neurodiverse brains that simply don’t work the same way as neurotypicals. It is not inferior, it is different.
Learning to thrive in a world that is geared much more toward neurotypical living is key. Medication may be helpful to some, but it is important to know that there is so much more than just medication!

A therapeutic approach for a child with ADHD can vary depending on the child's age. For a younger child, I would engage the parent via Parent Coaching and create a 504 Accommodation Plan to put supports in place for the child at school. For a child in middle and high school, cognitive behavioral therapy using an executive functioning coaching approach will be helpful in identifying areas of struggle and strength, prioritizing and coming up with strategies to guide in everyday functioning, whether that is with homework completion, following routines and daily self-care, etc.

Sincerely,

Dr. Liz Nissim-Matheis

513 West Mount Pleasant Ave, Ste 212
Livingston, NJ 07039
DrLiz@psychedconsult.com
www.psychedconsult.com
*p. *973.400.8371
*f. * 973.200.2580

There is a psychological assessment for ADHD, your friend should look for psychologist who can do this assessment to determine if your friend really has ADHD. Please tell your friend to not self-diagnose, often ADHD symptoms are due to undiagnosed and untreated childhood trauma/complex trauma/anxiety/medical reasons, and not because your friend truly has ADHD which is a neurodevelopmental disorder.

In my experience, many individuals with ADHD benefit from a coach who can assist with organization and time management skills. In terms of psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches are probably most applicable. There are many excellent books on the topic as well, all widely available. Russell Barkley's works are highly thought of, but there are many others, including audiobook options for those who might focus better with audio than reading.

Thank you for your question. The simple answer is yes, psychotherapy can be appropriate, but, age and severity will determine the protocols. After a thorough physical with labs and a good differential diagnosis from a licensed Psychologist or Psychiatrist, the course of treatment can be determined. For young children, psychopharmacological intervention and behavior therapy work very well. If the child is in school, or when they are in school, it is imperative to work with the school administration and teachers. For adults, pretty much the same, although you can add psychoeducational therapy to the intervention to educate on causes, symptoms, cognitive and behavioral techniques that can assist in managing the symptoms. Some of the greatest leaders and minds in history had ADHD. It is reported Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein had ADHD. When focused, as a child or adult, the boundless energy and enthusiasm can make for a great learner and a great leader. Our Heavenly Father created each of us in his own image. We can be proud and thankful to be created by Him. Therefore, there is no shame in ADHD, but count it a blessing and use it for His glory.

Hi,

Thank you for your question. The best therapies for ADHD include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), ADHD Coaching, Brain Training or Neurofeedback, Play, Art, or Music Therapy (for kids/teens), and Equine Therapy. Medication is also effective for ADHD. The following are suggestions that may help:

- Create a routine. Try to follow the same schedule every day, from wake-up time to bedtime.
- Get organized. Put your stuff in the same place every day so that you will be less likely to lose them.
- Manage distractions. Turn off the TV, limit noise, and provide a clean workspace.
- Limit choices. To help not feel overwhelmed or overstimulated, offer choices with only a few options. For example, have them choose between this outfit or that one, this meal or that one, or this toy or that one.
- Help plan. Break down complicated tasks into simpler, shorter steps. For long tasks, starting early and taking breaks may help limit stress.
- Use goals and praise or other rewards. Use a chart to list goals and track positive behaviors, then let them know they have done well by telling them or by rewarding their efforts in other ways. Be sure the goals are realistic—small steps are important!
- Provide a healthy lifestyle. Nutritious foods, lots of physical activity, and sufficient sleep are important; they can help keep ADHD symptoms from getting worse.

I hope this information has been helpful!

Best,

Jenna Torres, PsyD

Try neurofeedback

Check this out...
https://www.endeavorrx.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw8IaGBhCHARIsAGIRRYrF8VTtJqeaON5DIXZCQVzZJTC0tGS3oX3dObVId4AqZ8NHzKgnDdwaAqdwEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
or
Healing ADD (the seven types) by Dr. Amen
or
https://nhahealth.com/the-9-best-treatments-for-children-and-adults-with-adhd/