A Parent Guide to ADHD Treatment: Understanding Your Options

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, you may be wondering what the best course of treatment is. Many parents have concerns about starting medications, and there are numerous misconceptions about ADHD medication that might deter you from considering them. This guide provides an overview of the most common evidence-based interventions for ADHD, including information about different medication classes, the symptoms they target, and potential side effects to be mindful of.

Pharmacological Treatments                                          

Stimulant Medication

Stimulant medications are the best-known and most widely used treatments for managing ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. Their effectiveness is supported by a long history of usage and hundreds of scientific studies.  There are two main types of sitmulant medications which are similar in their overall effictiveness and side effect profiles.

Methylphenidate Derivatives

• Ritalin®
• Focalin/XR®
• Daytrana®
• Concerta®

Amphetamine Derivatives

• Adderall®
• Adderall XR®
• Vyvanse®
• Dexedrine®

Both types are generally considered equally effective and carry similar benefits and risks of side effects. The most common side effects include decreased appetite, sleep difficulties, and mood changes. If one stimulant isn't tolerated well, the other type may be tried instead.

Non-Stimulant Medication

Non-stimulant medications are typically considered second-line treatments. They're often prescribed for individuals who:

• Have an inadequate or adverse response to stimulants
• Cannot tolerate stimulants
• Have certain co-existing conditions or concerns

While the scientific evidence supporting non-stimulant medications isn't quite as robust as for stimulants, it does exist. Examples include:

• Strattera®
• Alpha-2 agonists (e.g., Guanfacine, Clonidine)
• Wellbutrin XL®

Nonpharmacological Treatments

Parent Management Training (PMT)

Raising a child with ADHD can be challenging. Parent management training equips you with tools and strategies to help your child manage difficulties with focus, attention, impulsivity, and more.

• Positive reinforcement for desired behaviors
• Appropriate consequences for inappropriate behaviors

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps children learn coping skills to manage anxiety, sadness, or frustration related to ADHD.

Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation (eTNS)

eTNS is an FDA-cleared neurostimulation therapy for pediatric ADHD that offers an alternative to medication and/or psychotherapy.

Executive Functioning & Organizational Skills Support

• Organization
• Time management
• Prioritization
• Planning
• Goal setting
• Follow-through

Nutritional & Lifestyle Changes

• Dietary changes
• Nutritional supplements (e.g., Omega-3 fatty acids)
• Lifestyle adjustments (e.g., exercise, sleep improvements, consistent routines)

Specialized ADHD Program

We now offer a specialized ADHD program at the Mind Health Institute, Newport Beach!

To learn more about our program, please contact us directly:

• 949-891-0307 (Newport Beach)
• 949-391-4669 (Laguna Beach)
• 949-354-0630 (Dana Point)