Core Elements of ADHD Treatment:
Psychoeducation: Clients learn that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, not a character flaw or a lack of willpower.
Medication: According to research that spans over the past 60 years, medication is the most effective single treatment for ADHD. Depending on my clients' openness, I will discuss this as a primary form of treatment and provide a psychiatric referral.
Environmental modifications: I utilize the BDEFS to examine what changes to my clients' environment may facilitate improvement in functioning. With ADHD it is common to struggle with knowing what to do, prioritizing those tasks, and then executing the plan. Interventions may include external cues, visible timers, written reminders or reducing distractions.
Interventions at the point of performance: Interventions are targeted in the specific environments that the behavior is needed. This allows clients to externalize the brain's ability to feel the future, and plan accordingly.
Behavioral strategies: Interventions involve providing reinforcement for behavior change. This can include providing immediate feedback, and rewards. I utilize a Cognitive Behavioral approach to implementing behavioral strategies.
Lifestyle supports: Taking care of basic health is an essential ingredient to treating ADHD. Research indicates that sleep, exercise and healthy diet have made an impact on the intensity of ADHD symptoms.
Treating co-occurring conditions: 60-80% of people diangosed with ADHD experience at least one co-occurring mental health condition spanning from Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Substance use disorders, Learning disorders, Bipolar disorder and Autism spectrum disorder.
Ongoing long-term management: My treatment usually includes exploring what other supports may facilitate long term management of symptoms which can include group therapy, occupational therapy, CogMed, ADHD coaching, or joining a community for support.