The key to managing ADD/ADHD is to understand both ADD/ADHD and how your ADD/ADHD impacts your daily life – as well as those around you.

There are a variety of services and programs available for those with ADD/ADHD as well as for those who support people with ADD/ADHD.  Pursuing the right approach at the right time can be beneficial as the impact of ADD/ADHD varies by person, place in life and circumstance.

It is important to note that there are both First Tier Interventions and Second Tier Interventions.

First Tier Interventions

First Tier Interventions have research support and should be emphasized.  These approaches should be implemented in an individualized manner – appropriate to an individual’s needs, ability, age, living environment, school or work environment.  These include, but may not be limited to:

• Multicomponent Interventions
• Classroom/Workplace Interventions
• Parent/Family Skills Training 
• Stimulant Medications
• Peer Mediation
• Social Competence Training
• Academic/Employment Skills Building
• School/Corporate Wide Interventions

Second Tier Interventions

Second Tier Interventions may be good ideas, and they may have some preliminary research support, but should not be exclusively relied upon (i.e. diet, fish oil, biofeedback, brain training etc.)

Common approaches to managing ADD/ADHD

Coaching

Diet, Sleep, Exercise

While limited research exists on the impact of diet, sleep and exercise with regard to ADHD, many people find that proper nutrition, adequate sleep and exercise that involves the use of large muscle groups can be helpful.

In the absence of extensive research, a little common sense goes a long way when it comes to diet, sleep and exercise.  Some people with ADHD find that caffeine has a positive effect on their ADHD symptoms, while others find that it has a negative effect. 

If you find that consuming certain foods or beverages – such as caffeine – has an impact on your energy level or ability to focus, then consume accordingly.  Many people – ADHD or not – could benefit from more sleep and more exercise – so, why not try it – if it helps keep on doing it.

Education

While there is extensive research on some aspects of ADHD, there is still a lot to be learned.  Managing ADHD effectively requires education and understanding in two critical areas; what is ADHD, and how does my ADHD show up in my life. 

People often comment that they know more about their own ADHD than their doctor does – great, since you are the one that lives it from one day to the next.  However, finding professionals that is educated on the topic and that understands ADHD can help you learn more about it, and how best to manage it in your life.  In addition to speaking with a knowledgeable professional, there are many resources available to learn more about ADHD (see resources within this site).

Groups

Having ADHD or caring for someone that has ADHD can be frustrating and isolating.  For people with ADHD, the way their brain functions is “normal” for them – there is no point of comparison, therefore, they may be aware of their challenges – or embrace their gifts.  Participating in a group can be enlightening and supportive, it can provide a sense of normality and community for a person with ADHD as well as for those who care for people with ADHD – whether a parent, spouse, friend or co-worker.

Individual Therapy

Some people with ADHD benefit from Individual Therapy with a trained professional.  While psychotherapy is not meant to specifically treat ADHD, it can be helpful in addressing co-existing conditions such as anxiety and depression, interpersonal problems and other issues that may arise with ADHD.  Therapists work with individuals to address the past experiences that impact current day feelings and activity.

Medication Management

Research shows that medication for ADHD – when prescribed and taken properly – has a positive effect in more than 90% of the cases. 

The decision to use medication should be an educated one.  Find a doctor who is experienced in working with ADHD medications, and that is willing to educate you, and to titrate the medication with you – getting the right medication and the right dose is key to success. 

While the goal is maximum effect with minimal side effect, getting to this point can require persistence and patience on the part of the doctor and the patient alike.  For some people with ADHD, it is difficult to observe or monitor the impact of the medication – if possible, establish criteria for measuring effect prior to starting the medication. It is often helpful to have another person observe changes for you, and record results that you can share with your doctor as you work together to get it right for you.

Parent and Family Training

Having one or more cases of ADHD within a home can increase the level of stress and chaos for the entire family.  A child with ADHD often pulls more time and attention from one or both parents which can have a negative effect on individuals, family members, and family dynamics.  

Parenting a child with ADHD can be challenging, confusing and rewarding.  The help of a knowledgeable, supportive professional can be crucial to creating harmony within the household, and to understanding questions like:

• Is this the ADHD or is my child just pushing my buttons?
• Why can my child play video games for hours, but not do a reading assignment?
• How do I get the school to work with me?
• How do I balance my time with each of my children?
• Are there strategies I can put in place to minimize the struggle?

Helping family members understand and accept ADHD can lead to a more cohesive, supportive environment for all.

Professional Organizer

People with ADHD often have difficulty organizing their physical space(s) and establishing processes that work for them. 

Messy desks, misplaced items such as; keys, mail, homework assignments and lack of systems – such as bill paying or expense report filing– can lead to frustration, failure, lost time, excess effort and diminished self esteem – not to mention cost for replacements, lost reimbursements, low grades for late assignments, and  increased interest rates due to poor credit scores from late payments.

Working with a Professional Organizer who understands the challenges of ADHD, and is both patient and creative, can save time and money as well as minimize frustration. Professional Organizers have experience in many environments and sometimes specialize in one or more areas – home, work, school.  Find the one that is right for you and your needs.

Social Skills

Poor impulse control and high distractibility – both symptoms of ADHD – can lead to misguided social interaction for people – children and adults – with ADHD.  The decreased ability to keep your thoughts to yourself or to wait your turn can lead to rejection from peers if done in excess. 

Participating in a Social Skills group can help individuals increase their awareness of these activities and learn to better manage their behavior in social settings.

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The image at the top of this page is a Works Progress Administration poster sponsored by the Town of Hempstead (W.H. Runcie, M.D., health officer) recommending eye examinations for children having difficulty learning. The full original text reads “John is not really dull, he may only need his eyes examined.” Silkscreen poster on board for the WPA Federal Art Project, New York City, 1936 or 1937. As a work of the United States Federal Government, this image is in the public domain.