Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can look very different from one person to another, especially in adults. Symptoms may affect concentration, organization, impulse control, relationships and work performance. Treatment should be tailored to best address the individual’s needs. A comprehensive ADHD treatment plan in Florida may include medication, nutrition, lifestyle coaching and therapy.

Medication is frequently the first step in adult ADHD treatment since it can help curb impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity. However, medication alone may not address every challenge associated with ADHD. Therapy and behavioral interventions can help people develop practical skills for managing symptoms, including difficulties with organization and executive functioning.

Working with skilled mental health professionals is an effective way to develop a treatment plan that helps you or a loved one identify the right skills, lifestyle changes and medications to manage ADHD for the long term.

ADD vs. ADHD

Although many people use the terms interchangeably, “ADD” is an older label. Clinicians now use ADHD as the single diagnosis and describe it in three presentations: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive and combined. What people often call ADD generally corresponds to the predominantly inattentive presentation, in which focus and organization are the main challenges and hyperactivity is less noticeable.

Adult vs. Childhood ADHD

What is ADD or ADHD? It’s a chronic condition that typically presents with hyperactivity, inattention or a combination of both. Symptoms begin in childhood, although some people aren’t diagnosed until adulthood.

ADHD symptoms can look different as a person gets older. Some children with ADHD may experience fewer or less disruptive symptoms as they reach adulthood, while others continue to experience significant challenges. Adults may also receive an ADHD diagnosis for the first time when increasing responsibilities at work, home or in relationships make previously manageable symptoms more difficult to control.

The social structure surrounding a person can also affect how disruptive ADHD symptoms are. For example, a child with parents who manage their schedule and help with organizational skills might create an environment that minimizes disruption from ADHD symptoms. When that person reaches adulthood and has no outside help with management, they may struggle more with organization and daily responsibilities.

The reverse can also be true. A child with severe symptoms due to a stressful home life may later develop relationships and routines that provide support and make symptom management easier. An example might be a person whose spouse handles all the financial planning or social scheduling.

For an ADHD diagnosis, symptoms must:

• Include several symptoms that were present before age 12
• Appear in more than one setting, such as at home, school or work
• Interfere with daily functioning
• Not be better explained by another mental health condition

Treatment is similar regardless of the age at which ADHD symptoms present and become a significant liability. Behavioral intervention and medications are the first methods used to manage symptoms.

How ADHD Is Diagnosed

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), children up to age 16 must have at least six symptoms of inattention and/or six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. Adolescents aged 17 and older and adults must have at least five symptoms in either category. These symptoms must persist for at least six months, interfere with functioning and cannot be better explained by another condition.

For adults, an evaluation may also include a review of childhood behavior and school experiences. A healthcare provider may use standardized symptom checklists and other assessments. They may also consider how symptoms affect work, relationships and daily life. Other conditions, such as depression, anxiety and sleep disorders, may produce symptoms similar to ADHD and may need to be considered during an evaluation. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms fit, our guide to recognizing the signs of ADHD can help, and what to expect after an ADHD diagnosis covers the next steps.

ADHD and Co-Occurring Conditions

ADHD can occur alongside other mental health conditions. Adults with ADHD may also experience anxiety, depression, substance use disorders or sleep problems. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms and may make treatment more complicated. A thorough evaluation can help identify co-occurring conditions so they can be addressed as part of the treatment plan.

Therapy and Behavioral Treatment for ADHD

Therapies for ADHD can include behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and other approaches to help adults develop practical strategies for managing symptoms. A doctor may also recommend medication, depending on the individual’s needs and the severity of their symptoms.

Behavioral therapy helps the patient manage unhelpful behaviors and strengthen positive ones. With guidance from a trained mental health professional, people can work on skills such as organization, time management and coping with impulsivity.

Certain medications are often prescribed and have shown efficacy in helping reduce ADHD symptoms. Finding the right combination of therapy, medication and lifestyle changes can help adults manage ADHD more effectively over time.

Therapy With an ADHD Specialist

The type and scope of therapy used to treat ADHD often depend on the individual’s needs and unique challenges. For example, behavior therapy might focus on skills development and positive reinforcement for those with a new diagnosis. Many adults must self-motivate, and treatment can help them develop ways to focus on positive rather than negative outcomes.

Medication Options for ADHD

For many, medication is an important part of managing ADHD. When ADHD has a disruptive impact on your life, medication can be a critical part of your treatment plan. If ADHD negatively impacts you or a loved one’s social, emotional or work well-being, it might be time to discuss medication with a healthcare provider.

ADHD medications typically fall into three broad categories: stimulants, non-stimulants and antidepressants.

Stimulants are among the most commonly used medications for ADHD. A 2023 review in Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy found that around 90% of people with ADHD respond to at least one of the two main classes of stimulants, although response rates in everyday clinical practice may be lower.

Adults with a new ADHD diagnosis may be hesitant to try stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin. Non-stimulants may work well for those with ADHD who struggle with impulse control and concentration. A prescriber may offer non-stimulants to patients who experience unpleasant side effects from the more common stimulant medications.

An ADHD diagnosis often comes with other mental health comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression. Antidepressants can help combat depression, while other medicines may help control ADHD symptoms.

Finding the right medication or combination of prescriptions is a trial-and-error process. It may take trying several prescriptions to find a medication you tolerate well that also provides enough symptom relief. A qualified healthcare professional can help you determine what options are right for you.

ADHD Medication Side Effects

All medications can have side effects, including those used to treat ADHD. Stimulants may cause a loss of appetite, weight loss, crankiness and tics, and they may affect sleep. This class of drugs may also impact heart health, which is why they should be used under your doctor’s supervision. Non-stimulant ADHD medications may cause stomach upset, dizziness, dry mouth, low blood pressure and fatigue.

Antidepressants come with their own risk factors, which can differ depending on the age of the patient. Common and relatively minor side effects may include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth and stomach upset. Some medications in this category may also increase the risk of seizures.

When trying different medications and combinations to help control ADHD symptoms, the goal is always to find an option that gives you symptom relief with manageable side effects. Your doctor can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks of any new medication.

Non-Medication and Lifestyle Approaches

When medication isn’t a viable treatment for an individual diagnosed with ADHD, there are holistic options that may help. Learning to set and meet small, realistic goals can help both children and adults develop better concentration skills.

Routines, particularly surrounding sleep, are an important part of creating an environment that’s helpful for those with ADHD. Sleep disruptions are common among adults with ADHD, and addressing sleep problems can be an important part of an overall treatment plan.

Incorporating regular exercise and movement into a person’s daily routine may help address hyperactivity. Taking a 10-minute walk between meetings or building regular movement into the day can provide a healthy way to improve focus.

To determine the best course of action for you, it’s advisable to work with a psychiatrist and therapist. At Restore, our services are personalized to provide the support you need and the mental health expertise to help you navigate a treatment plan for ADHD.

Treatment at Restore

ADHD treatment requires a tailored approach. At Restore in Deerfield Beach, individuals can receive personalized mental health care designed around their symptoms, needs and treatment goals.

Restore offers multiple levels of care, including residential ADHD treatment and outpatient mental health care. Residential treatment provides a structured environment for people who need a higher level of support, while outpatient care allows individuals to continue living at home while participating in intensive treatment.

Treatment can include psychiatric services, individual and group therapy, medication management and other supportive services. Our onsite psychiatric services let individuals receive coordinated mental health care as part of their treatment plan.

Support groups can also provide an opportunity to connect with others who face similar challenges. Participants can share tips and techniques while empathizing with the challenges of living with ADHD.

Getting Started at Restore

At Restore, we offer several treatment modalities and holistic care tailored to your individual needs. As a primary mental health facility, we treat a range of mental health conditions, including those that co-occur with substance use. Our programs are licensed through the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Agency for Health Care Administration and accredited through The Joint Commission and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Our admissions team is available around the clock to answer questions, discuss treatment options and help determine the best level of care for your needs. Call (877) 810-2074 or contact us to find out more about our ADHD treatment options.