From the Guidelines
Non-medical treatments for ADHD, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral therapy, parent training, educational interventions, lifestyle modifications, and organizational strategies, should be considered before medication due to their effectiveness in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. These approaches can be tailored to individual needs and may include techniques like positive reinforcement, token reward systems, and emotional self-regulation. According to the most recent study 1, CBT has been found to be the most effective psychotherapy option for ADHD, particularly when used in combination with medication. Key non-medical treatments for ADHD include:
- Behavioral therapy to develop specific skills for monitoring and managing behavior
- Parent training to create structured environments and respond effectively to ADHD behaviors
- Educational interventions, such as classroom accommodations, to support learning and minimize distractions
- Lifestyle modifications, including regular physical exercise, adequate sleep, consistent routines, and a balanced diet, to help manage symptoms
- Organizational strategies, such as using planners and setting reminders, to compensate for executive function challenges. As noted in 1, the benefits of these non-medical treatments, including reduced symptoms and improved function, outweigh the risks, and they can be particularly effective when implemented consistently across different settings. Overall, a comprehensive treatment plan incorporating non-medical approaches can provide significant benefits for individuals with ADHD, improving their quality of life and reducing the need for medication.
From the Research
Non-Medical Treatments for ADHD
Non-medical treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are essential for individuals who cannot tolerate medication or prefer not to take it. Some of the non-medical treatments for ADHD include:
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT is a promising approach for treating adults with ADHD, especially when combined with pharmacological treatment 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Mindfulness: Mindfulness has been shown to be an effective intervention for the core symptoms of ADHD 5.
- Cognitive remediation: Cognitive remediation is also an effective intervention for the core symptoms of ADHD 5.
- Group dialectical behavioural therapy: Group dialectical behavioural therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms, although the evidence is weaker due to small numbers of participants and limitations in study design 5.
- Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy has been shown to be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms, although the evidence is weaker due to small numbers of participants and limitations in study design 5.
Benefits of Non-Medical Treatments
Non-medical treatments for ADHD have several benefits, including:
- Reduction in ADHD symptoms: CBT, mindfulness, and cognitive remediation have been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms in adults 2, 5, 6.
- Improvement in functioning: CBT has been shown to improve functioning in adults with ADHD, including occupational and social functioning 3, 4.
- Reduction in comorbid conditions: CBT has been shown to reduce comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression in adults with ADHD 2, 6.
- Long-term benefits: CBT has been shown to have long-term benefits in reducing ADHD symptoms, even after the end of treatment 6.
Limitations of Non-Medical Treatments
Non-medical treatments for ADHD also have some limitations, including:
- Limited availability: Non-medical treatments for ADHD may not be widely available, and access to these treatments may be limited 5.
- High risk of bias: Some studies on non-medical treatments for ADHD have a high risk of bias due to small numbers of participants and limitations in study design 5.
- Need for further research: Further research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of non-medical treatments for ADHD and to develop more effective treatments 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.