What Treatments Work for ADHD?

What Treatments Work for ADHD?

When the providers at Greenville ADHD Specialists, P.A. offer options for treatment of ADHD as well as some of the other conditions that are associated with ADHD we:

1. 1. Consider whether the treatments have good scientific research and evidence showing they are effective.
   2. Consider whether benefits of treatment outweigh the risks of that treatment, both short-term and long-term.
   3. Consider positive outcomes to mean significant improvements in the core symptoms of ADHD such as attention and/or impulsivity and/or hyperactivity.

 

Treatment Options with Excellent Evidence Supporting Positive Outcomes

1. 1. Medications
      • Stimulant Medications
      • Non-stimulant Medications
   2. Behavior Modification
      • Home
        • Use of Positive Parenting Techniques
      • School
        • Use of Accommodations such as those in a Plan 504 or IEP
      • Therapy
        • Use of therapists/counselors trained in treating children with ADHD
      • Challenging Horizons Program*
        • Program designed to help children with organization skills and time management as well as other executive function deficits common in ADHD

 

Treatment Options with Some Evidence Supporting Positive Outcomes

1. 1. Well-balanced diet including fruits, vegetables and lean protein
   2. Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplementation
   3. Additional Supplements
      • Recommended based on urine testing of neurotransmitter levels**
      • Melatonin is often used to assist with sleep onset in ADHD but does not improve the core symptoms of ADHD
   4. Neuro-feedback/Biofeedback
   5. Memory Training Programs
      • Can improve working memory but no long term improvements in core symptoms of ADHD
   6. Interactive Metronome
      • Occupational therapy tool that may improve motor skills and possibly memory
      • Evidence regarding ADHD is very limited
        

 

Treatment Options with No Evidence Supporting Positive Outcomes

1. 1. Eliminating food dyes
      • Only helpful if child has an allergy or sensitivity to the particular dye
   2. Eliminating processed foods
      • Only helpful if child has an allergy or sensitivity to chemicals in foods
   3. Removing gluten (wheat)
      • Only helpful if child has an allergy or sensitivity to gluten
   4. Brain Balance
      • Can improve gross motor, fine motor skills, coordination and balance
      • No evidence regarding ADHD although there are many “testimonials”
   5. Massage
      • Can boost mood but no evidence for ADHD positive outcomes
   6. Meditative/ Imagery Techniques
      • Can help calm anxiety but no evidence for ADHD positive outcomes
   7. Hypnosis
      • No evidence for ADHD positive outcomes

 

If you need help with your own or your child’s ADHD then call us at: 864-305-1662

 

*Challenging Horizons Program is offered by Still Wind Ministries, 864-234-1150

**In our office, we offer testing for measurement of neurotransmitter levels in urine and saliva as well as genetic testing