How Is ADHD Treated?
Neurological DisordersADHD

What Are the Treatments for ADHD?

What Are the Treatments for ADHD?
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Updated on August 13, 2026
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Having attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can significantly impact a person academically, professionally, and personally.

“ADHD influences people’s lives as much as it affects their moods and self-esteem,” says the psychiatrist Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine in California and a medical reviewer for Everyday Health. “It can erode your confidence and make you feel irresponsible and unreliable at times, which can be quite difficult.”

But with proper treatment, people with the condition can manage their symptoms and live fulfilling and successful lives, he says.

“Treatment can notably help people function, and their confidence gets a boost in the process,” says Dr. Dimitriu. More good news: There are a wide variety of treatments available for ADHD, including medication, counseling and behavior therapy, and lifestyle changes. The right options for you or your child often depend on age, symptoms, and similar factors.

ADHD Treatment in Children vs. Adults

In its most recent clinical practice guidelines, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends behavior therapy and medication for children ages 6 and older. For younger children, the AAP recommends behavior therapy as a first-line treatment, before medication.

That’s because medication can have more side effects in younger children, and the long-term effects of ADHD medication on very young children have not been well studied.

In adults, medication is often a key component of ADHD treatment.

Along with taking medication, kids and adults with ADHD may benefit from skill-building interventions, as well as counseling to improve both their behavior and social skills.

Here’s what you should know about the specific treatment options for ADHD.

Medication Options for ADHD

“Medications for ADHD work by boosting brain function in the prefrontal cortex, which is the most advanced part of the human brain,” says Dimitriu. “The prefrontal cortex allows for numerous essential functions, including, planning, impulse control, and perseverance.”

The types of medication that doctors prescribe depend on a person’s specific symptoms. The right medication — or medications — to reduce those symptoms can help people with this condition better succeed in school or at work and improve their quality of life.

Overall, studies show that medications reduce ADHD symptoms better than a placebo. But it’s important to note that research on the long-term effects of ADHD medications — particularly the long-term side effects — is still limited.

 There’s also a lack of head-to-head trials comparing the safety and effectiveness of medication to nonmedication treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

The most common types of prescription medications used to treat ADHD are stimulants, nonstimulants, and antidepressants.

Stimulant Drugs for ADHD

Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD, says Dimitriu. “Stimulants work fast,” he says. They’re available in immediate-release and extended-release forms.

 They come as a pill, capsule, liquid, or skin patch.

Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD include:

  • Amphetamine (Adzenys ER, Adzenys XR-ODT, Dyanavel XR)
  • Amphetamine sulfate (Evekeo, Evekeo ODT)
  • Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride (Focalin, Focalin XR)
  • Dextroamphetamine sulfate (Dexedrine, ProCentra, Zenzedi)
  • Dextroamphetamine mixed salts and amphetamine (Adderall, Adderall XR)
  • Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse, Vyvanse chewable)
  • Methamphetamine hydrochloride (Desoxyn)
  • Methylphenidate (Contempla XR ODT)
  • Methylphenidate hydrochloride (Adhansia XR, Aptensio XR, Concerta, Jornay PM, Metadate CD, Metadate ER, Methylin Chewable, Methylin ER, Methylin Oral Solution, Quillichew ER, Quillivant XR, Ritalin, Ritalin-SR, Ritalin LA)
  • Methylphenidate patch (Daytrana)
  • Mixed salts of a single entity amphetamine (Mydayis)
  • Serdexmethylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate (Azstarys)
Stimulants can cause side effects, such as stomachache, weight loss, irritability, decreased appetite, and insomnia.

 “Sleep issues with stimulants are a problematic side effect because sleep is very helpful for managing ADHD,” says Dimitriu.
Some stimulants may increase the risk of developing heart problems or psychiatric problems like anxiety. And particularly in teens and adults, there is a risk of misuse of these medications, including taking too much, inappropriately using them, or sharing them with friends.

If you or your child is having bothersome side effects, talk to your doctor. They can help you find ways to manage them or find another medication that you or your child may tolerate better. Don’t make any changes to your treatment without talking to your doctor first.

Nonstimulant Drugs for ADHD

Nonstimulant drugs are sometimes used along with, or as an alternative to, stimulants.

 The first nonstimulant for ADHD, atomoxetine (Strattera), was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002.

Strattera carries a black box warning because studies show that children and teens taking it are slightly more likely to develop suicidal thoughts, according to the FDA.

In general, however, nonstimulants don’t carry the same risk of misuse as stimulants, and their effects can last up to 24 hours, says Dimitriu. Other common nonstimulants include:

  • Guanfacine hydrochloride (Intuniv)
  • Clonidine hydrochloride (Kapvay)
  • Viloxazine (Qelbree)
Common side effects of nonstimulant medications include:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Headaches or stomachaches
  • Reduced appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Rash

Centanafadine for ADHD

In July 2026, the FDA approved the medication centanafadine (Simtriyo), a once-daily extended-release capsule, for ADHD in adults and children ages 6 and older. It’s a first-of-its-kind medication for ADHD.

A norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin reuptake inhibitor and central nervous system stimulant, centanafadine works by increasing the availability of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin in the brain. These are neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) that are involved in attention and behavioral regulation.

Centanafadine will be scheduled by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) later in 2026.

 That means the DEA will categorize it based on its acceptable medical use and potential for abuse or dependency.

The most common side effects of centanafadine in adults are:

  • Decreased appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
The most common side effects of centanafadine in children are:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Decreased appetite
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Rash
Centanafadine carries a black box warning about an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among children ages 6 and older. This is because in clinical trials, children ages 6 to 12 who took centanafadine had a higher rate of suicidal thoughts and behaviors than those in the placebo group.

Antidepressants for ADHD

Although not approved by the FDA specifically to treat ADHD, doctors sometimes prescribe antidepressant drugs alone or in combination with a stimulant for some people. Certain antidepressants can be helpful if you have a mental health condition like depression or anxiety in addition to ADHD.

Antidepressants sometimes prescribed for ADHD include:

  • Nortriptyline hydrochloride (Pamelor)
  • Desipramine hydrochloride (Norpramin)
  • Imipramine hydrochloride (Tofranil)
  • Bupropion hydrochloride (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SL, Wellbutrin XL)
Although antidepressants are often safe and effective, the FDA issued a warning in 2004 stating that the use of antidepressants in children and teens may, rarely, lead to an increased risk of suicide.

 “In some cases, antidepressants may actually worsen ADHD symptoms,” says Dimitriu. “For others, antidepressants may have some benefit to ADHD. It just depends on the individual reaction to a specific medication.”

Counseling and Therapies for ADHD

In counseling sessions, children and adults with ADHD learn strategies that help them manage their symptoms and navigate life’s difficulties. Parents or other family members can also participate in counseling to learn more about their loved one’s condition, improve communication among family members, and learn how they can best interact with and support their loved one.

“Anything that focuses on structure, planning, and awareness, as well as coping strategies, can be a benefit for ADHD,” says Dimitriu. “People need practical tools and guidance, and counseling can often provide that.”

Common forms of counseling for ADHD include:

Behavior Therapy

Behavior therapy is a form of counseling in which children or adults with ADHD learn behavior-changing strategies and coping skills for dealing with difficult situations. It can help improve organizational and time-management skills, as well as reduce disruptive behaviors. The therapy may involve practical, organizational assistance, and learning how to better self-monitor behavior.

Parents can also work with a psychologist, social worker, or licensed counselor to learn strategies to help their children, which is referred to as parent behavior therapy or parent training.

Psychotherapy

This type of treatment involves consulting a psychologist or psychiatrist about ADHD-related issues, identifying negative patterns of behavior, and learning ways to manage symptoms.

Family Therapy

This form of therapy helps parents, spouses, siblings, and others who have a loved one with ADHD.

Social Skills Training

This type of training or intervention helps children learn appropriate behaviors in social settings. This can include learning how to manage peer relationships, improve social problem-solving skills, and decrease socially disruptive behaviors.

Can Lifestyle Changes Help Treat ADHD?

Certain lifestyle changes at home can help create a better environment for people with ADHD.

For children these measures may involve:

  • Creating and following a regular routine for meals, naps, and bedtime
  • Frequent physical activity and time spent outdoors
  • Keeping all areas of the home organized and uncluttered, and having a designated place for toys, clothing, and school materials so that your child is less likely to lose them
  • Removing distractions, such as TVs and cellphones, especially when your child is doing homework
  • Using simple words, direct eye contact, and clear commands when giving a child instructions
  • Finding ways to boost self-esteem, such as sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Helping children break down large tasks into smaller, less overwhelming ones
  • Showing affection frequently
  • Setting boundaries compassionately, which includes recognizing and validating the child’s struggle and giving positive feedback for effort and small accomplishments while also being clear, consistent, and firm about what kinds of behaviors are not allowed
For adults, helpful lifestyle strategies can include:

  • Twenty to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise (meaning activities that get your heart pumping, like walking, jogging, cycling, or gardening). “Reguar exercise, in particular, is one of the most powerful interventions for ADHD,” says Dimitriu. “Because physical activity can boost brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, that may have an effect on impulse control, focus, and attention.”
  • Making and sticking to routines
  • Having visible, physical reminders of deadlines, upcoming events, and tasks at hand, such as calendars, to-do lists, alarms and reminders on cellphones, or sticky notes
  • Getting enough sleep and practicing good sleep hygiene, which can include waking up and going to bed at the same time each night and avoiding screen time an hour before bed
  • Keeping designated workspaces free from distractions, such as phones, TV, or leisure reading books
  • Maintaining designated spots for keys, bills, and important paperwork
  • Breaking large tasks into smaller ones
  • Taking predetermined work breaks, which are often most helpful when they follow a difficult or focus-intensive task. Green breaks, or taking breaks in nature, can give you a sense of calm and improve your focus.
   Poll

Which physical activity do you find most helpful for ADHD?

Complementary Therapies for ADHD

While some research suggests that certain complementary therapies may improve the symptoms of ADHD, scientific support for their efficacy is still in the early stages. Since more research on their effectiveness is still needed, be sure to talk to your doctor before starting or adding a complementary therapy to manage your or your child’s ADHD.

Some complementary therapies for ADHD could include:

Dietary Strategies

There’s no official diet for ADHD, but in general, eating a nutritious, balanced diet can help.

For starters, cutting back on sugary foods like candy or sugar-sweetened drinks like soda is a good idea. Research has shown that consumption of sugar and sugar-sweetened beverages may worsen symptoms of ADHD.

Although eating too many sugary, processed foods may impact behavior, there’s currently no evidence that sugar causes ADHD, and very limited evidence that cutting back on these foods can help manage the core symptoms of ADHD. That said, making small, healthy changes to your diet can still benefit your overall health.

It could also help to limit or avoid unhealthy fats, such as processed meats, butter, fried foods, and high-fat dairy. Some research suggests a high-fat diet may be associated with symptoms of inattention in people with ADHD.

Some people with ADHD may also benefit from limiting caffeine intake, especially if they’re taking stimulant medication. That’s because caffeine can lead to side effects like anxiety, irritability, stomach upset, and insomnia, and stimulant medication can amplify these side effects.

If you’re considering making any significant dietary changes, be sure to talk to your doctor before doing so.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acid supplements could potentially make a difference for people with ADHD, but research on their effectiveness has yielded mixed findings thus far.

For instance, one review of scientific evidence suggested that omega-3 fatty acids may modestly improve ADHD symptoms.

 But another clinical trial showed that omega-3 supplementation offered no benefit among children with moderate ADHD.

Although there’s currently not enough evidence to say definitively whether omega-3 fatty acids can treat the core symptoms of ADHD, omega-3s are still important for people with neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD. In general, dietary omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon and walnuts, are believed to boost brain and heart health.

Yoga or Meditation

Practicing yoga or mindfulness — a type of meditation that helps people focus on the present moment rather than the past or future — may help children with ADHD better manage their symptoms, says Dimitriu. The potential benefits include an improved ability to pay attention and get along with peers.

Neurofeedback

This strategy involves having a person focus on certain tasks while connected to a device that tracks brain wave patterns. Thus far, while some research has shown promise, the scientific evidence for its effectiveness has been mixed. Larger, higher-quality, and longer-term studies are needed to determine whether this is an effective treatment option for ADHD.

Game-Based Digital Therapeutic Devices

In 2020, the FDA cleared the EndeavorRx device for marketing as the first game-based digital therapeutic device geared toward improving attention function among children ages 8 to 12 with primarily inattentive or combined-type ADHD.

Although not yet widely used in the treatment of ADHD, the device is available by prescription and is intended to be used in conjunction with a treatment plan that includes therapy delivered by a mental health professional, medication, or educational interventions, according to the FDA.

According to its manufacturer, the device is not intended to be used as a stand-alone treatment or in place of medication.

Resources We Trust

Additional reporting by Elizabeth Millard.

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
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