People who have ADHD often feel like they’re being judged unfairly. Their problems can be compounded by social media myths that imply all distracted or impulsive behavior is “so ADHD.” This kind of misunderstanding can make people with the disorder feel invalidated and keep others from seeking treatment, especially those who are racial minorities or have low incomes. Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD haven’t had the chance to get a proper diagnosis or treatment because they were children who weren’t able to receive it at school.
ADHD is a mental health condition that can cause problems in many different areas of life, including at work or school, in friendships and relationships, and at home. The most common treatments include medication, psychosocial treatment (also called psychotherapy), or a combination of both. Medications can reduce symptoms, improve functioning and increase self-esteem. They can also improve sleep, which is critical for people with ADHD, who may suffer from restless nights and trouble waking up each morning. There are several medications used to treat ADHD, and sometimes it takes time for providers to find the right one for a patient’s specific needs. For this reason, people with the disorder should always see their doctors regularly.
Behavioral therapy is a type of psychosocial treatment that helps people learn to manage their symptoms, improve functioning, and develop better coping skills. It can help them cope with negative emotions, such as depression or anxiety, that can occur when they’re struggling with ADHD. It can also teach them how to better interact with others and improve their social skills. It can be difficult to make progress in therapy if you have ADHD, so it’s important to try your best to stick with it.
Studies have found that combining psychosocial treatments with medication can increase effectiveness. For example, family therapy can help parents teach their children coping skills and strategies to deal with the challenges of living with ADHD. It can also help spouses and other family members understand the difficulties that ADHD can create.
It’s not possible to completely cure ADHD, but current treatment can reduce symptoms and improve functioning at work or school, in relationships, and in daily activities. It’s important for people with the disorder to follow their doctor’s advice and continue treatment, even after they’ve reached a good level of function. It’s also important to remember that without treatment, the symptoms of ADHD can become more severe over time and lead to problems such as a history of substance abuse, poor work or academic performance, and conflicts with loved ones.