ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a condition that affects both adults and children and is characterised by symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s well-being and day-to-day life. However, there is hope. There are multiple treatment options available which can help alleviate the symptoms and make ADHD less of a problem.
Medicine and therapy are two common approaches to treating ADHD, a combination of both is often best. Specialists, such as therapists, GPs, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists, typically organise and oversee the treatment.
In Ireland, there has been a growing awareness and understanding of ADHD. This positive shift has led to better resources and treatment options. With the right treatment plan, individuals with ADHD can find relief and improve their overall quality of life. In this article, we will explore the different treatment approaches and discuss their effectiveness in managing ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis of ADHD in Ireland
Before exploring available treatment options, it is crucial to first understand the diagnostic process for ADHD in Ireland. Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or paediatrician. The assessment includes an in-depth examination of the individual’s behaviour patterns, symptom checklists, and may involve the use of standardised behaviour rating scales.
In Ireland, the HSE (Health Service Executive) provides guidelines and services for diagnosing and managing ADHD. Parents and adults who suspect ADHD should talk to their GP or get an assessment by a clinical specialist who can then refer them to a clinical team for further treatment.
ADHD treatment options
Therapy
Different therapy methods are available to treat ADHD in people of all ages, including kids, teens, and adults. It’s not just for managing ADHD symptoms, but it’s also effective in dealing with other issues like conduct or anxiety disorders that often come with ADHD. Therapy takes a holistic approach to treatment, looking at different aspects of a person’s mental and emotional well-being.
Psychoeducation
One important part of ADHD treatment is psychoeducation. This means that you or your child will have discussions about ADHD and how it affects daily life. It can help children, teenagers, and adults understand their diagnosis and find ways to cope and live with the condition.
Behaviour therapy
Behaviour therapy is like a helping hand for parents and teachers dealing with kids who have ADHD. It’s all about using rewards to help these children control their behaviour. Let’s say you want your child to sit at the table to eat, you can reward them for doing just that. Teachers can also get in on the action by planning fun activities and providing lots of praise and encouragement, even for the smallest bit of progress.
Parent Training and Education Programmes
These programs help parents learn about ADHD and show them effective strategies to manage their child’s behaviour. This can involve techniques like creating a routine, setting clear rules, and using positive rewards.
ADHD Coaching
ADHD coaching focuses on practical ways to deal with everyday tasks that might be tougher to complete for someone who has ADHD. ADHD coaching is much like CBT, a type of psychotherapy that works to change how you handle or react to situations. ADHD coaching helps you adopt positive behaviours. Your ADHD coach will work with you to assess how ADHD affects you, then help you learn how problem solve issues as the happen.
The program also helps parents feel more confident in supporting their child with ADHD and improving their relationship.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT, or cognitive behavioural therapy, is a type of therapy that helps you or your child manage problems by changing the way you think and behave. During CBT, a therapist will work with you to change how you or your child feel about a situation, with the goal of improving behavior. This therapy can be done one-on-one with a therapist or in a group setting.
Medicine
There are five different types of medication that have been approved for the treatment of ADHD in Ireland:
- methylphenidate
- lisdexamfetamine
- dexamfetamine
- atomoxetine
- guanfacine
These medicines don’t cure ADHD, but they can help you concentrate better, be less impulsive, feel calmer, and learn new skills. Some medicines are taken every day, while others are only taken on school days. Sometimes, doctors recommend taking breaks from the medication to see if it’s still necessary. If you were diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, your doctor and specialist can talk to you about which medicines and therapies are best for you. If you or your child is prescribed one of these medicines, you’ll likely start with a small dose and then gradually increase it.
Regular check-ups with your doctor are important to make sure the treatment is working well and to watch out for any side effects or issues. If you experience any side effects or want to stop or change your treatment, be sure to talk to your doctor. Your specialist will talk to you about how long you should continue the treatment, but in most cases, it’s continued as long as it’s helpful.
Other treatment options
Diet
When it comes to managing ADHD through diet, it’s important to focus not only on what you eat but also how you eat. Many adults with ADHD struggle with nutritional issues because of impulsive eating and lack of planning. The goal is to be aware of your eating habits by planning and buying healthy meals, scheduling regular meal times, and preparing food in advance.
Regular exercise
Regular exercise is an easy and effective way to lessen ADHD symptoms in adults. It helps to enhance concentration, motivation, memory, and mood.
Sleep
Getting enough sleep is really important for people with ADHD because sleep problems are common and can make symptoms worse. It’s a good idea to have a regular sleep routine to help improve the quality of your sleep.
How to get an ADHD assessment for you or your child
Are you finding it hard to cope with ADHD symptoms all by yourself? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. There are plenty of treatment options available for adults and children with ADHD. It’s important to remember that finding the right treatment involves a team effort, including specialists, family, and loved ones. With the right support, you can learn to control impulsive behaviours, manage your time and money, get organised, boost productivity, handle stress, and improve communication. Remember, getting a proper diagnosis is key to accessing the right treatments. So, don’t hesitate to explore therapies, medications, lifestyle changes, and support networks that can make a positive difference in managing you or your child’s ADHD.
To learn more about available treatment options and which ones may work well for you, book an assessment with our team.
