Treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) usually involves taking medication.

A few different types of medication can be prescribed, depending on a person's exact symptoms.

In addition to medication, people with ADHD may benefit from counseling to improve their behavior or social skills.

Parents and other family members may also participate in counseling to help develop strategies for dealing with potentially problematic situations.

While there's no cure for ADHD, proper treatment can help control or reduce many symptoms, often leading to better performance at school or work — and an improved quality of life.

Stimulants for ADHD

Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. They've been used for more than 50 years.

Stimulants have a calming effect on children with ADHD and can last for 4 to 12 hours.

They may cause side effects, such as stomachache, irritability, decreased appetite, and insomnia.


These drugs come as a pill, capsule, liquid, or skin patch.

Some common stimulants used to treat ADHD include:

Nonstimulant Drugs for ADHD


The first nonstimulant for ADHD was approved in 2003.


Common nonstimulants include:

Strattera carries a black-box warning because studies show that children and teens who take it are slightly more likely to develop suicidal thoughts.

Antidepressants for ADHD

Antidepressant drugs are sometimes used to treat ADHD.

The Food and Drug Administration (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.

Antidepressants prescribed for ADHD include:

ADHD Counseling


Behavior therapy: This is a form of counseling in which children or adults with ADHD learn behavior-changing strategies and skills for dealing with difficult situations.

Psychotherapy: This type of treatment allows children and adults with ADHD to talk with a psychologist or psychiatrist about their issues and learn ways to cope with their symptoms.

Family therapy: This form of therapy helps parents, spouses, or siblings deal with the stresses of living with someone with ADHD.

Parenting skills training: This therapy helps parents come up with ways to guide their child's behavior.

Social skills training: This form of therapy helps children with ADHD learn appropriate social behaviors.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

Making certain lifestyle changes at home may help create a better environment for children with ADHD.

These changes may involve:

  • Following a regular schedule for meals, naps, and bedtime
  • Keeping all areas of the home organized and uncluttered
  • Avoiding distractions (such as TV and cell phones)
  • Using simple words, eye contact, and clear commands when giving your child instructions
  • Finding ways to boost your child's self-esteem (such as sports or other extracurricular activities)
  • Avoiding overwhelming situations that may trigger symptoms
  • Showing affection frequently
  • Using "time-outs" or appropriate consequences as discipline methods

Natural Remedies for ADHD

Some people believe that alternative therapies can help improve ADHD symptoms.

While there are anecdotal accounts that certain treatments may help, there aren't enough studies to prove that any of them work.

Before trying any treatment, talk to your doctor to make sure it's safe.

Alternative treatments for ADHD may include:

Dietary strategies: Diets that have been tried for ADHD symptoms typically involve eliminating sugar, wheat, milk, eggs, food colorings, or food additives.

But there's not enough research to show that avoiding certain foods helps improve symptoms.

Vitamins, minerals, or herbal supplements: Some people believe that certain vitamin regimens can reduce symptoms.

But there's no evidence that any supplemental vitamins, minerals, or herbs are effective, and taking "mega-doses" of vitamins can sometimes be harmful.

The safety of many herbal supplements has also been called into question.

Essential fatty acids: Some people believe that taking omega-3 fatty acids — such as those found in fish oil — can improve symptoms by helping the brain function properly.

Researchers are still investigating whether these fats can help children with ADHD.

Yoga or meditation: Regular yoga or mediation is often used to help children with ADHD relax and develop self-discipline.

Neurofeedback: This treatment involves having a child focus on certain tasks while connected to a machine that shows brain wave patterns.

More research is needed to determine whether neurofeedback is a viable treatment option for ADHD.