
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): The basics.ADHD: Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. We link primary sources - including studies, scientific references, and statistics - within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Bupropion, for instance, can reduce some ADHD symptoms due to its effects on dopamine and norepinephrine. For example, guanfacine (a nonstimulant medication) can work to reduce impulsivity.Īntidepressants are another treatment option. However, doctors may prescribe other types of medication depending on how the symptoms of ADHD manifest. Experts believe that they work by increasing levels of the brain chemical dopamine, which helps people think and pay attention. Doctors usually prescribe stimulants for ADHD. People with ADHD often find that medications can help reduce their symptoms. Turn off all screens for a quiet hour before bedtime.Avoid consuming caffeine late in the day or entirely.Keep the bedroom completely dark and remove all electronic devices at night.Have a set bedtime and always get up at the same time.The National Sleep Foundation offer the following tips for creating healthful sleeping habits: This can worsen the symptoms that they will experience during the day, such as finding it hard to pay attention. Some people with ADHD report experiencing sleep problems, including difficulty getting to sleep, restless sleep, or trouble waking up in the morning. They may also help the child learn to express their feelings in different ways.Īdults, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan (which may include medications and therapy), can learn to manage their condition by exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting plenty of sleep. In behavior therapy, a child will work with a therapist to learn new behaviors to replace those that are problematic. The guidelines also suggest that children under the age of 6 try behavior therapy before their caregiver seeks a medication recommendation from a doctor. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children age 6 and over try a combination of behavior therapy and medication. Many people opt for a combination of all three. These include trying behavior therapy, making healthful lifestyle choices, and taking medications. People with ADHD can manage their symptoms using a variety of different treatment options. Taking medications to treat the overall condition may also help relieve hyperfocus, as well as other symptoms. This can help break up intense periods of focus. Also, try asking people to call or email at specific times.Don’t be afraid to ask people in the vicinity to turn off televisions or other distractions if it becomes apparent that hyperfocus is starting to set in.This prevents focusing on one activity for too long. Set priorities and achieve them step by step.Set timers and reminders to help complete all essential tasks, activities, or chores.Promote activities that remove them from isolation and that promote being social.This can prevent them becoming engrossed for too long.

Try using definitive time points, such as the end of a movie, as a signal that the child needs to refocus their attention.This can help them understand that they need to address it.


