Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): What Happens After an ADHD Diagnosis?

An attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis can be confusing, overwhelming, and sometimes empowering for both children and adults. Although ADHD is most commonly diagnosed before age 12, there is a growing trend of adult ADHD diagnoses as more research into the condition becomes available.

No matter when someone receives an ADHD diagnosis, the next step is to find a trusted care team and start making decisions about potential therapies and treatments. But what do you need to do first after an ADHD diagnosis?

In this article, Ability Central answers your frequently asked questions about ADHD treatment, including:

How do I know if my doctor got the ADHD diagnosis right?
How do I find a doctor or therapist for ADHD?
What are the three types of ADHD?
What is the most effective treatment for ADHD?
How is ADHD treated in children?
How is ADHD treated in adults?
Where can I get more information about ADHD?

How do I know if my doctor got the ADHD diagnosis right?

Diagnosing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an imperfect process, especially if someone isn’t diagnosed until adulthood. A psychologist, psychiatrist, primary care physician, or pediatrician relies on testing and symptom observation to rule out other conditions before arriving at a diagnosis of ADHD.

It’s normal to seek out a second opinion to support an ADHD diagnosis. Depending on the doctor you see, they may call for a variety of tests that rule out other conditions. These tests might include:

Hearing and eye tests
Blood tests to check lead levels and rule out conditions like thyroid disease
An electroencephalogram (EEG), which measures electrical activity in the brain
A CT scan or MRI to check for brain abnormalities or other physical anomalies

These tests help diagnose other conditions that mimic ADHD, but they do not diagnose ADHD. For an ADHD diagnosis, clinicians refer to the descriptions, symptoms, and other criteria used in the most recent Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

How do I find a doctor or therapist for ADHD?

Doctors who can diagnose ADHD include pediatricians, therapists, family doctors, nurse practitioners, and psychologists. If you’re seeking a diagnosis for yourself or your child, be sure to ask about the physician’s experience diagnosing and treating ADHD. It’s especially helpful for people diagnosed with ADHD later in life to find a care team experienced in ADHD treatment for adults.

From there, specialists like cognitive behavioral therapists, child psychologists, and psychiatrists handle treatment like therapy, social and behavioral skills learning, and medication.

Hospital networks, schools, medical insurance companies, and doctors’ offices often provide resources for specialist referrals, support groups, and ADHD treatment. To learn more about your long-term support options for ADHD, see Long-term Support and Resources for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

What symptoms does ADHD treatment target?

ADHD treatment depends on the type and symptom severity of ADHD. There are three types of ADHD: predominantly inattentive presentation, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation, and combined presentation. Knowing which type of ADHD someone has makes it easier to find a treatment that works for them.

ADHD predominantly inattentive presentation symptoms include:

Trouble focusing on tasks
Difficulty paying close attention to detail or making careless mistakes
Trouble organizing tasks and activities
Being easily distracted
Not following through on instructions, work assignments, homework, chores, or other activities
Forgetting routine chores and tasks like paying bills or completing homework
Often losing items like keys, favorite toys, or cell phones
Appearing to not listen even when spoken to directly

ADHD predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation symptoms include:

Fidgeting or squirming in children; adults tend to tap their feet or hands.
Difficulty remaining seated.
Extreme restlessness.
Difficulty engaging in activities quietly.
Feeling like a motor drives them, or like their actions are not their own.
Talking excessively.
Interrupting others.
Answering questions before someone finishes asking.
Lack of patience.

Combined presentation symptoms include symptoms from both of these lists. To learn more about ADHD symptoms, see Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Symptoms in Children and Adults.

People with inattentive ADHD tend to be less disruptive and active than those with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. As a result, teachers or employers might consider them lazy or apathetic, when that is far from the case.

On the other hand, people with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD tend to be louder and more rambunctious than others. These behaviors can disrupt social, occupational, and family settings and create challenges in relationships. Often, kids and adults with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD are incorrectly labeled as troublemakers.

With all this in mind, ADHD treatment aims to help people manage their symptoms and establish routines, behaviors, and coping mechanisms that help them succeed in school, at work, or in social settings.

What is the most effective treatment for ADHD?

ADHD treatment depends on the type of ADHD and the severity of symptoms. ADHD treatment might include:

Traditional talk therapy (psychotherapy)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Social skills training
Parenting skills training
Family therapy
Medication

The best results in ADHD treatment come with collaboration. Families, teachers, therapists, physicians, and employers can all be part of someone’s care team, helping them best manage their symptoms and succeed in work, school, and social settings.

How is ADHD treated in children?

Children with ADHD often don’t receive a diagnosis or treatment until their symptoms drastically impact their school performance, family relationships, or social interactions. The goal of ADHD treatment for kids is to relieve some ADHD symptoms and learn coping skills for others.

Standard ADHD treatment for kids includes:

Behavioral therapy. Kids work one on one or in group settings with a therapist who teaches social skills, behavior-changing strategies, and methods to improve time management, task completion, and school performance.
Counseling. Talk therapy helps people with ADHD understand their symptoms and work out ways to overcome them. Therapy can also be helpful to navigate feelings of overwhelm, frustration, depression, or low self-esteem related to ADHD.
Education services. Some kids with ADHD benefit from in-school programs that include teachers and administrative providers. Parents can work with their child’s school to create a 504 plan or individualized education plan (IEP), both used to create accommodations or curriculum modifications that help kids succeed in school.
Medication. Stimulants are the most common medications for ADHD. They help manage symptoms like inattention and hyperactivity. Be sure to ask your pediatrician about the potential risks and benefits of ADHD medication for children.
Alternative treatment options like yoga, special diets, vitamin or mineral supplements, and neurofeedback training. These options have had some success but have not yet been scientifically proven. Ask your pediatrician before starting on any of these treatments.

Many kids with ADHD also benefit if their parents receive parenting skills training. This helps families develop behavior management strategies like token reward systems or timeouts. Establishing a routine and sticking to planned, familiar exercises will help children with ADHD learn to manage their symptoms.

Many nonprofits offer services for parents of kids with ADHD. Use Ability Central’s Service Locator to find an organization near you.

How is ADHD treated in adults?

Adult ADHD treatment follows the same basic methodology as ADHD treatment for kids. Where childhood ADHD treatment aims to improve school performance and build social skills, adult ADHD treatment generally focuses on improving work performance, developing task management, and establishing helpful routines. In addition, providers may help adults with ADHD create, deepen, and keep relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners.

Additional ADHD treatments for adults might include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and marriage or family counseling. These treatments help people with ADHD:

Improve task and time management.
Learn how to reduce or control impulsive behaviors.
Develop problem-solving skills.
Boost self-esteem.
Improve relationships with family, colleagues, and friends.
Develop temper-control strategies.
Lessen mood swings.
Stay organized.

Medications for adult ADHD often include traditional stimulants. Adults with ADHD may also benefit from non-stimulant medication like antidepressants and medications used to treat mood swings.

In addition, simple life changes can help manage ADHD symptoms.

Exercising regularly may improve concentration, motivation, memory, and mood.
Improving the quality of your sleep can make a big difference in your attention, focus, and mood.
Making healthy food choices, including planning and shopping for healthy meals, scheduling mealtimes, and keeping nutritious, easy snacks on hand.

Where can I get more information about ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a complex diagnosis that requires careful research, education, and treatment. Regular visits with doctors, pediatricians, therapists, and psychiatrists can help both children and adults seek a diagnosis and manage their ADHD symptoms.

To learn more about ADHD, see:

To learn more about conditions related to ADHD, see:

Additional Information