What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? Options and Treatment for ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the parts of the brain responsible for executive functions, often requiring specialized ADHD treatment to manage. ADHD usually appears in children younger than age 12, but the symptoms can continue into adulthood. At Elevate Recovery, we specialize in comprehensive treatment for ADHD in adults, helping individuals manage professional and personal responsibilities more effectively.
If you have ADHD, it can be a struggle to manage your emotions and control impulses without behavioral interventions. At Elevate Recovery Center, our ADHD therapy options include behavior modification alongside medication management to help you regain control.
Understanding ADHD Symptoms
ADHD presents with three persistent characteristics:
Inattention
If you have ADHD, it can be challenging to maintain your focus. Outside distractions and thoughts will easily sidetrack you when working on a task. That inattention can often seem like forgetfulness and lead to missing appointments or losing things. ADHD can cause you to avoid doing what you might be good at or enjoy because it requires attention to detail.
Impulsivity
Impulsivity is another common trait seen in ADHD. It can lead to a lack of patience, particularly when interacting with others. Someone with this condition may frequently interrupt those speaking to them.
They may also engage in impulsive behaviors, like using drugs or driving a car fast. Impulsivity prevents them from considering the potential consequences of their actions. They simply lack the patience to assess the situation thoroughly and then make an informed decision.
Hyperactivity
Excessive motor activity is a benchmark characteristic of this condition. Restlessness can present as constant fidgeting. Someone with ADHD may struggle to sit still and move in ways to compensate, such as tapping their fingers or swinging their legs.
The symptoms of ADHD affect each person differently and can even change over time. It’s not clear why some develop this condition. Further research is necessary to understand it.
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Children With ADHD
If you are a parent, you already know that it’s not unusual for children to exhibit inattentiveness or hyperactivity. Toddlers and preschoolers often have short attention spans and tend to be overly energetic. That makes diagnosing children with ADHD a challenge.
There are questions parents can ask themselves to help make the distinction between usual fidgeting and inattention in children ages 4 to 18 and the more extreme symptoms of ADHD. They include:
- Do these behaviors impact the child’s ability to learn or develop relationships?
- Are they able to manage daily tasks from start to completion without being disruptive?
Additionally, you can discuss your child’s behavior with family members and solicit their opinions. If you suspect your child has ADHD, the next step is to consult a professional and get a proper diagnosis.
Coexisting Conditions for ADHD in Adults
Elevate Recovery Center is dedicated to providing compassionate ADHD treatment in Massachusetts, combining clinical excellence with impactful healing to help you regain control of your focus and your life.. We take a combination approach to treatment that includes ADHD medication management and evidence-based therapies.
Two-thirds of adults with ADHD have co-occurring health conditions that require treatment. These may include:
- Learning disabilities
- Anxiety disorders
- Autism
- Depression
- Panic disorder
Many conditions have overlapping symptoms, so making a proper diagnosis is crucial for effective results. Our comprehensive ADHD treatment begins with a thorough evaluation to ensure your care plan is tailored to your unique neurological needs.
How Is an ADHD Diagnosis Made at Elevate Recovery Center
Diagnosing this condition starts with a thorough evaluation by one of our trained healthcare providers. Our professionals will conduct an assessment that involves interviewing you or your child, and, if applicable, family members. It will also include a medical history.
Behavioral Rating Scales
Behavioral rating scales are questionnaires that allow us to assess the severity of ADHD symptoms. Typically, parents, teachers, or the individual being tested complete the scales to determine if symptoms meet the standards for an ADHD diagnosis. These scales are instrumental in helping us diagnose ADHD in children and teens.
What are the Most Beneficial ADHD Treatment Options?
At Elevate Recovery Center, our holistic approach to ADHD treatment includes everything from enhancing diet and mindfulness meditation to parent training and behavioral interventions. A tailor-made treatment plan from our healthcare providers will likely include a combination of techniques, including medication, talk therapy, and lifestyle changes. The right mix in the treatment of ADHD can mean fewer symptoms and a better quality of life for you and your family.
ADHD Medication
It can take some trial and error to get the right ADHD medication because there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Some common choices for different medications used by our healthcare providers include:
- Stimulant medications – Stimulant medications such as amphetamines and methylphenidate are two common choices for treatment. They work by elevating the level of specific chemical messengers in the brain. They can come with side effects, though, such as decreased appetite and sleep problems.
- Nonstimulant ADHD medications – Stimulants can be problematic for many reasons. For one thing, they can raise your blood pressure. They can also be addictive. Nonstimulant drugs offer a workaround for those who can’t tolerate the stimulants. Nonstimulants ADHD medications are less likely to cause difficulty sleeping, for example. These medications include clonidine and guanfacine.
- Certain antidepressants – We may recommend antidepressants along with other ADHD medications, especially for those with co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression.
We will work with you to determine which medication treatment offers the most possible benefits. While you wait for the effect, we start other treatment options such as behavior therapy. This helps you manage problem behaviors and emotional problems.
Why Behavior Therapy Is a Must for ADHD Treatment
The goal of behavioral therapy is to enhance impulse control and reduce activities that disrupt everyday life. With it, our healthcare providers help you learn the specific skills necessary to manage the symptoms and improve your overall behavior.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affects many aspects of your life, including relationships, academic performance, and professional projects. The combination of ADHD medication, behavioral therapy and healthy lifestyle can allow you or your children with ADHD to live your life better.

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Benefits of Behavioral Therapy for ADHD
Some key benefits of the therapeutic approach we offer for treatment include:
- Improves your self-control with self-regulation skills
- Enhances social skills for better relationships and less conflict
- Develops time management skills to improve organization and make managing tasks easier
- It can help with parent training for children with ADHD. Parents with school-age children need to master behavioral management, so you reinforce positive behaviors at home and discipline effectively.
Evidence-based behavioral therapy is a cornerstone of effective ADHD treatment, helping you develop specific skills to manage time, improve self-regulation, and create a lasting daily structure. Behavior therapy will help to improve self-esteem and reduce stress, which, in turn, means symptom reduction and noticeable health benefits.
Therapies Used for Younger Children, Teens, and Adults With ADHD
Our ADHD professionals will use evidence-based therapies with a proven track record when treating ADHD and providing behavior management.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Effective ADHD therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), helps you recognize negative thought patterns and find healthier ways to cope with executive function challenges. It can also improve emotional regulation and build executive functioning skills that make it easier to manage ADHD symptoms.
Family Therapy
Therapy helps the family gain a better understanding of the condition. Parents and older children can develop communication skills that help with behavior management, especially of younger children. They also learn more about the treatment of ADHD and the health benefits that can come with it. Our therapists also recommend parent training.
Support Groups
Support groups can be a beneficial supplement to individual ADHD therapy for both adults and families, offering a space to discuss shared challenges and learn new relaxation techniques.. They offer them a place to discuss the challenges that come with ADHD and learn ways to cope, such as relaxation techniques. Support groups allow you to hear stories of others facing the same obstacles and know you are not alone in the struggle.
Why Choose Elevate Recovery Center?
We offer diverse and flexible ADHD treatment programs for children, teens, and adults, ensuring that every individual receives age-appropriate care for their specific challenges and co-occurring conditions. We also provide ADHD medication and education for families to help them better understand these behaviors. Our program options include day treatment, outpatient services, after-school options, and virtual therapy.
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Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options for ADHD. Or fill out our contact form today. Our team will be in touch with you to discuss ways to support your journey in confidence. All information you provide us is strictly confidential.
View Article References
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- Medline Plus. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Medlineplus.gov. Published 2019.
- National Institute of Mental Health. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder: What you need to know. National Institute of Mental Health. Published 2024.
- Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions Are Common. CHADD.
- ADHD in Children and Adolescents. www.aafp.org. Published April 2020.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Non-Stimulant medications available for ADHD treatment. HealthyChildren.org. Published 2019.
- American Psychological Association. Understanding psychotherapy and how it works. American Psychological Association. Published December 12, 2023.
- NHS. Online self-help CBT techniques – Every Mind Matters. nhs.uk. Published September 26, 2022.
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- Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders. Board Certification | NBCC. nbcc.org.
