MANAGING ADULT ADHD: COMPARING NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENTS AND PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENTS FOR SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT

Back to Page Authors: Amanda Lanceleve

---

Keywords: ADHD, non-pharmacological treatment, medications, effectiveness on symtpoms

---

Abstract: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neuro-developmental disorder with pervasive and impairing symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity which effects academic and social functioning. The prevalence of ADHD in adults is estimated at 2.8%. An adult with ADHD has a higher probability of having comorbidities that contraindicate the use of commonly used ADHD medications know as stimulants. This study is looking at the comparison on medicinal treatments and non-pharmacological therapies and whether effective symptom control can be managed without the use of medicine. All participants were required to be over the age of 18 and provided written consent prior to the start of the study. Studies focusing their research on medicinal effects whether it was the exclusive treatment or being used in conjunction with non-pharmacological therapies the participants were required to be stable on their current dose of medication. The studies that were focusing on the non-pharmacological therapies required participants to be either drug naïve or never having been on ADHD medication, or been off ADHD medications for 6 months prior to the start of the study. Mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and strength-based coaching are some of the non-pharmacological therapies used. Randomized controlled clinical trials, self-rated scales, and pre and post tests were some of methods used to collect data for the studies. Overall improvements in ADHD core symptoms were achieved with the use of non-pharmacological therapies. Some limitations reported are that some of the treatments are new with little background research but had promising results prompting further research.

---