How is ADHD treated?
There are effective treatments for ADHD and its associated syndromes. While no treatment can "cure" ADHD, there are evidence-based interventions to manage symptoms. Medications (both stimulant and non-stimulant) have strong evidence of treatment response for many people with ADHD. There is a substantial body of knowledge supporting the efficacy and safety of medication in addressing the three core symptoms of ADHD.
However, medication tends to be less effective in managing executive dysfunction, and many patients with ADHD also struggle with emotional dysregulation, which has been linked to executive dysfunction through difficulties in regulating one’s own emotional and behavioural responses. For this reason, in addition to medication, we recommend ADHD coaching, and a combination of medication and coaching is considered the gold-standard treatment.
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Medication has at times been overhyped in the media regarding its effects, mechanisms, and speed of action. We aim to establish a medication regimen that is effective, easy to use, and provides coverage for the majority of the day. For this reason, determining an optimal medication regimen can take several months.
What to Expect During an Adult ADHD Assessment?
The Adult ADHD assessment is done in two parts:
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1) Clinical Interview (60 min)
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This is a standard clinical review that covers your symptoms and difficulties, as well as other relevant information about your physical and mental health. If we proceed to the testing phase, you will be asked to collect information about childhood symptoms either from your parents (or an appropriate alternative informant) or in the form of school reports.
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2) Testing session (120 min)
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This phase involves a number of relevant validated computer-based and paper tests about ADHD and other relevant mental and physical health comorbidities. At the end of the session, there is usually sufficient information to make a diagnosis and discuss a management plan.​