Adult Add Treatments

Adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD) have problems at work, at school, and in social relationships. There are several options for treatment. The most effective treatment is typically a combination of medication and counseling.

Stimulant medication reduces symptoms by boosting brain chemicals that control mood and behavior. They include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed under the name Ritalin) and amphetamines such as lisdexamphetamine (marketed under the names Adderall or Vyvanse).

Support Groups

A support group consists of people who have similar issues and experiences, and are willing to assist each other. These groups are typically run by volunteers and are open to all. Suggested Browsing can also provide information on local services for mental health and substance abuse issues. Support groups aren't a substitute to professional treatment but they can be an vital part of recovery.

A supportive group should be welcoming new members and put them at ease by allowing them to introduce themselves. The group should allow for open-ended questions to encourage further discussion. Keep in mind that not everyone will be able to speak at the same time. It is therefore beneficial to come up with a list of topics to discuss and determine a time limit that allows each participant to speak.

Some support groups are focused on a specific subject such as eating disorders or parenting and others are open-ended. They are not as organized as groups that are led by licensed professionals, and concentrate on sharing personal experiences. Support groups are usually run by volunteers and do not have an official leader. However, they might have coordinators that facilitate group meetings and provide other services to the members.


It is important to remember that the discussions within groups are confidential, and it is important to remind the group members of this fact periodically. Some facilitators and members of the group are mandated reporters. This means they must report to police any information about physical injury, even if the discussion is in private. This topic should be discussed at the start of the group but can be repeated on regular basis.

Support groups are an excellent way to connect with other people with similar problems and can be extremely helpful in creating a community. Seeing other people who have overcome their difficulties can be inspiring, and it can give people the feeling of optimism for the future.