ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects concentration, organisation and the regulation of energy.
It can affect schooling, family life and social relationships.
But in practice, who treats ADHD?
Treatment relies on a multidisciplinary approach combining medical care, behavioural therapies and educational support.
The child psychiatrist: the main professional who treats ADHD
The child psychiatrist is the specialist doctor who treats ADHD.
They assess the symptoms, rule out other conditions and coordinate overall follow-up.
After diagnosis, they decide on the type of treatment most appropriate for each profile.
Depending on the severity of the disorder, they may prescribe medication to regulate dopamine and noradrenaline, two neurotransmitters involved in attention.
These medicines, used with caution, help to improve concentration and reduce impulsivity.
The child psychiatrist provides regular follow-up to adjust the dosage and monitor any possible side effects.
Psychologists and neuropsychologists: a central role in treatment
Psychologists and neuropsychologists support the child or adolescent on a day-to-day basis.
Their aim is to strengthen attention skills, emotional management and planning.
The psychologist often uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is effective for learning to better manage impulsivity and emotions.
The neuropsychologist, for their part, sets up exercises targeting memory, mental flexibility and concentration.
These interventions help develop concrete strategies to compensate for difficulties.
Other professionals who treat ADHD
ADHD affects several areas of development.
That is why several specialists are involved to treat this disorder in a comprehensive way:
- The GP, for medical follow-up and coordination of care;
- The psychomotor therapist, who helps channel energy and improve motor skills;
- The occupational therapist, who supports the organisation of everyday tasks;
- The speech and language therapist, if ADHD is accompanied by language difficulties or auditory attention difficulties.
This overall approach strengthens the consistency of treatment and allows better adaptation to each child.
The role of family and school in treatment
Treating ADHD is not limited to the medical sphere.
Family and school play an essential role in the success of follow-up.
Parents can put simple strategies in place:
- establish clear daily routines;
- praise successes instead of punishing mistakes;
- encourage a calm and structured environment.
At school, a Personalised Support Plan (PAP) or a Personalised Schooling Project (PPS) may be put in place.
These arrangements make it possible to adapt teaching methods, offer break times and strengthen dialogue with the family.
💡 Practical advice and teaching resources are available on LesDys.fr, Ladyspraxie.fr and Dysorthographie.fr.
Digital tools for treating ADHD
Digital tools represent a new dimension of treatment.
Platforms such as Dys’tap.io offer concentration and planning exercises adapted to children with ADHD.
These playful programmes promote motivation and strengthen attentional abilities.
INSERM has shown that digital cognitive training can improve working memory and mental flexibility.
Combined with therapeutic follow-up, these tools allow measurable and lasting progress.
In summary
Knowing who treats ADHD helps guide families towards the right professionals.
The child psychiatrist remains the cornerstone of treatment, supported by psychologists, neuropsychologists and other specialists.
Family and school actively contribute to the success of follow-up.
Thanks to coordinated care, suitable tools and a caring approach, every child or adult affected by ADHD can make progress, concentrate better and regain confidence.
