ADHD: how to treat and support ADHD and ADD?
ADHD cannot be cured in the strict sense, but it can be managed very effectively. Appropriate and well-coordinated care enables the vast majority of people with ADHD to compensate for their difficulties and thrive. Here are the most effective therapeutic approaches.
Drug treatment: when and how?
Drug treatment, mainly based on methylphenidates marketed under the names Ritalin, Concerta or Quasym, is one of the most effective therapeutic options for ADHD. These stimulant medications improve the availability of dopamine and noradrenaline in the attentional circuits of the brain, which significantly improves concentration and reduces impulsivity. They are not prescribed systematically: the decision to treat ADHD medically is taken on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the parents and the child. Drug treatment is generally more effective in combination with psychological and behavioural support.
Cognitive behavioural therapies
Cognitive behavioural therapies, CBT, are particularly effective for ADHD. They help the child and adolescent identify their behavioural patterns, develop organisational and planning strategies, manage their impulsivity and emotions, and build routines that compensate for executive function difficulties. CBT is recommended as a first-line option before any consideration of medication for mild to moderate forms.
Cognitive remediation
Cognitive remediation is an approach that specifically targets the executive functions impaired in ADHD: attention, working memory, planning, cognitive flexibility. Through progressive and adaptive exercises, it aims to strengthen these cognitive skills and develop compensatory strategies. It is particularly useful alongside CBT and can be carried out by a neuropsychologist or a specialised speech and language therapist.
School accommodations: essential in parallel
Alongside therapeutic care, the school accommodations provided for in the PAP are essential to enable the pupil to follow lessons without being constantly held back by their attentional difficulties. Extra time, preferential seating in the classroom, task breakdown, use of digital tools: all these adjustments make a real difference day to day. To find professionals specialised in ADHD care, professionnelsdys.fr offers a comprehensive directory.
