This treatment guide is designed to simplify the process of learning about ADHD treatment. We point you to the best, most relevant, up-to-date treatment information we know.
Start here, then explore what's in the left menu bar.
Start here: Adult ADHD treatment basics
Download the free, in-depth treatment E-Book from the left column of this page or from the right column of the home page. It provides a full overview of treatment options and issues.
Blog post - The Best Treatments for ADHD.
The experience of having ADHD. Link to Psychology Today blog post - What it Feels Like to Have ADHD. Particularly useful for non-ADHD partner trying to understand what it feels like to have ADHD.
Free download: Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale ASRS v1.1. Used by medical professionals, this standard symptom tracker canhelp you determine whether or not you have ADHD, its severity if you do, and track improvement of symptoms over time as you refine your treatment.
Free download: ADHD Effect Treatment Optimization Worksheet. This worksheet, from the Melissa's Couple's Seminar, helps you understand what treatment options are available to you so you may improve your results.
NIMH overview of ADHD - This focuses primarily on children, but provides a thorough overview of ADHD, diagnosis and treatment. The adult information is at the bottom. Another good overview of the criteria, along with the differences between the diagnostic criteria in the diagnostic manuals previously used (DSM-IV) and the new one (DSM-V) can be found at this ADDA link.
8-week ADHD Effect Couples Seminar - One of the fastest and most effective ways to start improving treatment and partner interactions. Participants get to ask Melissa Orlov all of their questions during the seminar.
Recommended reading about ADHD: See our recommended reading list.
Fast facts about adult ADHD in relationships
- About 5% of adults have ADHD. That makes ADHD one of the most common, biologically-based mental health issues. (1)
- Almost 90% of adults with ADHD are currently undiagnosed. If you're just learning about it, you are not alone! (2)
- ADHD is not just for kids. 50-70% of children with ADHD continue to have significant symptoms as adults (3)
- 40-57% of biological children of parents with ADHD will also have ADHD. (1)
- Research shows clearly that adult ADHD impacts almost every aspect of a person's life. (1) Further, the majority will experience other clinically diagnosable mental health issues in their lives, as well. If you think you might have ADHD, it is wise to get a full evaluation to understand your complete health picture.
- 58% of relationships with at least one adult with ADHD can be classified as "maladjusted." (1) When ADHD is well managed, and both partners are better educated about their interactions, many previously struggling adult relationships can thrive. (4)
You might also like...
References:
(1) Barkley, R., & Benton, C. (2010). Taking charge of adult ADHD. New York, NY: Guilford Press. pp. 2, 48, 167-169, 380-384
(2) Parker, Harvey (2014) Co-founder of CHADD.
(3) Russell M. Barkley, Ph.D.; and Edward M. Hallowell, M.D.
(4) Orlov, M. (2010). The ADHD effect on marriage: Understand and rebuild your relationship in 6 steps. Plantation, FL: Specialty Press.
Last updated: 4/4/14
