If you or your child is one of the millions of Americans with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you might assume prescription medication is your best (or only) treatment option. However, research shows a multimodal approach is more effective.
At Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic in Aurora, Colorado, our psychotherapist specializes in multimodal ADHD treatment. Here, we look at the theory behind this method and how it works.
A multimodal approach combines several treatments, including prescription medication, counseling, and lifestyle changes, to manage ADHD symptoms and improve quality of life.
This method of care is more effective than medication or counseling alone because it addresses complex symptoms like impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. Since everyone experiences ADHD differently, it also provides a more personalized approach.
No two multimodal ADHD treatment plans are alike, but they typically include a three- or four-step approach. Often, that includes:
If you have ADHD, you know how hard it can be to focus and stay on task. Caffeine may help with inattention, but prescription drugs are often necessary for long-term results.
Our psychotherapist typically prescribes stimulants such as Adderall® and Vyvanse®. These medications increase the activity of neurotransmitters in your brain that are responsible for attention and behavior.
People with ADHD are more likely to experience mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These issues can exacerbate ADHD, affecting your mood, outlook, and focus.
Counseling techniques, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), involve talking one-on-one with an experienced mental health provider. Discussing your fears and challenges in a no-pressure setting can help improve your time management skills, self-esteem, and impulse control.
ADHD symptoms often worsen in academic and work environments. Although there’s no way to mitigate these challenges entirely, talking with your child’s teacher or your boss can help.
For example, if you struggle to focus at work due to an open floor plan, you could ask your manager about setting up a cubicle or working in a private office.
Alternatively, if your child has ADHD, you could ask their teacher to use organizational tools, like color-coded folders, to help them stay focused and reduce decision fatigue.
Our providers can make recommendations that align with your or your family’s needs.
If you’re the spouse or parent of someone with ADHD, it can be hard to put yourself in your loved one’s shoes. Our psychotherapists regularly educate parents, significant others, and spouses on ADHD symptoms.
We also provide strategies to support your child’s or partner’s behavior at home.
ADHD is a chronic condition, but that doesn’t mean you or your child must suffer. Contact Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic if you’re interested in trying a multimodal treatment approach. Call our office at 303-351-1800 or book your visit online today.
