Stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine with dextroamphetamine (Adderall) are a common treatment for ADHD. These drugs function by elevating dopamine activity in the brain, which helps improve concentration. They are effective for 70-80% of individuals with ADHD, especially those with moderate to severe cases. However, they can have side effects like headaches, sleep loss, and irritability, and there are concerns about potential for addiction, heart issues, and psychiatric problems.

Stimulant Medication in ADHD

Though these medications tend to be slower acting, they come with less risks than stimulant medications, including less risk for agitation, sleeplessness, and lack of appetite. They also do not pose much of an addiction risk. They can also last longer. That isn't to say they come without any side effect risk. Though side effects differ by medication, suicidal thoughts, fatigue, nausea, and stomach aches are common. 

Non-stimulant ADHD meds

These drugs are particularly effective if an individual is struggling with depression AND ADHD, as they seem to put a damper on hyperactivity, impulses, and aggression. However, the ability to concentrate is not well fixed by anti-depressants. 

Anti-depressants in ADHD Treatment

There are three types of medication that can be used to treat ADHD:
- Stimulants
- Non-stimulants
- Antidepressants (people with ADHD may have additional mental health issues like depression and anxiety, and they may take an antidepressant to treat those issues along with a stimulant for ADHD).

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Though there is no cure, there are treatments to help manage symptoms. There are two types of treatment options for ADHD:

- Behavior Therapy (including parental training).
- Medication.

Like most treatments for mental disorders and psychological issues, the best treatment is often a combination of therapy and medication. 

For children with ADHD younger than 6 years old, parent training in behavior management  is recommended as the first line of treatment, before medication is tried. For children 6 years old and older, it's recommended to try medication and behavior therapy together.

ADHD: Treatment Options

The goal of behavior therapy is to enforce a child's positive behaviors and habits, and try to eliminate negative ones.

For children younger than 6 years old, behavior therapy might include a therapist working with the child to learn new behaviors to replace the ones that cause problems. Part of behavior therapy might include "parent training" in behavior management. This can give parents the appropriate skills and strategies to help their child manage their behaviors.

For children aged 6 and older, several types of behavior theories might be utilized, including parent training strategies, behavioral interventions in the classroom, and organizational skill training.

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