Is ADHD Manageable? LEARN WHAT AN ADHD MANAGEMENT PLAN MAY INCLUDE

Is ADHD Manageable? LEARN WHAT AN ADHD MANAGEMENT PLAN MAY INCLUDE

An ADHD Management Plan May Include: Once a physician has made a diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), what s next? Your physician will work with you to put together an ADHD management plan, which may include one or more of the following: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Medication Coaching ADHD School or Workplace Support Educational Programs Support Groups 2 3

Who Can Help With ADHD Management? What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? ADHD management often involves a team approach a group of health care professionals each providing a different type of service or therapy. These may include family doctors, psychologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, counselors, social workers, and coaches. A management plan may include one or more of the following: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Medication Coaching School or Workplace Support Educational Programs Support Groups Cognitive behavioral therapy as part of an ADHD management plan can help increase positive behaviors and decrease the frequency of negative behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that can occur with ADHD. This therapy can give one a better understanding of ADHD and how it affects daily life. It can help one figure out which behaviors and areas of life he or she wants to change and how to make these changes happen. Cognitive behavioral therapy can give one strategies to help finish tasks and be more organized and productive. Not everyone with ADHD requires therapy. A parent, family member, or person with ADHD can take part in therapy training programs to learn more about: Behaviors caused by ADHD Goals of therapy Therapy techniques 4 5

How Are Medications Used to Manage ADHD? How Can an ADHD Coach Help? Several medications have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ADHD. ADHD medication is thought to help the areas of the brain that control attention and behavior, although the exact way these medications work is not known. Medication is not right for everyone. Talk with the doctor to determine if medication is appropriate to help manage your ADHD symptoms. If the doctor thinks that medication is appropriate, you can work together to find out which ADHD medication may be right for you. It may take time to find the right medication or combination of medications and the right dose. As with all medications, ADHD medications must be used properly, and taken exactly as the doctor tells you to take it. A professional ADHD coach can help one learn skills and strategies to help manage daily tasks. Coaches can help individuals with ADHD get past obstacles and reach their goals. An ADHD coach learns about a person s challenges, and gives advice on how to: Get more organized Complete homework or work assignments and other tasks Improve social skills Develop coping strategies Coaching is most effective when a person is ready to: Recognize the obstacles and challenges caused by ADHD Make a plan to improve undesirable behaviors Develop a strategy for carrying out the plan 6 7

What Can School Counselors and Teachers Do to Help? School counselors and teachers can tell parents about challenges that students with ADHD may face at school. They may help with strategies for note taking, test taking, and completing homework and other projects on time. Counselors and teachers can also provide status reports. School counselors and teachers may offer tips on: Improving organizational skills Managing time How to break assignments down into smaller, more manageable tasks Tips for Living With ADHD People with ADHD may also benefit from simple organization techniques. Strategies include: Using folders for complete and incomplete school assignments Using a daily planner to record and remember dates Dedicating routine places for keeping work and supplies Developing a plan for completing work If you are living with a person with ADHD, you can play an important, supportive role in their ADHD management. Some strategies include: Educate yourself about ADHD Work together to establish a daily routine for chores and other household responsibilities Focus on important issues and downplay those that are less critical 8 9

Where can I get more information about ADHD? For more information, visit www.adhdandyou.com. 10 11

Keep this guide as a handy resource for managing ADHD. This resource is sponsored by Shire Pharmaceuticals Shire US Inc. 1-800-828-2088 2014 Shire US Inc., Wayne, PA 19087 S01950 04/14