Alternatives to Medication

Medication is highly effective for ADHD, having proven pharmacological benefits for 90% of those that try them, however getting access to medication via the NHS is an ongoing problem. In addition, medication does not solve all the problems that an ADHDer experiences.

With that in mind, everyone is different and some interventions work better for some people than others. The following are often useful as part of any treatment package:

Overall
Vibes
Consideration of co-existing conditions
ADHD-aware or ADHD-adjusted approach

Exercise

Exercise helps the body regulate. This can be in the form of a gym session, swimming, dancing, hiking or walking – choose something that works for yourself.

Mindfulness

This one has plenty of scientific backing. There are plenty of videos and apps available.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

CBT and the more modern form, DBT, have proven benefits for ADHD as long as they take into account ADHD. An “off the shelf” offering which does not suitably adjust either of these for ADHD is unlikely to work, and may actually do harm.

Things to check for:

Think carefully about what you want to achieve
It is not regulated but the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) accreditation signifies that a therapist has met a certain level of training training and meets ethical standards
Do they adjust their techniques for ADHD
How much experience do they have working with working with ADHD clients

Counselling

Counselling can be likened to tending a wound and is useful for processing the life experience of living with ADHD.

[What qualifications/criteria should people look for? Do we list any directories – recommendations welcome? I think it would be good if we did as long as we cover our backs]

Things to check for:

Think carefully about what you want to achieve
It is not regulated but the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) accreditation signifies that a therapist has met a certain level of training training and meets ethical standards
Do they adjust their techniques for ADHD
How much experience do they have working with working with ADHD clients

Coaching

Coaching is forward-looking and offers individually tailored strategies for working with ADHD-related, and other, issues. It is not provided for by the NHS, but can be paid for with some Access to Work grants. Similarly, some employers cover the cost. If paying for yourself, consider the overall likely cost, to make sure it is sustainable for yourself.

Coaching is an unregulated industry, so we advise to ask any potential supplier about the following:

Think carefully about what you want to achieve
Meaningful training (60+ hours, and not just YouTube videos)
Membership of a professional association which has a code of ethics (e.g. International Coaching Federation)
Ongoing mentoring for the coach (how often)
Level of experience (ask how many coaching hours they have)
Speak to three different coaches to find one that vibes with you the best and so that you can understand some of the different approaches available

One long-established organisation that lists ADHD coaches is the ADHD Coaching Organization. You might want to consider ticking the “professional” box when searching for a suitable match.

Parent Training (where young children are concerned)

The evidence base to support parent training is under-researched. All training needs to be situation-specific to ADHD. Typically there are benefits whilst the training is ongoing, but these often disappear once training is discontinued as constant innovation is required.

BONUS

Peer Support Groups

We are slightly biased, but we feel that Peer Support Groups, where you can speak to other people with ADHD, can have an amazing impact. Simply knowing you are not alone, and meeting others with local experience can add humanity to some of the challenges.

We have a listing of Scottish peer support groups which is regularly updated.