Treatment for ADHD: Medication and Effective Innovations

By: Tanner Manwaring, DNP

6/20/2025

It’s no secret that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) impacts millions of children, teens, and adults. You might be wondering about the best way to manage ADHD symptoms if you or a loved one is struggling with inattentiveness or hyperactivity. The good news is that modern treatments for ADHD go far beyond traditional medication and offer a wider range of effective, personalized options than ever before.

At Serenity Mental Health Centers, our psychiatrists believe that treating ADHD is about more than managing symptoms; it's about helping each person unlock their full potential. Whether you’re considering ADHD medication, traditional therapy, TMS therapy, or structured gratitude practices, we’re here to guide you toward real relief and lasting success.

Understanding ADHD Symptoms

Before diving into treatments, it’s important to understand what ADHD looks like. ADHD symptoms can vary but often include:

  • Difficulty focusing or completing tasks
  • Impulsivity, such as blurting out answers or interrupting conversations
  • Hyperactivity or restlessness
  • Disorganization and forgetfulness
  • Emotional sensitivity and difficulty managing frustration

While many people associate ADHD with children, ADHD in adults is just as common. Symptoms like impulsivity, emotional outbursts, and chronic procrastination often continue into adulthood if left untreated.

ADHD Testing: The First Step Toward Treatment

If you're unsure whether you or your child has ADHD, a good first step to consider is comprehensive ADHD testing. At Serenity, our evaluations include clinical interviews, standardized symptom checklists, and the QbTest, which is an FDA-cleared tool that objectively measures attention, activity, and impulsivity.

Learn more about our ADHD Testing and Treatment services to see how we provide an accurate diagnosis and tailor treatment plans based on each patient's unique needs.

Medication Options for ADHD Treatment

ADHD medication remains one of the most effective ways to manage core symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Common types of medications include:

  • Stimulants: Medications like methylphenidate and amphetamines increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, helping improve focus and impulse control.
  • Non-Stimulants: Options like atomoxetine or guanfacine offer symptom control without the stimulant effects, and are often used if stimulants cause side effects or are not tolerated.

For many, the right ADHD medication can significantly improve quality of life. At Serenity, we work closely with patients to find the medication and dosage that best supports their goals. We aren’t going to prescribe blindly; we take the time to understand you and your medication history to provide a regimen that works.

Going Beyond Medication: Holistic ADHD Treatment Strategies

While medication can be a powerful tool, it's not the only answer. Holistic ADHD treatment often involves a combination of therapies and lifestyle strategies that target both symptoms and underlying emotional challenges.

Key components include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps patients develop organizational skills, manage impulsivity, and address negative thought patterns.
  • ADHD Coaching: Practical, real-world support for building time management, task initiation, and follow-through skills.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, healthy sleep routines, and nutritional support can greatly influence ADHD symptoms.

At Serenity, we believe the most successful ADHD treatment plans are those that view each patient as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms.

TMS Therapy for ADHD: An Innovative Alternative

For patients who prefer non-medication options or who haven’t found success with medication, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers new hope. Although TMS is primarily FDA-approved for depression, growing research supports its use in enhancing executive functioning and emotional regulation in ADHD.

TMS therapy uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain responsible for attention, planning, and impulse control. TMS for ADHD can help:

  • Improve focus and working memory
  • Strengthen emotional regulation
  • Decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity
  • Enhance organizational skills

At Serenity, our TMS therapy programs are customized to each individual’s brain and symptom profile, offering a medication-free, side-effect-minimal path toward improvement.

Structured Gratitude: Building Emotional Resilience

In addition to TMS, structured gratitude practices are emerging as a powerful ADHD treatment strategy. Structured gratitude involves the daily habit of reflecting on and recording specific things you're grateful for. Ultimately, this practice helps rewire the brain for positivity and focus.

Benefits of structured gratitude for ADHD include:

  • Improved emotional regulation
  • Reduced impulsivity
  • Enhanced attention span through mindfulness
  • Increased motivation and self-esteem

When paired with TMS therapy, structured gratitude accelerates emotional healing and helps patients sustain gains made during treatment. At Serenity, we often encourage patients to begin gratitude practices as part of a full-spectrum ADHD management plan.

ADHD in Children vs. ADHD in Adults

While core ADHD symptoms are similar across age groups, their manifestations can vary:

  • ADHD in children often appears as hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, and difficulty following instructions.
  • ADHD in adults may show up as disorganization, chronic lateness, poor emotional regulation, and procrastination.

Regardless of age, effective treatment focuses on helping patients build executive functioning skills, emotional resilience, and healthy self-confidence.

Why a Personalized Approach Matters

ADHD treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. A teenager with impulsivity and hyperactivity needs a different strategy than an adult struggling with emotional regulation and chronic disorganization.

At Serenity, we believe in creating individualized treatment plans that fit the patient, rather than forcing the patient to fit the plan. By combining therapies like medication, TMS therapy, structured gratitude, and coaching, we empower patients to succeed in their unique lives.

Don’t Wait to Find Relief

Untreated ADHD doesn’t just affect school or work; it can impact mental health, relationships, and long-term self-esteem. But with compassionate care and the right treatment plan, life can become more organized, peaceful, and fulfilling.

If you're ready to explore ADHD testing, medication options, or innovative treatments like TMS therapy and structured gratitude, then our team is here to help.

Request your appointment today and take your first step toward clarity, confidence, and control.

FAQs About Treatment for ADHD

What are the most common treatments for ADHD?

Treatment for ADHD typically includes medication, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, lifestyle changes, ADHD coaching, and emerging options like TMS therapy and structured gratitude.

Can ADHD be treated without medication?

Yes, many patients manage ADHD symptoms effectively with non-medication strategies like TMS therapy, CBT, structured gratitude, and coaching.

How does TMS therapy help with ADHD symptoms?

TMS strengthens brain regions responsible for focus, executive function, and emotional regulation, helping reduce impulsivity, inattention, and emotional reactivity.

Is structured gratitude effective for ADHD management?

Yes, structured gratitude helps improve emotional resilience, focus, and positivity, making it a valuable addition to ADHD treatment plans.

Where can I find ADHD testing and treatment near me?

Serenity Mental Health Centers offers comprehensive ADHD testing, medication management, TMS therapy, and holistic ADHD care across multiple locations. Learn more about ADHD treatment at Serenity by clicking or calling one of our local clinics.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Request Appointment

*All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.