⚙️ ADHD Treatment: One Size Doesn’t Fit All
The most effective ADHD treatment is usually multimodal — a combination of tools and strategies tailored to your unique brain.
1. 🧠 Psychoeducation
Understanding your ADHD can be life-changing. It helps you (and your support network) better manage symptoms, reduce shame or guilt, and start developing practical coping tools.
Start with:
- NHS ADHD overview
- YouTube channels like HowToADHD and ADHD Chatter Podcast
- Reading recommendations from ADDitude Magazine
📱 Note: While TikTok and Instagram can have helpful creators, beware of misinformation. Cross-reference advice with trusted sources like the NHS or qualified practitioners.
2. 🧘 Therapy & Coaching
Many people with ADHD benefit from therapy — particularly those that target thought patterns, emotions, and behaviours:
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
- ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)
- DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy)
🎥 HowToADHD Video: CBT for ADHD (9:09 mins)
Coaching is another option — ADHD coaches can help with organisation, time management, accountability, and executive functioning challenges.
3. 💊 Medication
Medication isn’t a cure, but it can make a huge difference for many. After diagnosis, a psychiatrist may recommend:
⚡ Stimulants
(e.g., Methylphenidate/Ritalin, Elvanse)
These increase dopamine, supporting focus, motivation, and regulation.
🌊 Non-Stimulants
(e.g., Atomoxetine)
These adjust noradrenaline, improving executive function and attention without stimulant effects.
💊 Medication is titrated slowly, meaning doses are gradually increased and monitored. Side effects vary, and it’s important to start treatment when you have time to observe and adjust — ideally not right before exams!
🚨 Because stimulant medication is a controlled substance, it must always be taken under medical supervision.
👀 Final Thoughts
Wondering whether you have ADHD can be confusing — but you’re not imagining things. If symptoms impact your life consistently and significantly, it’s worth exploring further.
✨ Remember:
- You’re not broken.
- ADHD is manageable.
- Support is out there — and you don’t have to go it alone.
If you’re a student at St Andrews, Student Services are here to help you begin this journey. Whether it’s a chat, screening help, or talking through next steps — we’ve got you.