Treating the symptoms of ADHD and associated issues

We are committed to addressing childhood neurodevelopmental disorders as well as adolescent and adult mental health disorders. Our team of health professionals provide Medical, Psychological, Psychoeducational, Neuroscience and nutritional services to children, teenagers and adults with ADHD, ASD and mental health issues. 

Treatment and therapy options for ADHD

According to the Australian clinical guidelines for ADHD, best-practice management involves a multimodal approach that addresses both core symptoms and associated psychosocial difficulties. Stimulant medication is recommended as a first-line intervention, given its strong evidence base for reducing ADHD core symptoms and improving functioning. Careful monitoring is necessary, especially in the context of anxiety, as stimulants may exacerbate these symptoms or impact sleep. The guidelines recommend that a multimodal approach is more effective than any single option.

The following image from the Australian evidence-based clinical practice guideline for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, graphically explains the medical and non-medical recommendation.​​​​​

• Medication: Initiate a trial of stimulant or non-stimulant medication, titrated and monitored closely for efficacy and side effects, in line with national guidelines.
• Psychological Intervention: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to support emotional regulation, address comorbid anxiety and oppositional behaviours, and provide coping strategies for stress.
• Family Involvement: Engage parents in psychoeducation and ongoing support, promoting a collaborative approach to monitoring symptoms, implementing strategies at home, and managing stressors.
• Diet and Nutrition: Referral for a nutritional assessment if presentation suggest possible nutritional deficits (e.g., suboptimal energy, fatigue, focus issues). Dietary interventions should focus on balanced macronutrient and micronutrient intake, regular meals, and, if needed, supplementation under clinical recommendation and professional supervision.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Encourage regular physical activity, consistent sleep routines, structured daily schedules to optimise attention and mood stability and supportive school accommodations and environmental modifications. 

Regular follow-up is essential to review symptom progression, treatment response, and emerging needs. 

Neurofeedback for ADHD:

Australian clinical guidelines for ADHD do not recommend neurofeedback as a first-line treatment. The consensus is that stimulant medication combined with behavioural interventions (like CBT) remains the cornerstone of effective ADHD management due to strong evidence supporting their combined efficacy. The guidelines caution that the evidence base for neurofeedback is still emerging and somewhat mixed, with variability in protocols and outcomes across studies. 

Updated on:  10/02/2026 By: Dr. Jacques Duff – BA Psych; Grad Dip Psych; PhD; MAPS; MECNS; MAAAPB; MISNR; FANSA
Reviewed on: 20/02/2026 by: Bernard Ferriere - BA; Grad Dip App Psych; Dip Clinical Hypnosis; FCCP; MAPS; MASH; Clinical Psychologist