Summary of ADHD Treatment Guidelines

The 2022 Australian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) clinical guidelines provide an evidence-based framework for the diagnosis and management of ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. These guidelines emphasise a multimodal treatment approach tailored to individual needs, combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Each approach has its own benefits and drawbacks, but that combined they give the best treatment outcomes. 

Pharmacological Treatment: Stimulant medications, including methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and Vyvanse are recommended as first-line pharmacotherapy due to their strong evidence of efficacy and safety in reducing core ADHD symptoms. Medication should be carefully titrated and monitored, considering potential side effects and coexisting conditions such as anxiety (AADPA, 2022). When  stimulant meds  provide no benefits or unacceptable side effects, non stimulant medications can be tried.
Psychosocial Interventions:Behavioral therapies, particularly cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), parent training, and school-based support, are essential components of comprehensive ADHD management. These interventions address emotional regulation, oppositional behaviours, and functional impairments, complementing medication benefits (AADPA, 2022).
Lifestyle and Nutritional Considerations: The guidelines highlight the role of lifestyle factors, recommending regular physical activity, sleep hygiene, and nutritional assessment to support symptom management and overall well-being. Dietary interventions should focus on balanced nutrition and correction of deficiencies but are adjunctive rather than primary treatments (AADPA, 2022).
Neurofeedback: While neurofeedback shows some promise as an adjunctive therapy, the AADPA guidelines do not endorse it as a first-line treatment. The AADPA deemed that current evidence is limited by methodological variability and inconsistent outcomes. 

Updated on:  23/02/2026 by: Dr. Jacques Duff – BA Psych; Grad Dip Psych; PhD; MAPS; MECNS; MAAAPB; MISNR; FANSA
Reviewed on: 24/02/2026 by: Bernard Ferriere - BA; Grad Dip App Psych; Dip Clinical Hypnosis; FCCP; MAPS; MASH; Clinical Psychologist