Offering early and appropriate intervention for ADHD can reduce the risk of negative consequences in mental and physical health. Interventions can be non-pharmacological and/or pharmacological and should aim to improve symptoms so the person with ADHD can function more effectively.^6,11

For children under 5 years, NICE’s first line recommendation is to offer an ADHD-focused group parent-training programme to parents or carers of children. If this is unsuccessful and environmental modifications have been made, specialist input from a tertiary care service may be required. ADHD medication should not be offered for children under 5 years without a second specialist opinion.¹

For children aged from 5 years upwards and young people, the first approach should be about educating the person and the parents/carers with information about the causes and impact of ADHD, discussing parenting strategies, and liaising with the school, college or university.

While ADHD medication may be offered, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may help if symptoms are still causing a significant impairment.

Similarly with adults, medication should only be considered if there is still a significant impairment after environmental modifications have been tried. Non-pharmacological interventions may be a preferred option.