ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a difference in brain development that causes ongoing trouble with attention, restlessness or acting on impulse, enough to affect daily life at home, school, work or in relationships. It starts in childhood, affects about 1 in 20 children, and often continues into adulthood. Many people, especially women, aren’t diagnosed until they are adults. There is no blood test or scan: a specialist diagnoses it from a detailed history, usually with input from family or school.

Treatment options

Ratings show how strong the research is.

• Strong evidenceStimulant medicinesMethylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or dexamfetamine. The first choice for most children over 6, teenagers and adults. They work within an hour and help most people. Common side effects are poor appetite, trouble sleeping and a faster heart rate. Your doctor checks your blood pressure, pulse and weight.
• Moderate evidenceNon-stimulant medicinesAtomoxetine or guanfacine (Intuniv), if stimulants don’t work or don’t suit you. Taken every day, they take a few weeks to work fully, and on average help a little less than stimulants.
• Moderate evidenceParent and carer trainingCourses that teach practical ways to handle behaviour and build routines. The first step for children under 6, and helpful at any age alongside other treatment.
• Moderate evidenceCognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)For teenagers and adults. Builds skills for planning, time management and managing emotions. Works best alongside medicine.
• Limited evidenceADHD coachingPractical help with organisation and goals. Some people find it useful, but there is little research.
• Limited evidenceNeurofeedback and brain-training appsLittle or no benefit when the person rating symptoms doesn’t know who had the treatment. Often costly.
• Not recommendedSpecial diets, fish oil and supplementsCutting out colourings or sugar, or taking omega-3 supplements, isn’t recommended as a treatment. If you think a food affects your child, talk to your GP before cutting foods out.

What you can do

• Use routines, alarms, calendars and lists. Break big tasks into small steps.
• Keep regular sleep, exercise most days, and eat breakfast and lunch even if medicine lowers your appetite.
• Ask your school, uni or workplace about reasonable adjustments, such as extra time or a quiet space.
• Store medicine safely and never share it: stimulants are tightly controlled, and sharing them is illegal.

See your GP if

• Trouble with attention, restlessness or impulses has lasted 6 months or more and affects school, work or relationships
• You also have low mood, anxiety, sleep problems, or use alcohol or drugs to cope
• You have side effects from ADHD medicine, such as weight loss, poor sleep, a racing heart or mood changes
• You need a referral, or your medicine needs review (in some states, including NSW, trained GPs can now continue or start treatment)

Call 000 for chest pain, fainting, or a racing heart that won’t settle. See a doctor the same day for hallucinations, paranoia or severe agitation on ADHD medicine. If you have thoughts of suicide, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7), or 000 if you are in danger.

Evidence and more information

• AADPA: Australian evidence-based clinical practice guideline for ADHD (2022)
• NICE: ADHD diagnosis and management (NG87)
• Healthdirect: ADHD
• NSW Health: GP ADHD reforms (2026)

Reviewed October 2026. General education, not personal medical advice. Treatment depends on your situation, so talk to your GP or pharmacist.

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