Identification

• ADHD, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, produces specific symptoms in affected children, adolescents and adults. Three distinct symptom profiles exist: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
  
  

Time Frame

• Since ADHD persists from childhood into adulthood, long-term care--often lifelong--is crucial in managing the symptoms. A dual-treatment approach involving certain medications as well as professional counseling is indicated for long-term treatment.
  
  

Features

• Stimulant medications such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are commonly used to treat ADHD. Psychological counseling is another long-term care strategy, according to the Mayo Clinic.
  
  

Function

• Since treatment effectiveness depends on the needs of the person with ADHD, there is no one standard treatment plan that fits everyone. Over the long term, however, a specific treatment can be refined to fit individual cases.
  
  

Considerations

• Although effective for managing the symptoms of ADHD, amphetamine-class medications require dose adjustments throughout life. As stimulants, they may produce long-term health issues such as high blood pressure and insomnia. A dialogue with the prescribing doctor is essential in forming a healthy long-term treatment strategy.