While we usually think of inpatient treatment in the context of mood and psychotic conditions, it can also be extremely helpful for people with ADHD.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is a chronic, neurodevelopmental condition that has long been misunderstood and stigmatized. ADHD mental health support is often necessary when someone hasn’t ever received treatment, their condition has become unmanageable, or they’ve faced discrimination due to the disorder.
While ADHD is primarily a neurodevelopmental condition, it is also sometimes classified as a psychiatric disorder because it involves mental functioning that can cause impairment. However, there are two varying professional schools of thought about whether ADHD should be classed as a psychiatric disorder.
Regardless of this debate, people with ADHD can still receive effective support in an inpatient facility. Residential ADHD treatment programs offer a wide range of support. Therefore, if you’re in crisis, want to regain focus and stability, or wish to receive more intensive care for a short time, inpatient settings may be suitable for your needs.
This page can help you better understand ADHD inpatient treatment and whether it’s the right fit for you by exploring:
Unfortunately, ADHD has been extremely misunderstood and stigmatized for many years, with many people not getting the right support for their needs. For instance, children with ADHD might be labeled as “troublemakers” at school because they might be more impulsive and tend to become more easily frustrated than their peers.1
Additionally, those with ADHD are more likely to experience depression and anxiety and be diagnosed with conduct disorder in childhood.1 Each of these issues can continue into adulthood and affect all life domains.
Understanding ADHD symptoms, causes, and misconceptions can shed light on the condition and help people figure out whether ADHD therapy for adults is suitable for their needs.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive, or combined type.
Inattentiveness symptoms include:1
Not paying close attention to tasks and missing small details
Meanwhile, symptoms of hyperactivity include:1
Fidgeting
People with the combined type of ADHD typically experience a mixture of these symptoms. Plus, in adults, ADHD symptoms may also show up as low self-esteem, mood instability, and procrastination.1
Causes of ADHD
There is no clear understanding of what causes ADHD, though many experts have explored potential explanations. For instance, there is a range of genetic and environmental factors that could converge to cause ADHD, though these are not consistent for everyone. However, ADHD is most likely inherited, as dysregulation and altered function of certain brain receptors are likely involved in the development of the condition.1
Further, many experts suggest ADHD is a neurological and developmental disorder, sitting alongside autism spectrum disorder, hearing and vision impairments, and learning disabilities.2
However, studies also find that children who experience socioeconomic hardship, divorce, familial mental illness, neighbourhood violence, and familial incarceration are more likely to have ADHD. Research like this suggests there could be a link between ADHD and adverse experiences, with environmental factors having a potential impact on brain development.3
Misconceptions About ADHD
Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about ADHD that often prevent people from seeking or receiving the right treatment. In addition, these stereotypes can weigh on people with ADHD, causing them to have lower self-esteem and feel misunderstood by others.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have ADHD, it’s important to note that…4
Misconceptions about all kinds of conditions can have a significantly negative impact. For instance, those with ADHD may develop additional insecurities around performance and self-worth when they receive negative or inaccurate messages at a young age. These wounds may complicate their mental health later on, often needing to be unpacked and healed in therapy.
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If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help.
However, because ADHD affects the ability to function and can lead to psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression, many people with it may benefit from inpatient ADHD care and support.
This won’t be the case for most people with ADHD who manage their condition effectively. In fact, research shows that about 25% of children with ADHD will not need any sort of treatment in adulthood. For the other 75%, symptoms typically reduce by about half, making the condition much easier to manage.1
So, it’s likely a small proportion of people with ADHD who may need mental health support. Plus, this percentage may need this extra support because their ADHD wasn’t treated adequately in childhood. As a result, their risk for accidents, substance use, and inability to work might increase significantly.1 People with ADHD may also require treatment in adulthood if they have major depressive disorder (MDD) or conduct disorder (known as “antisocial personality disorder” in adulthood).5
While ADHD does not require hospitalization in most cases, if someone’s symptoms go unmanaged and their mental health suffers as a result, they could benefit from ADHD inpatient treatment.
Inpatient care describes residential settings that provide well-structured 24/7 support. These facilities can provide essential crisis stabilization as well as intensive support for those who are not in crisis.
In terms of mental health treatment for ADHD, inpatient settings can also provide a great deal of focus and stability. This may involve medication management, different types of therapy, psychoeducation, as well as rest and recuperation.
If you’re thinking about inpatient care for yourself or a loved one, you might be wondering what to expect from a residential ADHD recovery center. The following sections provide a breakdown of what residential centers may provide.
Assessing someone’s immediate medical needs
Following the initial crisis, inpatient settings will likely utilize therapy and medication management to ensure stabilization over several days or weeks.
Medications for ADHD typically tend to either stimulants or non-stimulants. The stimulants for ADHD include both amphetamines and methylphenidates. These both block the reuptake of dopamine in the brain and are effective in 70% of people with ADHD.1
In general, stimulants can reduce the lifetime risk of substance use. However, healthcare providers are sometimes wary about prescribing these drugs because they themselves carry a risk of dependency. They also carry the risk of increasing the frequency of tics, but adding alpha agonists can reduce this.1
Alpha agonists are one of the non-stimulant options for ADHD medications, alongside antidepressants. While alpha agonists can be effective, they carry risks of more cardiovascular side effects. Additionally, antidepressants don’t tend to be as effective as stimulants, but they’re a possible alternative for people who don’t tolerate stimulants well.1
Regardless of which medication fits your needs and biology best, an inpatient setting is often the best place to figure this process out – in a structured environment with plenty of support from experts.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common therapy type used for adults and older children with ADHD. It can help people develop their ability to regulate emotions, overcome unhelpful habits, and confront negative self-talk that impacts behavior and mental health.6
Plus, depending on the setting, you may be offered a wide range of psychotherapies, such as art therapy or humanistic counseling.
If you’re seeking mental health support, it can be extremely helpful to understand the science behind your condition. For instance, it could help you understand your symptoms, why they occur, and when they may be worse. Plus, it can provide a tangible framework for thinking about the steps needed for healing.
In terms of ADHD, psychoeducation may cover:7
How ADHD works
As well as being informative, these classes can be an empowering respite from therapy during your inpatient stay.
At A Mission For Michael, we believe it’s essential for mental healthcare to go beyond traditional methods. This is why we offer a more personal and compassionate service for lasting wellness.
If the information in this article has resonated with you, reach out to us here at AMFM to enquire about our ADHD focus and stability treatment. Alternatively, you can browse our treatments and facilities, or verify your insurance with our team.
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A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. ADHD support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.
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DHD treatment typically includes a combination of medication (often stimulants or non-stimulants), behavioral therapies, skills training, and ongoing support to improve focus, organization, and impulse control.
Residential treatment is appropriate when ADHD symptoms are severe, unmanaged, accompanied by crises, or when outpatient supports have proved insufficient.
Yes—many treatment programs for ADHD are designed for adults and adolescents, recognizing that symptoms and functional impacts persist beyond childhood.
Duration varies—some individuals benefit from short-term intensive care and then outpatient follow-up, while others need long-term support and periodic adjustments to treatment plans.
Look for a provider that offers evidence-based therapies, medication management, personalized care, can address co-occurring issues, and works with your insurance or payment needs.
