ADHD Without Medication
Many people suffering from adhd have good results in managing their symptoms with no medication. Treatment options include exercise, sleep hygiene as well as dietary changes and supplementation. TMS, a newer therapy, may also be beneficial [1].
Therapists can help people develop coping skills and provide assistance for emotional regulation. They can help someone identify and modify negative self-talk that can lead to a lack of focus, poor planning and the tendency to be impulsive.
Non-Medical Treatments
There are many ways people can reduce their ADHD symptoms without taking medication. A variety of therapies, from behavioral therapy to dietary changes, can make an impact on how someone feels and performs. A doctor can help patients find the right combination of treatments.
Some of these strategies are easy for parents to try at home and can be employed in conjunction with ADHD medications. Some of these strategies, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and neurofeedback, require guidance from a professional. Some of these techniques have not been proven yet however future research could prove promising.
Diet: A healthy, balanced diet is important for everyone, but it is especially important for children with ADHD. Some children are less hyperactive if they avoid sugar as well as high fructose corn syrup, and other processed food. A diet rich in vegetables, fish, whole grains and fruits can help kids feel more energized and focused.
Exercise A mere 20 minutes of moderate activity can boost brain chemicals and improve mood and attention. Aerobic activities like jumping jacks and running up and down the stairs have been proven to boost concentration and improve working memory in children suffering from ADHD.
Supplements and herbs: Research on herbs have been inconclusive however some supplements appear to have a positive effect on ADHD symptoms. Melatonin can help you sleep. The adaptogens ashwagandha and rhodiola are great for managing stress. Additionally, botanical preparations such as Korean red ginseng can help alleviate symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) This type can help kids and adults manage their behavior and cope with negative feelings. It can also help teach skills that can be applied in daily life, such as identifying and avoidance of distractions.
Coaching: Some people with ADHD can benefit from working with coaches, who aren't licensed therapists or physicians but who employ a variety of methods to teach children and adults to manage their symptoms. These coaches can assist with coping skills, time management and organization.
It's difficult to know if someone will improve their symptoms but everyone should try. It's important to keep track of the progress of a patient so that they can discuss this information with their doctor.
Natural Alternatives
There is an increasing interest in natural alternatives to help treat ADHD without the use of medication. These include dietary modifications as well as supplements and mind-body therapy. A combination of these can reduce symptoms and improve your performance in everyday life. However, it is important to remember that each person responds in a different way to treatments and lifestyle changes. It could take a bit of trial and error to discover the best solution for you or your child.
Multiple studies have shown certain vitamins to positively impact ADHD. Vitamin B6, folic acid and zinc are particularly helpful in reducing symptoms of ADHD. These vitamins can be found in food items, such as eggs, fish meat, whole grains and fish. Certain changes in diet can improve ADHD symptoms, like getting rid of processed and sugary food items and substituting them with healthier options such as vegetables and fruits, whole grains and healthy fats.
Some herbal remedies are also linked to a reduction in ADHD symptoms. French maritime pine bark extract has been shown to improve inattentiveness, and ginkgo biloba has been proven to reduce hyperactivity. Other herbs, including Ningdong and saffron-ginseng are currently being investigated.
Regular physical activity is a great way to ease ADHD symptoms. Exercise improves oxygen flow to the brain and can reduce anxiety and depressive feelings that can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Exercise also promotes sleep, which is vital for people with ADHD. The kinds of exercises that can be beneficial include team sports, aerobic workouts such as weightlifting, swimming, and running.
It is important to follow the doctor's advice when treating ADHD. Discuss with your doctor any new treatment options you are contemplating including supplements. Certain medications can interact with medications that you or your child might be taking.
Although the research is promising, we aren't sure how different treatments will impact every person suffering from ADHD. It is essential to keep track of ADHD symptoms on a daily basis to identify which treatments are most effective. Many experts suggest keeping a symptom log so that you can note the benefits of specific treatments and also to help you determine areas that require improvement.
Supplements
Certain supplements have been proven to be beneficial in ADHD. Zinc and iron are crucial for brain health. A deficiency of these minerals may lead to ADHD symptoms, and a blood test can identify this. Talk to your doctor prior adding any new supplements.
Another herbal supplement that may improve attention is bacopa monnieri, or brahmi. This herb enhances micro-circulation in the brain, which could boost memory and improve concentration. Research on this herb is little, but it seems promising. Brahmi can be found in capsules and powder. Other herbal remedies have also been suggested to help with ADHD such as guarana, the ginseng and ningdong. These herbs aren't supported by large studies. It is advised to consult your doctor before making use of them.
A healthy diet can reduce ADHD symptoms. Eliminating processed food, sugar, and artificial dyes from your child's diet can positively impact their behavior. Food sensitivities can be linked to ADHD. A comprehensive IgG test, such as the one offered by Alletess Medical Laboratory, can help identify the foods that trigger a reaction in children.
Behavioral therapy is also beneficial, especially for younger children. The programs for behavioral modification teach children with ADHD the skills they require to manage their symptoms. They may learn to use relaxation techniques, for example, or they may practice focusing on tasks with their parents.
Biofeedback is a different method to help train the mind. This method involves analyzing and monitoring certain brain regions. Since ADHD is a brain-based illness it is possible to reduce symptoms by educating the brain to respond in a more positive way to a variety of sensory signals at once. More research is needed to establish whether this method is effective.
Exercise is good for the brain as well as your body, and moderate to intense exercise has been shown to improve attention in people with ADHD. Exercise outdoors is also more beneficial than indoor. Try to make sure your child gets enough sleep also. Sleep problems are frequently related to ADHD and a regular schedule of sleeping can help alleviate symptoms.
Therapy
Therapy can be an important part of treating ADHD without medication. Many people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which assists to change negative thinking patterns and unhelpful behaviors. Psychotherapy can help adults as well as children improve their problem-solving capabilities as well as coping skills and manage stress. CBT can be performed in one-on-one or groups, and may include mindfulness techniques to improve concentration and focus.
Another type of cognitive therapy that is being utilized to treat ADHD is neurofeedback. This method uses real-time feedback to teach people how to manage their bodily functions. The use of it to treat ADHD is still experimental however studies have demonstrated that it can aid in attention and alertness. A mental health professional can provide neurofeedback training, or here use computer programs to improve your concentration. EndeavorRx is one of these programs that combines brainwave-training and an educational game-based system.
Therapeutic recreation programs can be a great addition to cognitive therapy and behavioral training. They also encourage physical activity. These programs are similar to summer camps, and they involve children interacting with others with ADHD in a supportive environment. These programs provide social skills training and activities like crafts, sports and other traditional camp-style activities.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of any treatment for ADHD is different from person to person. It may take a bit of trial and error to determine which treatment is most effective for you.
The sooner you seek treatment, the less likely it is that ADHD symptoms will impact your life and quality of living. If left untreated, ADHD can cause under-achievement anger, frustration, emotional issues as well as unhealthy coping mechanisms and damage to motivation and self-esteem.
There are a variety of natural alternatives to stimulant medications that are extremely efficient, particularly when combined with behavioral therapy. Through enhancing the brain's dysregulation as well as optimizing its function These alternative therapies may result in a reduction or even resolution of ADHD symptoms.