Treating ADHD: What Works in Practice?

The options for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have increased through the years. As researchers learn more about treating this disorder, they’ve found that there are more options than prescription medications and visits to the doctor’s office.

Some people have found that spending quality time in a premier residential treatment center helps them learn to manage their ADHD without needing medication at all. Many treatment options work well to help people with ADHD learn to live with their behaviours. Your health care provider can help you find the best treatment for your situation.

Medications

Medications like Ritalin or Adderall can help people with ADHD focus, but the prescriptions will not cure the problem or remove the symptoms. Some people do find success managing their attention and focus with medication, but they still have issues with organisation, forgetfulness, and time management. Some people do not find any relief when they take medication for ADHD.

Exercise

Many people with ADHD find exercise to be especially helpful. Often, people with ADHD have extra energy which prevents them from focusing. Exercise helps them burn that extra energy and reduce their impulsivity.

Exercise also helps the brain by boosting neurotransmitters that help with focus and attention: dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. In some ways, exercise works similarly to medication, but without unwanted side effects.

People with ADHD do not need to exercise vigorously, as a 30-minute walk at least four times each week is enough. The best exercise is one you can stick with, and many people find they feel even better after they’ve exercised in nature.

Sleep

Sleep can be challenging for people with ADHD, usually because their minds start to race at night. Restless nights make mornings challenging, and poor sleep only aggravates ADHD – especially focusing and concentrating.

You can get better sleep by going to bed at the same time every night. Then, get up at the same time every day. Be sure your bedroom is dark, without any electronics brightening the space.

Eat Healthy Food

Your diet can affect your ADHD. The best way to control your diet is to plan for it, so you manage everything you eat. Unfortunately, people with ADHD are often impulsive with their diet, so they eat unhealthy foods that can exacerbate their symptoms.

Schedule your meal times, plan your meals, and prepare good foods. Keeping healthy snacks on hand will keep you away from sugary, heavily processed snacks. Eat healthy foods or take a daily vitamin with zinc, iron, and magnesium. Complex carbs and protein will keep you alert rather than hyperactive. Junk food with sugar and caffeine can keep you feeling on edge and impulsive.

Learn to Relax

ADHD involves hyperactivity, so learning to relax can help focus through the day. MIndfulness exercises like meditation can help you learn to relax your mind and body, so you can focus on your thoughts and emotions. People with ADHD often see success with mindful activities like yoga or tai chi, as they get to move, breathe, and relax simultaneously.