Treatment For ADHD Without Medication
Some people can use medication to manage the symptoms of ADHD, but they are not always necessary. Alternative treatments can also be very effective.
These include cognitive behavior therapy and lifestyle changes. These are often combined with medications for treating children and adults. They are generally less expensive than stimulants. However, they can take longer to effect than drugs.
Medications
If your child or teen is suffering from mild ADHD behavior interventions and lifestyle changes may be enough to improve symptoms. For some people medications can be a significant part of treatment. Treatments for ADHD help by boosting the brain chemicals norepinephrine as well as dopamine, which improve attention and impulse control. They are the most common treatment for ADHD in adolescents and children. Like all medications, they have negative side effects. Ask your doctor whether stimulants are safe to use for you or your child.
Short-acting stimulants, like methylphenidate (Ritalin) start to work quickly and last for three to four hours. They are available as chewables, liquids, or tablets. Amphetamines are intermediate stimulants which take longer to kick in but can last for up to eight hours. Long-acting stimulants such as atomoxetine or guanfacine, (Concerta), can have effects lasting as long as 16 hours.
Some doctors may also use Clonidine (Catapress) or Guanfacine (Redux) for extremely young children suffering from severe hyperactivity and impulsivity. These drugs can be converted into liquids for young children by an compounding pharmacy, or mixed with water to make them easier to take in. These drugs can raise blood pressure, and are only prescribed for a short time, usually a few weeks or months after symptoms begin to improve.
Drugs can cause severe side effects, like heart issues and addiction. Your doctor will start with a low dosage and gradually increase it until your symptoms are under control. Then your doctor will either switch you to a different medication, or reduce the dose.
If you or your child have difficulty absorbing any of the medications that treat ADHD or ADD, your doctor could prescribe a type of antidepressant called selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs), such as Strattera or Qelbree. These medications do not increase dopamine as stimulants do, but instead help improve concentration and manage impulses.
Certain antidepressants from the past, such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) can also treat ADHD with some benefit, but they carry serious side effects, which can include seizures. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors which boost serotonin levels in the brain, can be helpful for some ADHD adults. They aren't as well-studied as SNRIs.
Non-medicated treatments
Aside from medications, many alternatives are available to treat ADHD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches people how to manage their symptoms by using self-management techniques. Other treatments include diet modifications, exercise, and sleep improvements. Many adults have found that the combination of these treatments can decrease or completely eliminate the need for medication. Before attempting to treat ADHD without medication, it's important to talk to your doctor. They will work with you to select the appropriate medication for your or your child's needs and monitor your response to ensure that the medication is working properly.
Stimulants are the most effective treatment for ADHD however, they can also have adverse effects such as a sudden drop in appetite, and issues with sleep. There is also the possibility that stimulants may lead to dependency. These factors can sometimes discourage families from using these drugs. adhd medication adults uk have shown that the correct dosage and timing can help reduce these side effects.
In addition to adjusting the dosage of medication, your doctor could alter the frequency at which you or your child takes the medicine. Some patients may benefit by taking their medication in the morning, and later adding an immediate-release dose to be taken as required. This can help avoid the "crash" effect that can happen when the first dose is finished.
Some people suffering from ADHD notice that their symptoms get better when they adhere to a set schedule. They might be more successful at school or work by sticking to an established routine. Additionally, they will be less likely to lose the keys or backpack if they put them in the same place every day. Additionally, children with ADHD can benefit from keeping a daily diary, which helps them identify what situations trigger their symptoms.
Apart from changing the way you live your life, some adults with ADHD can also decrease their need for medication by joining a support network and practicing relaxation techniques. They can also learn to control their emotions and engage with a therapist in order to deal with negative feelings which can cause ADHD symptoms worse. It is essential to choose the right therapist who specializes in helping those with ADHD and who is aware of the unique challenges associated with neurodiversity.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a successful treatment for those suffering from ADHD that can help improve symptoms and boost self-esteem. It involves teaching patients how to recognize and change negative thinking habits that cause problems in their lives. Therapists in CBT teach patients healthy techniques and behaviors. By practicing these habits and thoughts, you will allow you to lead a more fulfilling life with less frustration.
CBT can help control emotions as well as improve focus. People suffering from ADHD often have uncontrollable feelings and pessimistic thinking, which can lead them to low self-esteem and poor mental health. Often, they can't concentrate on their work and are unable to finish tasks. They may also have difficulty staying organized and have unrealistic expectations. These issues can cause severe stress and anger if they are not addressed.
A recent study found CBT group therapy in conjunction with medication or by itself can be more effective for people with ADHD than medication alone. The study involved adults who were enrolled in CBT group therapy in a manual manner with an instructor/therapist, or without medication (n=46), or with medication. They were also evaluated at 3- and 6-month follow-up with unblinded self-reports as well as observers' ratings. The results showed that both the CBT and CBT+medication group had a higher improvement in their executive function than just the medication group did.
Cognitive behavior therapy is a method of treatment that helps adults learn new thinking and behavioral patterns. It has been shown to decrease anxiety, depression and ADHD primary symptoms in a significant way compared to medication. It is a quick, simple treatment option. However, it requires a patient's steadfast commitment to achieve positive outcomes. Additionally it can be a challenge to find a professional to offer this treatment.
Contrary to other types of psychotherapy, CBT is focused on the immediate and is short-term. It is also goal-oriented and utilizes techniques that focus on problems to decrease ADHD symptoms like impulsiveness and problems with time management.
Moreover, some research suggests that CBT can be used to treat other ailments like anxiety and depressive disorders. It is important to keep in mind that the effectiveness of CBT could vary from person-to-person. A trained mental health professional will evaluate the individual's needs before prescribing this type of therapy.
Lifestyle changes
There are a variety of treatments available for ADHD. Some people are able to manage their symptoms by making changes in their lifestyle and through talk therapy alone. Others need to use a combination of medication and non-medication treatments to get the most effective results. Medicines can aid in improving the ability to focus and reduce impulse-driven behavior, but they aren't the only solution to the problem.
The first step to treat ADHD is to establish an everyday routine. It can be as simple to establish certain times for waking, eating, going to work or school or engaging in leisure activity. A regular schedule will keep you focused and on track and reduce stress and anxiety. It is also important to take a good night's sleep to manage your symptoms. Exercise is a great method to treat ADHD without medication. It helps you focus and decreases impulsive behavior. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise per day.
Incorporating healthy food items into your diet can enhance your ability to think and act. Try to include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit your consumption of processed and sweet food items. Additionally, eating fish that is fatty can provide omega-3 fatty acids to aid in improving your focus. Meditation and other techniques for relaxation will help you relax and lessen your anxiety. Caffeine can also improve your concentration, but it is important to avoid excessive amounts of caffeine or it can have negative side effects. Green tea is an excellent alternative, since it's rich in the amino acid Ltheanine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you identify negative thinking patterns that impact your thoughts or actions. CBT can, for example can help you overcome your "all or none" thinking in which you believe that you are either a complete success or a total failure. It can also help you build self-esteem and build healthy coping skills.
Other treatments that can help with ADHD include mindfulness exercises, which can help you stay in the present moment and learn to accept your emotions. You can also engage in self-compassion exercises like giving yourself a uplifting, positive hug. You can also try EEG biofeedback that uses a computer to monitor brainwaves, and then teach you to control them.