Treatment For ADHD Without Medication
Some people manage ADHD symptoms by taking medication, but it is not always required. Alternative treatments can also be extremely efficient.
These include cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes. These are usually combined with medications for treating children and adults. They are generally less expensive than stimulants. They can take longer to work.
Medicines
If your child or teenager has a mild case ADHD behavior interventions and lifestyle modifications may be enough to improve symptoms. For some people medication may be an important part in treatment. The medications for ADHD boost brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which boost attention and impulse control. They are the most popular treatment for ADHD in adolescents and children. But, as with all medications they come with side effects. Ask your doctor if stimulants are right 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 can be tablets, liquids or chewables. Amphetamines are intermediate stimulants that take longer to act but can last for up to eight hours. Long-acting stimulants, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) or Guanfacine (Concerta) can have longer-lasting effects, lasting up to 16 hours.
Certain doctors may also prescribe Clonidine (Catapress) or guanfacine (Redux) for extremely young children suffering from extreme hyperactivity and impulsivity. A compounding pharmacy can turn these into liquids for very young children or mix them with water to make them easier to swallow. These medications can raise blood pressure, which is why they are typically only utilized for a few months or less if the patient's symptoms begin to improve.
The use of stimulants can cause serious side effects, including heart issues and addiction. Your doctor will start with a low dosage and gradually increase it until your symptoms have been managed. Then, your doctor will switch you to a different medication or decrease the dosage.
If you or your child is having difficulty absorbing any of the medications used to treat ADHD your doctor might prescribe a type of antidepressant called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as Strattera or Qelbree. Contrary to stimulants, these medicines don't increase dopamine, but instead help improve concentration and control of impulses.
Certain older antidepressants such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) can also treat ADHD with some benefit however they can cause serious side effects that could include seizures. Monoamine oxidese inhibitors, which boost the levels of brain chemical serotonin, may also be helpful for some adults with ADHD. They aren't as extensively studied as SNRIs.
Non-medication treatments
There are a variety of options to treat ADHD besides medication. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people how to manage their symptoms through self-management strategies. Dietary changes, exercise, sleep improvements, and other treatments are also available. Many adults find that combinations of these treatments can decrease or eliminate the need to take medication. Before trying to treat ADHD without medication, it is important to speak to your doctor. They will help you choose the best medication to manage your symptoms or the child's and monitor your reaction to the medication to ensure that it is working.
More suggestions can be the most effective treatment for ADHD however, adverse effects like a sudden decrease in appetite or sleep issues are possible. It is also possible that stimulants result in dependence. These factors can sometimes discourage families from using these medications. However, studies show that the right dosage and timing can help minimize these side effects.
In addition to adjusting the amount of medication, your doctor could alter the frequency at which you or your child is taking the medicine. Some patients might benefit by taking their medication in the morning, and then supplementing with an immediate-release dosage that is taken as needed. This will help prevent the "crash effect" that may occur when the first dose is exhausted.
Many people who suffer from ADHD notice that their symptoms improve when they adhere to a schedule. If they follow a routine, they will perform better at school or at work. They will also be less likely to misplace their keys or backpacks if they do so every day. In addition, some children suffering from ADHD can benefit by keeping a diary for their daily activities that helps them understand what situations trigger their symptoms.
Apart from changing the way you live your life and routines, people with ADHD can also decrease the need for medication by joining an aid network and practicing relaxation techniques. They can also collaborate with a therapist to learn how to control their negative emotions that could cause ADHD worse. It is crucial to locate a therapist who is skilled in helping people with ADHD and is aware of the unique challenges of neurodiversity.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment that can reduce symptoms and boost self-esteem in those suffering from ADHD. It helps patients identify and change negative habits of thinking that cause them to have problems. Therapists in CBT teach patients healthy techniques and behaviors. Practicing these behaviors and thoughts will make it easier to live a more productive life with less frustration.
In addition to improving concentration, CBT can help with emotional regulation. Many people with ADHD are susceptible to a heightened level of emotions and negative thoughts, which can lead to a low self-esteem and poor mental health. In many cases, they struggle to focus on their work and find it hard to complete their tasks. They may also have difficulty staying organized and have unrealistic expectations. These issues can cause a lot of anxiety and discontent when left untreated.
A recent study showed that CBT group therapy in conjunction with medication or by itself can be more effective for adults with ADHD than medication alone. The study involved 88 adults who underwent manualized group CBT with a therapist or coach either with or without medication (n=46) or with medication (n=42). The participants were assessed at the 3- and 6-month follow-up using unblinded report and observer ratings. The results showed that the CBT group and the CBT+medication groups both had greater improvement in their executive functioning compared to only the medication groups.
Cognitive behavior therapy is a method of treatment that helps adults learn new patterns of thinking and behavior. It has been proven to reduce depression, anxiety and ADHD core symptoms significantly when compared to medications. It is a quick and easy treatment option but it requires a strong commitment by the patient to attain positive results. Additionally it can be a challenge to find a qualified therapist to provide this treatment.
CBT unlike other types of psychotherapy is short-term and focuses on the present. It is also goal oriented and employs problem-focused strategies to reduce ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity and time management problems.
Additionally, some research suggests that CBT can be utilized to treat other conditions such as depression and anxiety. It is important to keep in mind that the effectiveness of CBT could vary from person-to-person. A trained mental health practitioner will evaluate the needs of each patient before prescribing this type of therapy.
Lifestyle changes
There are a variety of treatment options for ADHD. Some people can manage their symptoms with changes in their lifestyle and through talking therapy on their own. Some people need a combination medication and non-medication treatment to get the best results. The medications can help improve the ability to focus and reduce impulsive behavior, but they don't solve the problem.
The first step to treating ADHD is to create a daily schedule. It is as easy to establish certain times for waking and eating, getting to work or school or engaging in leisure activity. A regular schedule will ensure that you remain focused and on task and also reduce stress and anxiety. It is also essential to get enough rest, which can aid in managing your symptoms. Exercise is a second effective treatment for ADHD without medication, as it improves your focus and reduces impulsive behavior. Aim for about 30 minutes of exercise a day.
Addition of healthy foods in your diet will help improve your physical and mental health. Include vegetables, fruits and whole grains into your diet. Reduce your intake of processed and sweet foods. Additionally, eating fattier fish can provide omega-3 fatty acids to aid in improving your focus. Incorporating meditation and other relaxation methods can help you relax and decrease anxiety levels. Caffeine can also boost your concentration. However, excessive caffeine can have negative side effects. Consider drinking green tea instead, which is high in the amino acid L-theanine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist you in identifying negative patterns of thinking that affect your emotions and behavior. CBT, for example can help you to change your "all or none" mentality in which you believe that you're either an absolute success or a total failure. It can also improve your self-esteem as well as help you develop healthy coping techniques.
Other treatments that can help with ADHD include mindfulness exercises which can help you stay in the present moment and develop the ability to accept your emotions. You can also do self-compassion exercises such as giving yourself a uplifting, positive hug. You can also use a technique known as EEG biofeedback. It uses a computer program to analyze brain waves and show you how to control them.