ADHD, also known as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a brain disorder that makes it difficult for individuals to focus and manage their impulses. Individuals with ADHD often struggle with inattention, hyperactivity or restlessness and acting impulsively. These symptoms, while frequently noticed during childhood, often carry on into adulthood and can influence an individual’s relationships and daily life.
While there is no cure for ADHD, people with this disorder have treatment options that can help them control their impulsive behavior and otherwise manage their symptoms. With treatment, many individuals with ADHD are able to successfully reduce their hyperactivity and impulsivity while increasing their ability to stay focused.
There are a wide variety of treatment options for people who have been diagnosed with ADHD, ranging from therapy to medication. Here are the most commonly used treatment options that have helped people manage their symptoms:
Many experts, including those at the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend trying behavior therapy before medication when trying to treat the symptoms of ADHD. Incorporating behavior therapy into an ADHD treatment plan can help people of all ages recognize and deal with the challenges this disorder presents. A therapist can provide tools and strategies that can help individuals with ADHD realize when they are feeling restless or thinking impulsively, so they can modify their behavior. This type of therapy can help people struggling with the symptoms of ADHD learn how to monitor their behavior so they will be better able to improve their daily lives.
Before trying medication, many people try to reduce their ADHD symptoms using alternative methods like diet and exercise. Often, these therapies are used in conjunction with behavior therapy and/or medication.
Decreasing sugar intake while increasing levels of protein and iron can help improve brain function. When combined with other treatment options, these dietary changes are capable of increasing focus and reducing hyperactivity.
Regular exercise has also yielded positive results among people with ADHD. Exercise helps improve attention and can help people control their impulses.
While diet and exercise alone are usually not enough to treat ADHD symptoms, they have been shown to be helpful when used as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Many people with ADHD respond well to medications. Medications can help reduce the symptoms that can negatively impact an individual’s daily life and relationships. While there are several different types of medicines that have been proven to help manage ADHD symptoms, there are two categories of medication that doctors prescribe to their patients:
Stimulants are the most popular kind of medication used to help treat ADHD. Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, leading to increased focus and concentration. Stimulants are fast-acting and are typically effective. Common stimulants used for managing ADHD symptoms include Ritalin and Adderall.
Nonstimulants take longer to start working, but they are also able to effectively manage the symptoms of ADHD, without the side effects that can come with some stimulants. Nonstimulants like Strattera also increase levels of norepinephrine in the brain.
Because individuals respond differently to different types of treatment, it is important for people to consult their doctor about which treatment option is right for their unique needs. A doctor will determine whether medication will be appropriate for treating an individual’s symptoms and suggest the type of medicaine to use if necessary.
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