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Tips, tools, and support for living and thriving with ADHD
A guide to ADHD symptoms and how to manage them
Resources and guidance to support your body and well-being with ADHD
A guide to medications and other treatments for ADHD
Learn the basics of ADHD
Tips and tools for providing support
Nutrition tips and tools for managing ADHD
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Production of the medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has skyrocketed in recent decades.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that over
About 32% of children with ADHD received both medication treatment and behavior treatment to manage symptoms. In addition to medication and therapy, however, there are also natural, supplemental treatment options for ADHD.
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Alternative treatments may help manage some symptoms associated with ADHD, including:
Diets that restrict possible allergens may help improve behavior in some children with ADHD.
It’s best to check with an allergy doctor if you suspect that your child has allergies. But you can experiment by avoiding certain foods to see if they make a difference. Foods that you may want to test include:
Electroencephalographic (EEG) biofeedback is a type of neurotherapy that measures brain waves. A
A child may play a special video game during a typical session. They’ll be given a task to concentrate on, such as “keep the plane flying.” If they’re distracted, the plane will start to dive, or the screen will go dark.
The game teaches the child new focusing techniques over time. Eventually, the child will begin to identify and alter their behavior to increase their focus.
Some small studies indicate that yoga may be helpful as a complementary therapy for people with ADHD.
Some early studies suggest that tai chi also may help improve ADHD symptoms. Researchers found that children and adolescents with ADHD who practiced mind-body exercises, such as yoga or tai chi, experienced a reduction in ADHD symptoms.
Spending time outside may benefit children with ADHD. There is strong evidence that spending even 20 minutes outside can improve their concentration. Greenery and nature settings are the most beneficial.
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For children with more severe cases of ADHD, behavioral therapy can prove beneficial. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that behavioral therapy should be the first step in treating ADHD in young children.
Sometimes called behavioral modification, this approach works on resolving specific problematic behaviors and offers solutions to help prevent them.
This can also involve setting goals and rules for the child. Because behavioral therapy and medication are most effective when used together, they can be powerful aids in helping your child.
Parental therapy can help provide parents with the tools they need to help their child with ADHD. Equipping parents with techniques and strategies for how to work around behavioral problems can help both the parent and the child in the long term.
Treatment with supplements may help improve symptoms of ADHD. These supplements include:
Shop for zinc supplements.
However, results have been mixed. Herbs like ginkgo, ginseng, and passionflower may also help calm hyperactivity.
Supplementing without a doctor’s oversight can be dangerous — particularly in children. Talk with your doctor if you’re interested in trying these alternative therapies.
A doctor can order a blood test to measure the current levels of a nutrient in your child before they start taking supplements.
ADHD drugs can help improve symptoms by enhancing and balancing neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry signals between neurons in your brain and body. There are several different types of medications used to treat ADHD, including:
While these drugs can improve concentration, they can also cause some serious potential side effects.
Side effects include:
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Not everyone chooses to use medication, and that’s OK. What’s most important is finding the treatment plan that works best for you or your child’s needs.
Research suggests that supplementing treatment with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and time in nature may also be helpful for managing symptoms.
It’s recommended that you speak with an ADHD specialist about your options so that you can create a tailored treatment plan that feels right for you.
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