Treatment for ADHD
Treatment for ADHD in children and adults can help relieve the symptoms and make the condition much less of a daily problem.
ADHD can be treated using medicine or therapy, but combining both is often best. A specialist, such as a pediatrician or a psychiatrist, usually arranges treatment for ADHD.
Medications for ADHD are an essential part of ADHD treatment in adults and ADHD treatment in children. Doctors can choose from many types of drugs to control the disorder’s symptoms.
Listed below are medications for ADHD
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for ADHD. It belongs to a group of medicines called stimulants, which work by increasing activity in the brain, particularly in areas that control attention and behavior.
Methylphenidate may be offered to adults, teenagers, and children over five with ADHD.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a similar medicine to dexamphetamine and works in the same way. Lisdexamfetamine is one of the medications for children with ADHD over the age of five.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine works differently from other medications for ADHD. It’s a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which increases the amount of a chemical in the brain called noradrenaline.
This chemical passes messages between brain cells; increasing it can aid concentration and help control impulses.
Atomoxetine may be offered to adults, teenagers, and children over the age of 5 if it’s not possible to use methylphenidate or Lisdexamfetamine. It’s also licensed for use in adults if symptoms of ADHD are confirmed.
ADHD: Definition
This condition is a widespread mental health disorder affecting children and adults but is most common among children. ADHD is characterized by an inability to maintain focus or pay attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.
Suppose you’re uncomfortable or not seeing positive results from treating ADHD with conventional drugs. In that case, you may read below to see what other natural options are available for treating this disorder.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly known as ADHD, is a common behavioral disorder seen and diagnosed in children. It not only affects children but can also be present at any age. Psychiatrists describe ADHD as a neurobehavioral development disorder.
According to research, about 1 in 30 children has ADHD. The condition begins as early as preschool and lasts until adulthood. Further studies show that about 50% of people with ADHD in childhood continue to carry the symptoms until they become adolescents. The reason behind ADHD, though, is not yet completely understood. Some experts suggest that it has something to do with genetics, while others are trying to determine if other factors, such as brain conditions, play an important role.
What causes ADHD?
Although the majority of society does not understand what causes ADHD, they do understand that ADHD is a highly complex condition that stems from many different elements.
Listed below are the causes of ADHD:
Injury to the brain
- A brain injury may have been a cause of ADHD. There have been children involved in accidents that resulted in brain injuries. Even though they may exhibit similar behavioral patterns to ADHD, that doesn’t mean they have the disorder.
The environment
- There may be a link between alcohol and cigarettes while a woman is pregnant. Engaging in these habits may cause the unborn child to develop this disorder. Pregnant women should not engage in either habit. Lead is another factor that may cause children to develop ADHD. Lead was found in the paint from older structures and was considered toxic.
Genetics
- There is the possibility of genetics playing a part. ADHD is known to be passed down through generations. Studies have shown that within the confines of immediate relatives, at least 25 percent have this. In addition, it has been shown that twins have genetics that can be passed down to their offspring.
Symptoms of ADHD
What are the symptoms of ADHD? Symptoms vary from case to case, being strongly present and noticeably absent in some. Over time, however, psychiatrists, psychologists, and physicians have developed a set of criteria to help them determine whether or not a patient is suffering from ADHD.
If you are reading this in the hopes of diagnosing yourself, you will be dissatisfied because these criteria are not absolute and depend more on the patient’s maturity level than on established norms; however, these ADHD symptoms give you a great place to start:
- The apparent inability to focus on a task or to complete one once it has begun.
- An apparent aversion to anything that requires extensive time spent participating in activities that require considerable mental exertion.
- Poor grades usually indicate problems keeping up in a classroom environment.
- Failure to follow directions, even when they are listening to you.
- Appear to be constantly in motion, tapping fingers, fiddling with hair, squirming in seat; may be referred to as “always on the go.”
- Blunt or tactless speech without meaning to be rude.
- Hurts others and damages property unintentionally regularly.
- Excessive intolerance to boredom.
- They seem to never think before they act.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty following directions, organizing tasks, completing work within the stipulated time, remembering things, and concentrating. If these problems are not addressed, then the patient can get into behavioral, social, emotional, academic, and vocational problems more often than not.
Listed below are symptoms of ADHD in adults
- Difficulty controlling anger.
- Low self-esteem.
- Poor organizational skills.
- Substance abuse.
- Chronic boredom.
- Poor tolerance towards frustration.
- Mood swings and depression.
- Relationship problems.
- Difficulty concentrating while reading.
Symptoms of ADHD in children
Symptoms of ADHD in children can be seen to exist individually or all together. Distraction and hyperactivity are the two most prominent symptoms of ADHD in kids. So, if your child is showing any of these symptoms of ADHD, it would be a good idea to get them tested for ADHD.
Hyperactivity
- This is one of the prime symptoms of ADHD in children. Hyperactivity is most likely to be present in a child with ADHD. They cannot sit in one place, find it difficult to control their actions, and are constantly distracted. Hyperactive children also find it difficult to complete any task as they cannot sit and complete it and are tempted to get up at all times.
Irresponsibility
- Children who suffer from ADHD are usually irresponsible. They say and do things without thinking and without fearing the consequences. They even find it difficult to wait for the right time to do or say the right things.
Distraction
- Another significant symptom of ADHD in kids is distraction. Children suffering from ADHD find it very difficult to pay attention. They are almost always distracted and, in the course, distract other children as well. They cannot concentrate and often begin to fantasize about unlikely situations and conditions.
Natural Remedies to ADHD: An effective and popular natural treatment for ADHD
Natural remedies for ADHD are becoming more and more popular. The need for different medical techniques for treating mental health problems has skyrocketed in the past few decades. People have started to seek different methods to curb their illnesses.
Particularly, mental conditions such as attention deficit disorder, more commonly known as ADHD, have seen an alarming rate of increase. As a result, numerous methods of treatment have also been developed. However, natural treatments can provide a safe and effective approach to dealing with ADHD.
Natural remedies for ADHD are available to the public
- Yoga and Tai Chi: Certain studies have indicated how yoga helps reduce hyperactivity and anxiety; the practice of Tai Chi has also been found to have similar effects.
- Avoiding allergens: As certain foods have been found to enhance specific ADHD symptoms, it would be safe to restrict and regulate the food diet. You can start experimenting by avoiding certain foods like milk, eggs, chocolates, or foods containing chemical additives and preservatives.
- EEG biofeedback: Electroencephalographic biofeedback is a neurotherapy that measures brain waves. It has shown promising results in treating ADHD.
- Clean diet: Maintaining a clean diet is beneficial for people with ADHD. Clean eating requires the individual to avoid certain foods such as caffeine, MSG, sodium, sugar, etc.
- Vitamins and minerals: These are vital components of natural remedies for ADHD. Vitamin C is needed for the brain to produce neurotransmitters. Zinc is a type of mineral that regulates dopamine; low levels might contribute to further increasing the symptoms of ADHD.
- Herbs: As herbs are known for their calming properties, they can help to reduce hyperactive activities. Some of the herbs include ginseng, bacopa, ningdong, etc.
- Nature therapy generally means spending time outdoors and experiencing the green environment and space. This method is found to help improve concentration, especially in children.
- Essential oils help relieve or reduce specific symptoms of ADHD and are often used as a type of natural remedy for ADHD. Lavender is used to get proper sleep; rosemary oil helps with speed and accuracy.
Adding to the list of these natural remedies, there are also different types of natural treatments for ADHD. These include:
Homeopathy for ADHD: the #1 natural treatment for ADHD
Homeopathy employs a range of homeopathic remedies to treat ADHD. Below are some of the remedies.
- Coffea cruda: This is made from unroasted coffee beans. The Coffea cruda remedy has the opposite effect of regular coffee, which unwinds the patient’s mind. This remedy frequently treats sleeplessness and racing thoughts in individuals with ADHD.
- Verta alb: This plant is known for its use to soothe nerves, which can be powerful for mitigating ADHD symptoms.
- Synaptol: This remedy is a homeopathic liquid specially made for treating ADHD. This remedy has been claimed to improve attention and limit hyperactivity. Also, synaptol does not contain sugar or alcohol, which is a plus for anyone with ADHD.
- Hyoscyamus is a remedy for reducing fidgetyness and restlessness in children—especially those with uncontrollable outbursts.
- Stramonium: It’s known for its use to reduce violent or aggressive behavior, a prevalent behavior in children with ADHD.
Acupuncture for ADHD, the most famous ancient Chinese natural treatment for ADHD
Acupuncture: It’s a healing technique that inserts thin needles in a specific point on your body, and as such, there are many therapeutic points spread across the body that can help treat ADHD symptoms.
Studies have shown progressive results on how acupuncture for ADHD can help normalize or stabilize brain activity and help alleviate symptoms of this condition. Wherever acupuncture is applied, the acupuncture treatment always fosters a relaxed experience that calms hyperactivity and anxiety in the patient.
Acupressure, another form of acupuncture, is also found to be quite helpful for ADHD. Acupressure uses the pressure of the palm instead of needles to regulate pain and other symptoms. Here are some pressure points for treating ADHD:.
- Yin tang is the point that rests between your eyebrows. This benefits ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity.
- Qu Chi (LI11): This point is found on the edge of your outer elbow crease.
- Zhong Wan (CV12): this point is between the lower part of the breastbone and the belly button.
- Shen Men (H7): This point is on the ulnar. The Shen Men help treat insomnia, which is a common side effect caused by ADHD drugs, and daydreaming, which is a common trait found in patients with ADHD.
Hypnosis for ADHD: an effective natural treatment for ADHD
Hypnosis: Many studies conducted on hypnotherapy have suggested how it can improve ADHD conditions and symptoms. As the risks of drug use grow at an alarming rate, people have started to consider hypnotherapy as a natural remedy for attention deficit disorder. Here are a few areas in which hypnotherapy can help individuals with ADHD:
- Avoiding distractions
- Raising self-esteem
- Improving focus
- Increasing motivation and eliminating procrastination
- Improving sleep
- Improve study and learning habits
- Minimizes anxiety and depression
Conclusion on natural treatment for ADHD
The ADHD pharmaceutical drugs currently used by physicians help improve symptoms through enhancement and balance of the neurotransmitters. While these drugs improve the patient’s concentration, they also cause potentially severe side effects, including sleeping problems, heavy mood swings, heart problems, appetite loss, etc.
With the use of natural medicine for ADHD, there is a very minimal chance of having such side effects since the remedies used contain 100% natural ingredients, and the treatments employed are not harsh on the patient, resulting in long-term effectiveness without the need for medication.
Additionally, natural treatments for ADHD help manage symptoms of ADHD, such as organizational problems, forgetfulness, attention area problems, and frequent interruptions. All these factors help influence the popularity of natural remedies for ADHD as one of the best alternative options for treating ADHD.
Natural Remedies to ADHD in Philadelphia
At the Philadelphia Holistic Clinic, we have specialists who may help you with natural treatments for ADHD. The available natural remedies for ADHD at the clinic include acupuncture, homeopathy for ADHD, hypnosis for ADHD, herbal medicine for ADHD, and other natural medicines for ADHD.
Contact Philadelphia Holistic Clinic at (267) 403-3085 or use an online scheduling system to schedule your appointment for an initial evaluation to discuss which alternative treatment for ADHD is best for you.