The trickiest part about having ADHD is that it can easily go unnoticed. In the case of children, parents may think their child is simply distracted by the desire to play; that they are so invested in playing that they’re moving excessively and always seem to forget specific details. Adults who suffer from undiagnosed ADHD have likely had it since childhood, but it, unfortunately, went unnoticed. Many adults living with ADHD may assume that the reason behind their constant distraction and restlessness is having too many responsibilities, which does sometimes lead to affected sleep quality, making it more difficult to focus and remember things.

Even though this common neurodevelopmental disorder doesn’t have a permanent cure yet, regular treatment helps manage its symptoms so patients are better able to deal with the obstacles it puts in the way of various aspects of life and activities. We bring you this article to help you learn about a variety of treatment options that are most effective when you need to contain the symptoms and the stress they cause.

Regular Exercise

Exercising isn’t just great for getting in shape and leading a healthy life, it is also one of the best methods that can help reduce symptoms of ADHD. One of the main challenges patients struggle with is low self-esteem since the brain doesn’t produce enough dopamine and serotonin, which are the chemicals responsible for making us feel good. Because of this, people who suffer from ADHD can also experience symptoms of depression, which adds to the difficulties they face in their everyday life. Physical activity boosts dopamine and serotonin production automatically shifting your mood, even if for a bit. With consistency, exercise has wondrous effects on the mind and body. Another common challenge for people with ADHD is that they can get quite restless, making them unable to sit still even if they want to. Physical activity channels that extra energy into something positive and beneficial, it helps patients feel much more grounded and in control.

Taking Medications

Even though medication does not eliminate the disorder or its symptoms, it helps reduce them by producing the chemicals required for balancing out the patients’ mood and energy; in some cases, this actually helps improve the brain’s ability to concentrate. The trick with medication is that it needs to be prescribed by a professional doctor after examining your specific case; some medications function through stimulants which can be dangerous if not used correctly.

An example of a commonly used medicine, in this case, is Adderall. For ADHD patients, Adderall can be effective as it helps calm down extra energy, boosts the general mood and ability to concentrate. To be able to buy it though, you will need to get an Adderall prescription; this regulation is put in place because sometimes, people who do not suffer from ADHD abuse the drug. For non-ADHD patients, the drug first gives a feeling of euphoria like when someone is high or drunk. Abusers also start getting headaches, a dangerous increase in blood pressure and heart rate, restlessness, and other damaging effects that may lead to isolation and suicidal thoughts.

Meditation Exercises

A great way to improve your ability to focus and have a longer attention span is to meditate. The major purpose of meditation is to clear your mind and have control over what to focus on. Since this is one of the exercises that people who suffer from the disorder find difficult to achieve, training oneself by practicing meditation is an excellent way to sustain a healthier and more mindful life. Meditation,  for those living with ADHD, helps in practicing patience and dealing with restlessness in a physically non-intrusive way. The exercise can also teach control and the intentional act of channeling mental and physical energy into a positive and productive activity.

Yoga is also one of the most effective ways to train the mind and body. The amazing thing about yoga is that it’s both a physical and mindful activity. This means people get to be active physically as well as improve their mental abilities.

Talk and Behavioral Therapy

Most people with ADHD find it difficult to address and understand their emotions. Especially since the disease affects their social skills as well as their academic and professional skills, they tend to feel like they’re not good enough and believe less in themselves and their abilities. Talk therapy aids in figuring out and understanding these mixed emotions and can eventually lead to a better ability at managing frustration and anger. Behavioral therapy on the other hand provides a set of new skills to help with organization and intentionality.

From the outside, an ADHD patient may seem like they are floating up in the air, distracted and thoughtless, but the truth is that their brains are as complex and aware, if not, even more than most people who do not suffer from the disorder. People living with ADHD are constantly trying to fit into a world that barely accommodates neurodivergent members of society. Tasks that are seemingly easy can be challenging for a person with ADHD because their brain simply functions differently. The same task can get done but through very different methods. Sometimes, ADHD patients do not understand why they perform differently, have not figured out yet the medical reason behind their disorientation; this can get unbearably draining. Neurodevelopmental disorders are actually much more common than mainstream society leads us to think; more support systems need to be organized in order to better accommodate each and every member of society. If you suffer from it or know someone who does, it would be extremely grounding, helpful and informative for the both of you to talk to each other about your experiences. Figuring out the problem and reaching out for solutions is the step of treatment.

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