Non-Medication Treatments for ADHD

ADHD is an incurable mental disorder affecting millions of children and adults. Treatment commonly consists of a counseling regimen and daily medication. Alternative medication has not yet been proven effective for treatment of the condition, but it may offer some benefits. Whether you presently take medication for ADHD or simply have symptoms, promising non-medical treatments for ADHD may help.

Exercise

• Though exercise is not scientifically proven to ease the symptoms of ADHD, the Mayo Clinic proposes that exercise requiring deep mental focus may be an effective non-medical treatment (see References 2), Choose an exercise that requires deep concentration such as yoga, dance, or karate, and work slowly into an exercise regimen. Begin with 30 minutes of exercise three days a week and work up to hour-long sessions five to seven days a week.

  Take a class at a local gym, or consult with friends and family members about their exercise routine to find out more about exercises you may enjoy. Try exercising with a partner to keep your exercise routine regular.

  Do not expect to see results immediately from exercise. It may take several weeks for an exercise plan to alleviate some symptoms of ADHD. Be patient, choose an exercise you enjoy, and stick with your plan.

Diet

• The verdict on whether diet can decrease symptoms of ADHD is still officially out, but according to the Mayo Clinic, a few studies show that maintaining a healthy diet may be beneficial (see References 2). Take time to assess your diet. Limit your intake of sugar, caffeine, milk, and wheat to ease symptoms of ADHD.

  Increase your intake of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Reports by the American Psychiatric Association found that including Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in your diet might be a helpful non-medical treatment for ADHD symptoms (see References 3). Eat fish or shellfish for two meals a week. Canned light tuna, shrimp, and other fish low in mercury may all be beneficial (see References 3).

Brain Training

• Neurofeedback, teaching individuals to harness their brain wave activity, is an increasingly common non-medical treatment for ADHD. According to the Journal of Clinical Psychology, the results of neurofeedback are comparable to those of medication (see References 1). Through a video game format, you learn to identify and decrease slow brain wave patterns associated with ADHD and increase fast wave patterns. See your doctor for suggestions on finding a facility that performs neurofeedback. Participate in several sessions to reduce symptoms of ADHD.

  Cognitive behavioral therapy may help you cope with the everyday struggles of ADHD. Through short-term therapy, you learn strategies to manage the problems of your condition. Cognitive behavior therapy forces you to identify your thought patterns and develop methods to ease ADHD symptoms. Contact your doctor for a referral to a cognitive behavior therapist.

  Combine exercise, diet, and brain training to alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD. Visit a mental health professional for medical solutions regarding the treatment of ADHD and for more information on non-medical treatments.