Non-Medicinal Treatment for ADHD

ADHD is a brain disorder that causes hyperactivity, restlessness and difficulty concentrating. This article seeks to explain some non-medicinal approaches to mediating the disorder.

Psychotherapy

• A person with ADHD often will find talk therapy to be a helpful way to process her difficulties. Talk therapy provides the patient with a compassionate relationship where she can learn to voice her feelings and ideas in a constructive manner.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful for a person with ADHD as he learns to disrupt the thought patterns that lead to his behavior. CBT provides the patient with a forum to learn more about himself in a very structured way. This structure often is helpful for the patient.

Social Skills Training

• Just as individuals with autism often need help learning to navigate social convention, people with ADHD also may benefit from social training such as how to demonstrate manners, how to take turns and how to respond to teasing.

Parenting Skills

• Often parents of children with ADHD need help understanding how to best adapt to their child's learning style. Such training also can teach parents to respond appropriately to their child's behavior.

Tips

• Do not nag a person with ADHD. Instead remind her in a positive tone about what you wish for her to do.
  Prevent overstimulation by limiting children to a few playmates rather than many.
  Help ADHD people divide tasks into small, achievable steps rather than one large task.