Many people associate ADHD with children. While it’s a common childhood disorder, it impacts many adults, too. Some adults deal with ADHD because they weren’t properly diagnosed as a child. Others have been carrying it since childhood and are still trying to find treatments that work.
Whatever the case, there are ways to manage and treat your ADHD now. Some of the best treatment options for adults are multimodal – approaches that complement each other and work to manage your symptoms effectively. With that in mind, let’s look at five treatment options for adults living with ADHD that can help you almost immediately.
1. Medication
Medication is, perhaps, the most common treatment option for both kids and adults living with ADHD. Why? Because it’s often the most effective. But, that doesn’t mean one medication works for everyone. The struggle some people have is finding the right medication and dosage.
It takes time, patience, and persistence, and you may not see immediate effects if you’re using a drug that isn’t the right fit.
2. Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral therapies are one of the most commonly-used therapies to treat ADHD. They work to change those behaviors through conditioning. A therapist will create an environment conducive to the right behaviors and provide reinforcement and positive feedback.
Behavioral therapy can help you to remain consistent about your own expectations and to understand there are consequences for unwanted behaviors.
3. Changing Your Diet
You’ve heard the saying “you are what you eat,” but did you know your diet can actually have a positive or negative effect on your ADHD symptoms?
ADHD-friendly nutrients include:
- Zinc
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Protein
- Complex carbohydrates
These can all help your brain to work more efficiently and improve your overall focus. On the other hand, consuming foods high in fat and sugar, or foods that have been overly processed can have the opposite effect. Not only will your body feel sluggish, but these foods contain ingredients that can cause your brain to function less efficiently.
4. Moving Your Body
Just like proper nutrition, regular exercise is important for the overall health of your body. But, getting physical can also improve your ADHD, working as a sort of “natural medication.”
Even walking around your neighborhood for 30 minutes a day can trigger the executive functions within your brain, improving sequencing, memory, and attention span. The more exercise you get, the greater the benefits. But, don’t be afraid to start small and work your way up to experience the great things it can do for both your mind and body.
5. Mindfulness
Mindfulness can feel like a bit of a “buzzword” these days. But, it’s become so popular because of how effective it is. Mindfulness is simply the practice of staying in the present moment. When you combine it with a meditative state, you can focus on taking deep, centering breaths. It can improve your overall awareness of your surroundings and how you feel in your environment.
Studies in children have shown that mindfulness can reduce ADHD symptoms and improve attention spans and focus. There’s no reason to think these benefits wouldn’t transfer to adults with ADHD. Mindfulness (and meditation) can not only make your symptoms easier to manage but can improve your overall mental well-being.
Being an adult with ADHD is nothing to be ashamed of, but you don’t have to keep dealing with it on your own. These treatment options can give you a great start when it comes to managing your symptoms on a daily basis. But, if you’re still struggling, contact us to set up an appointment. Together, we’ll work on more techniques that can help you feel more focused and in control of your thoughts.
