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Updated by Umbrella Health Care Systems on Oct 22, 2023
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Ways to Manage ADHD That Aren't Drugs

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often continues into adulthood. ADHD includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.

Children with ADHD may also struggle with low self-esteem, troubled relationships and poor performance in school. Symptoms sometimes lessen with age. However, some people never completely outgrow their ADHD symptoms. But they can learn strategies to be successful.

While treatment won't cure ADHD, it can help a great deal with symptoms. Treatment typically involves medications and behavioral interventions. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in outcome.
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Know Your Options

Know Your Options

If your child’s been diagnosed with ADHD, you want to know what can help him. Medication isn’t the only way to treat it. Other things can help, too. And many can be used along with medication or other nondrug treatments. Talk to your doctor to come up with a treatment plan that works best for your child.
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Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral Therapy

This type of therapy, also known as cognitive behavioral therapy, can ease your child’s ADHD symptoms and help them feel better. Most of the time, it focuses on identifying and changing thoughts to change behavior. Research shows that it’s very good at improving mindfulness and reducing impulsive behavior. People with ADHD often have mental health problems like depression or anxiety, and behavioral therapy helps with these, too. It usually works best when combined with ADHD medication.
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Behavior Therapy For Parents

Behavior Therapy For Parents

As part of behavioral therapy, parents take a class or meet with an ADHD specialist to learn to help their child manage ADHD symptoms. It can help your child improve their behavior and strengthen your relationship with them, too. Ask your child’s doctor or an ADHD expert to recommend a therapist.
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Coaching

Coaching

This is a newer type of ADHD treatment. Coaches -- who are sometimes called executive function coaches or organizational coaches -- aren’t the same as therapists or doctors. Some coaches may be licensed therapists or medical professionals, but they use different techniques during coaching. They help kids and adults with ADHD learn skills that help them manage symptoms. For example, coaches can help with goal setting, problem solving, and time management.
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Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback -- also called brain training or EEG biofeedback -- involves placing headgear with sensors on your child’s scalp to monitor brain waves. While your child wears the sensors, they play a computerized game using their brain, which helps them learn how their brain works. The idea is that learning about their brain and how to control it can help ease ADHD symptoms. The verdict is still out on neurofeedback. But it doesn’t have any side effects, and some research shows that it improves some kids’ ability to pay attention, manage time, and stay on task. It’s also shown to lower impulsive and antsy behavior.
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Assistive Technology (AT)

Assistive Technology (AT)

ADHD affects the brain’s frontal lobes -- that’s an area that helps you get organized and plan ahead. Because of this, kids with ADHD may struggle to stay on top of homework and tasks at home, too. Some parents find that assistive technology -- like cell phone apps, online calendars, screen readers, and talking calculators -- help their kids pay attention. Many kids like screens and may be more willing to use apps that involve a cell phone, tablet, or other computer. There’s no one type of AT that’s most effective, so you may have to try several tech tools to see what works best for your child. And too much screen time may make some kids' symptoms worse.
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Exercise

Exercise

Regular exercise eases many ADHD symptoms. It can help kids pay attention and can boost their mood, too. Exercise may even help make it less likely that your child does risky things like speeding while driving, or abusing alcohol. One reason? Even short bursts of physical activity can raise levels of brain chemicals like dopamine.

Activity also helps with sleep. If your child often doesn’t get enough shut-eye, it can make ADHD symptoms stronger.
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8

Healthy Diet

Healthy Diet

A bad diet doesn’t cause ADHD. But experts say that a nutritious diet filled with fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is important for healthy brain development.

A small amount of research suggests that ADHD symptoms improve in some (but not all) kids after they stop eating anything that contains artificial food dyes. (Food dye can be found in some candy, cereals, and other foods.) Healthy levels of omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients like zinc may also help. But there’s no proof that any one type of diet can greatly curb symptoms or cure ADHD.
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Supplements

Supplements

While vitamins and minerals in your diet can help your brain stay healthy, it’s not clear if certain nutritional supplements can help ADHD. Some research suggests that zinc supplements may help kids with ADHD be less hyperactive and impulsive. Other studies show that fish oil supplements might help with ADHD symptoms, too. But more research is needed. Be sure to talk to your doctor before your child takes any new medications, including over-the-counter supplements.
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Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic Care

This is a controversial ADHD treatment option. Chiropractors believe spine issues, like “misalignment,” may contribute to ADHD symptoms. One small study suggests some kids with ADHD may benefit from chiropractic care. But experts don’t know whether adjusting a person’s spine can affect brain areas that play a role in ADHD.
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