There is more to treating attention deficit disorder than merely visiting the doctor and taking medicine. There are various strategies to deal with the difficulties caused by ADHD and help you or your child live a more peaceful, productive life.
Many of the symptoms of ADHD may be self-managed if you have access to the correct tools and information. With healthy lifestyle choices and other self-help techniques, you may be able to take medication—even at a lower dosage—if that’s what you decide to do.
Engage in regular exercise. One of the finest strategies to lessen ADHD symptoms is to exercise. The neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin—which influence focus and attention—are elevated in the brain during physical activity. Try going on a stroll, skating, hiking, dancing, or engaging in your preferred activity. Instead of letting your kids spend too much time on devices, encourage them to play outside.
Consume a balanced diet. While it does not cause ADHD, nutrition can affect symptoms, energy levels, and mood. Allocate specific times for eating and snacking. Increase your consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and ensure sure your diet contains adequate amounts of zinc, iron, and magnesium.
Make certain that you get enough sleep. Getting enough sleep on a regular basis can significantly lessen ADHD symptoms. Make small adjustments to your day routine to improve the quality of your sleep at night. Decide on a nighttime schedule and stick to it. Steer clear of coffee in the afternoon.
Have a cheerful outlook. Being optimistic and exercising common sense are the best strategies for managing ADHD. It is more probable that you will be able to relate to your child’s needs or your own when you are feeling well.
Consider obtaining counseling. ADHD specialists can assist you or your child in breaking negative patterns and developing healthy coping mechanisms. Some therapies emphasize teaching patients how to regulate their stress, anger, and impulsive tendencies, while others put more of an emphasis on goal perseverance, time management, and organizational techniques.
Speak to a Licensed Therapist
BetterHelp matches you with certified, licensed therapists that specialize in treating relationships, depression, anxiety, and other issues through their online counseling service. After completing the assessment, you have 48 hours to find a therapist.
Make a decision.
HelpGuide offers user assistance. If you utilize BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this website, we will receive compensation.
Guidelines for taking ADHD medication
It’s crucial that you take prescription drugs exactly as prescribed if you choose to treat ADHD. Your doctor’s and pharmacist’s instructions will help you reduce risks and side effects while getting the most out of your ADHD medication. The following recommendations are for safe use:
Find out more information about the recommended drug. Find out everything you can about the ADHD medication you or your child is taking, including any potential side effects, recommended dosages, warnings, and medications to stay away from, such over-the-counter cold medicines.
Have patience. Trial and error is needed to find the right drug and dosage. It will take some trial and error as well as an honest and open discussion with your doctor.
Begin with a low key. Generally speaking, it is best to start out small and raise the dosage gradually. Finding the lowest dosage that can alleviate your child’s or your own discomfort is the goal.
Monitor the medication’s effects. Pay careful attention to how the medicine is impacting your child’s and your own emotions and behavior. Keep track of any negative side effects and evaluate how much the medication is helping with your symptoms.
Decrease gradually. If you or your child wants to stop taking medication, call your doctor for guidance on how to taper down the amount gradually. Sudden medication withdrawal can cause unpleasant symptoms like headaches, fatigue, sadness, and irritability.
Talking to your child about ADHD medication
If your child is taking medication for ADHD, make sure they understand how to take it correctly and why it’s important to follow the directions on the prescription. Without first talking to their parents or doctors, many kids and teenagers with the illness stop taking their medicine.
Urge your child to talk to you about any worries they may have about their medication so that you can work together to find a solution or explore alternative options for therapy. Furthermore, it’s imperative to remember that an ADHD medication should never make a youngster less energetic, interested, or excited. A child must still behave like a child.
Monitoring ADHD medication’s effects on your child
When your child starts taking a different drug, adjusts their dosage, or starts medication therapy, you should ask them the following questions:
Is your child’s behavior and/or mood improving as a result of the medication?
Do you believe the drug or dosage is effective? Does your youngster believe that the drug or dosage is effective?
Is it necessary to raise or lower the dose? What particular behavior, or combination of behaviors, changed enough that you felt the drug needed to be reviewed?
Does your child have any adverse effects from taking Strattera or another SNRI, such as headaches, stomachaches, exhaustion, or insomnia? Does your child have suicidal thoughts? How likely is it that those adverse effects will persist? Consult your physician. Do any long-term negative effects (if any) outweigh the advantages of the medication?
Dealing with side effects
The majority of kids and adults on ADHD medication will have at least a few negative effects. After the first few weeks of taking the drug, adverse effects can occasionally disappear. With a few easy techniques, you might also be able to minimize or completely eradicate unwanted side effects.
appetite decline. Eat wholesome snacks throughout the day to help with a decreased appetite, and postpone dinner until after the effects of the drug have worn off.
sleeplessness. If you have trouble falling asleep, consider taking the stimulant earlier in the day. You may also consider converting to the short-acting kind of stimulant if you or your child is already taking an extended-release version. Additionally, stay away from caffeinated drinks, particularly in the afternoon and evening.
headaches or uneasy stomach. Avoid taking the drug empty-handed since this may result in headaches, nausea, and stomach discomfort. prescription that is wearing off might also cause headaches; therefore, switching to a long-acting prescription may be helpful.
lightheadedness. Get your blood pressure checked first, or that of your child. If it’s typical, you could wish to go to a long-acting stimulant or lower your dosage. Make sure you’re getting adequate liquids as well.
