About six million children in the U.S. have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—a prevalence rate of 9.8%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Among other age groups, data shows that ADHD in adolescents has a prevalence rate of 8.7% and 4.4% in adults.
Many people diagnosed with ADHD take prescription medication to manage their symptoms. However, ADHD treatment without medication is possible.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulty maintaining attention or controlling impulsive behaviors. People with ADHD lack focus and are often overly active.
Medication is the most common treatment for ADHD. There are five types of medicine usually prescribed:
- Atomoxetine
- Dexamfetamine
- Guanfacine
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Methylphenidate
The medication doesn’t cure ADHD, but it eases symptoms by allowing those with the disorder to focus and feel calmer.
However, one of the side effects of taking medication is brain fog. The good news is, there are ways to provide ADHD help without medication.
How To Deal With ADHD Without Medication
Some parents are wary about their children taking medication at an early age. Some adults with ADHD don’t like some of the side effects of these drugs. Fortunately, there are ways how to help ADHD without meds.
Behavioral Therapy
With or without medication, behavioral therapy is essential for those with ADHD. This therapy focuses on actions, not emotions. It helps people with ADHD manage their actions, especially disruptive behaviors.
Psychoeducation
Knowledge is necessary for managing ADHD without medication, adults and children alike. Psychoeducation is the process of educating those with ADHD and those around them, such as parents, other family members, spouses, and even close friends, to discuss the disorder and its effects. This is a safe environment to learn about the condition and discuss how everyone feels about how ADHD symptoms manifest. It will allow everyone involved to cope better and live with the disorder.
Social Skills Training
People with ADHD have difficulty paying attention to others. Sometimes, they talk so much that they interrupt others in the middle of a conversation or don’t let anyone else get a word in edgewise.
Social skills training teaches people with ADHD how to behave in social situations through role-playing.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This is a talk therapy where people with ADHD learn to manage their disorder by changing how they think and behave. This can be done individually or in a group setting. Group CBT will help those with the disorder internalize they are not alone in their journey.
Proper Diet
Eating healthy brings many benefits, whether you have ADHD or not. Some types of food could worsen ADHD symptoms and should be avoided. A food diary will help people with ADHD determine what affects their behavior.
Conclusion
There are ways how to cure ADHD without meds, so people with the disorder don’t have to contend with the side effects of prescription medication. There is a wide range of therapy options to help a person with ADHD manage their behavior. A healthier diet can help too.
