Alternative Treatments for Adults with ADD/ADHD

Attention Deficit Disorder affects adults as well as children, and has unique challenges in treatment. Adults have often gone undiagnosed or are looking to wean off from drugs prescribed as children. They're often less likely to choose to use drugs as treatment, as simple behavioral or natural treatments can be very effective.

The most basic alternative treatment for adult ADD is to reduce stress through changes in habits and lifestyle. People with ADD get a high from stressful situations and are more likely to seek them out, but more likely to suffer the consequences. An example would be someone who always waits to the last minute to finish a project, or who engages in high risk activity. There's a reward cycle in play here, but not a good one, because it affects loved ones and quality of work. Work on lessening the stress in relationships and quieting your workspace. Stress reduction through meditation is often very challenging - how to stop racing thoughts long enough for that? The Ellen Degeneres commercial with her meditating on socks is a good example. Walking meditation or finding a soothing, repetitive activity such as dishwashing, lifting weights, or sketching are good ways to quiet your mind.

The most frustrating symptom of ADD is lack of organization. This is more than the usual clutter many people face from being busy or stressed and has real consequences when it comes to the workplace. The adult suffering from ADD or ADHD often has a hard time finishing projects or sticking to any kind of time management or organization system. So a time management or organization system that takes into consideration ADD quirks must be used, or it must be flexible to your situation. While organization isn't a treatment, hardcore techniques to help adults manage ADD/ADHD must include some kind of system.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is an alternative treatment for ADD that's been used with much success. The focus is more on the anxiety and self esteem issues that an adult with ADD often faces as a result of their symptoms. CBT techniques also help with issues of organization and task management by focusing on the self-talk we use when thinking about a task. Working on self talk and warding off depression is very important when it comes to getting a handle on adult ADD.

Herbal remedies can help increase focus and memory, two areas that go hand in hand. Memory is dependant on just how much focus we give an item. Herbs as alternative treatment to drugs for ADD/ADHD are usually at lower risk for dependency or ill effects. They must still be used at the recommended safe levels. Two herbs that are often used are gingko biloba and ginseng. There are many commercial blends available that are specifically for increasing focus and enhancing memory. One widely available is Free Focus Factor, and a natural foods store will have many other types as well. Check the ingredients and do your research before buying.

You may not have though of exercise as a treatment, but it is also very good at reducing stress and increasing focus throughout the day. Exercise gets your blood flowing while giving your mind a break. Not that adults ADD/ADHD sufferer needs encouragement to let their focus drift (it just happens naturally). Letting the stress of the day go while you get your blood moving accomplishes many goals at once - you're relaxing, doing something good for your health, and you're getting your brain primed to get back to work. When you return from a brisk 15 minute walk you'll have a bit of those endorphins running that we all need to feel good, and possible tame some ADD symptons.

Enough sleep is necessary to function, but especially important for the adult with ADD/ADHD. If you're finding it hard to get enough Zs then a mild treatment would be valerian or melatonin taken a half an hour before bed. Turning off the tv or radio, and staying off the internet after a certain time of night is also helpful.

Adult ADD is manageable and even enjoyable. Not all of the symptoms of ADD are negative all the time. Adults with ADD are often very curious, bright, and great at conversations, even if we do ramble a bit. Including some of these alternative treatments will make life with ADD a little easier, and the good parts more enjoyable.