For many years, people living with attention deficit disorder, or ADD, have been seen as nothing more than difficult, willful and misbehaving individuals. They were even treated as if they were mentally incapacitated. Thankfully, ADD and many others psychological problems are now acknowledged as conditions that can be diagnosed and treated. Unfortunately, many people still think that it is not a medical condition but rather a sure sign of behavioral misconduct. When diagnosing ADHD Dallas therapists can, however, help patients to deal with their condition.
Not all ADD patients suffer from the same symptoms but there are common signs that should alert parents. Most sufferers cannot concentrate for long. They fidget and are restless. Many of them sometimes talk incessantly and many others experience serious mood swings. Aggressive behavior is also very common, as is anti social tendencies. Many sufferers also struggle to see the relationship between existing and new information.
Many people think that the treatment of ADD is simply a matter of taking the right medication regularly. It is true that certain drugs do work but they can only address a small number of the many symptoms that patients may experience. In fact, the condition cannot be managed completely by just using drugs. In addition, many patients experience unpleasant side effects when using these drugs.
Therapists often support the use of drugs, but not as the sole solution. They prefer a more holistic approach that concentrates on the lifestyle of the patient. Exercise, for example, is deemed a vital component of any treatment program. Patients need to exercise daily. The Serotonin and Dopamine released during exercise help patients to concentrate for longer and it makes them experience a feeling of well being.
Another important part of the treatment plan is to make sure that the patient goes to bed and get up within a fixed routine. Many patients suffer from insomnia and this sometime aggravates the other symptoms. Patients must also make sure that their rooms are dark and that there is no television or any other device that can distract them. Silence in the bedroom is also important.
Diet is also vitally important. Many patients do not eat for many days on end and thereafter they go on a binge of eating junk food. They need to eat at least six smaller meals every day. Each meal should contain fresh vegetables and fruit, some protein and omega fatty acids. This will help them to maintain constant energy levels and improve their concentration. Sugar and alcohol is absolutely taboo.
Ongoing counseling is also of vital importance. Patients need to understand the nature of their condition and they need to accept the fact that the other components of the treatment plan, such as diet and exercise, are to their advantage. Counseling can also help patients to discuss their feelings and frustrations and to learn techniques to help them cope with and manage their symptoms, to build their self confidence and to develop a sense of self worth.
People suffering from ADD need not be excluded from participating as full and respected members of society. The condition can be managed and controlled. Ongoing treatment is essential, however, since this condition cannot be cured. Apart from treatment, patients also benefit greatly if they enjoy the support of their loved ones.
Not all ADD patients suffer from the same symptoms but there are common signs that should alert parents. Most sufferers cannot concentrate for long. They fidget and are restless. Many of them sometimes talk incessantly and many others experience serious mood swings. Aggressive behavior is also very common, as is anti social tendencies. Many sufferers also struggle to see the relationship between existing and new information.
Many people think that the treatment of ADD is simply a matter of taking the right medication regularly. It is true that certain drugs do work but they can only address a small number of the many symptoms that patients may experience. In fact, the condition cannot be managed completely by just using drugs. In addition, many patients experience unpleasant side effects when using these drugs.
Therapists often support the use of drugs, but not as the sole solution. They prefer a more holistic approach that concentrates on the lifestyle of the patient. Exercise, for example, is deemed a vital component of any treatment program. Patients need to exercise daily. The Serotonin and Dopamine released during exercise help patients to concentrate for longer and it makes them experience a feeling of well being.
Another important part of the treatment plan is to make sure that the patient goes to bed and get up within a fixed routine. Many patients suffer from insomnia and this sometime aggravates the other symptoms. Patients must also make sure that their rooms are dark and that there is no television or any other device that can distract them. Silence in the bedroom is also important.
Diet is also vitally important. Many patients do not eat for many days on end and thereafter they go on a binge of eating junk food. They need to eat at least six smaller meals every day. Each meal should contain fresh vegetables and fruit, some protein and omega fatty acids. This will help them to maintain constant energy levels and improve their concentration. Sugar and alcohol is absolutely taboo.
Ongoing counseling is also of vital importance. Patients need to understand the nature of their condition and they need to accept the fact that the other components of the treatment plan, such as diet and exercise, are to their advantage. Counseling can also help patients to discuss their feelings and frustrations and to learn techniques to help them cope with and manage their symptoms, to build their self confidence and to develop a sense of self worth.
People suffering from ADD need not be excluded from participating as full and respected members of society. The condition can be managed and controlled. Ongoing treatment is essential, however, since this condition cannot be cured. Apart from treatment, patients also benefit greatly if they enjoy the support of their loved ones.
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