• ADHD is an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder involving inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity patterns. It affects 11% of US school-age children and often persists into adulthood.

• ADHD presents challenges like concentration issues, impulsivity, restlessness, and organizational difficulties, impacting various aspects of life.

• ADHD symptom relief includes approaches like CBT, stimulant and non-stimulant medication, and neurofeedback, often combined for comprehensive therapy.

Living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be a challenge. From difficulties in concentration and impulsivity to restlessness and organizational struggles, the symptoms of ADHD can present hurdles that affect many aspects of your life.

However, you don't have to go through the journey of managing and easing these symptoms all on your own.

In this blog post, we'll explore strategies that have proven effective in reducing ADHD symptoms. From Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to medication and innovative approaches like neurofeedback, we will uncover a range of approaches that can pave the way to a more manageable and fulfilling life and improved wellbeing.

Let's start by breaking down what ADHD is and how it manifests.

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a neuro-behavioral disorder characterized by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity.

It affects 11% of school-age children in the US, and in more than three-quarters of these cases, symptoms continue into adulthood.

As a person grows older and life's demands evolve, the once-observable hyperactivity often gives way to other symptoms like inattentiveness and challenges with organization and executive function (which includes skills like self-regulation, planning, and focus).

In simpler terms, what might have seemed like fidgety behavior, daydreaming, and careless errors during childhood could transform into inner restlessness, difficulties in planning, unfinished tasks, and moments of forgetfulness as you reach adulthood.

{Read more about ADHD here}

Remedies for ADHD

There are many ways you can alleviate ADHD symptoms. Some of the most common include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), stimulant medications (such as methylphenidate and amphetamines) and non-stimulant medications (such as atomoxetine and guanfacine), and neurofeedback (also known as EEG-biofeedback). These different types of remedies are often combined to create a holistic therapy plan.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that is recommended by the CDC (Centers for disease control and Prevention) as the first line of treatment for ADHD.

Behavioral therapy focuses on changing how you think about a situation in order to change specific patterns of behavior. When CBT is used to treat ADHD in children, therapists generally work with both the parent/s and child in order to change behaviors and household norms.
{Read more about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ADHD here}

2. Stimulant Medications

The most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD are stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines. Stimulant drugs work on the central nervous system by increasing the amounts of hormones called dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are often effective in increasing concentration and decreasing the fatigue common in ADHD. {Read more about medications for ADHD here}

3. Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is a type of brain training that has been used in clinics for over 40 years and has shown to be effective in managing symptoms of inattention and impulsivity.

The goal of neurofeedback is to optimize your brain wave activity and manage dysregulation. For example, adults and children with ADHD often have more theta brain wave activity than usual and less beta activity than others.

However, dysregulated brainwave patterns are not irreparable: they can be rewired and transformed thanks to a process called neuroplasticity.

Brain training technologies such as neurofeedback for ADHD can promote neuroplasticity and train your brain to regulate your brainwaves to achieve the desired brainwave state, allowing you to be focused or calm.

{Read more about neurofeedback training for ADHD here}

Conclusion

The path to managing ADHD is personalized, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Your journey might involve a combination of these approaches or even other techniques we haven't covered. The key is to stay open to possibilities, to communicate with professionals who specialize in ADHD, and to embrace the idea that progress is possible.

You have the potential to transform your experience with ADHD and build a future that's brighter, more focused, and filled with newfound possibilities. Remember, support is available every step of the way!

Myndlift provides a personalized expert-guided brain training program that can help you improve your focus, as well as manage ADHD symptoms such as inattention and impulsivity. Take this 10-second quiz to check if you’re eligible to kick-start your journey for better brain health.