ADHD Treatment Without Medication: 7 Proven Options!

Being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as an adult can come as a relief to some individuals who have wondered why they have difficulty staying organized, being on time, keeping a regular job, or developing meaningful relationships with others. Though it’s common knowledge that ADHD is an issue that affects millions of children and teens, [1*] it’s only in recent years that the disorder has been identified and deeply studied in adults. Several options to treat ADHD have also been discovered. Among these options, both the options of treating ADHD with medication and without medication are present. Get your ADHD symptoms checked and controlled in the most suitable method- Click below. Adult ADHD can present with a number of symptoms, and no two cases are exactly alike.

ADHD Symptoms

Here are the symptoms of ADHD: 

• Anxiety 

Those with ADHD may agonize about past mistakes or spend excessive time worrying about the future. This anxiety may impact their daily lives to the point where they avoid social or work situations or have a difficult time interacting with others.

• Mood Swings 

Being filled with euphoria one moment and feeling sad the next is a common experience for some of those with adult ADHD. Though the swings are usually not as pronounced as they would be in someone with bipolar disorder, they are still disruptive and can leave the sufferer feeling confused and upset.

• Difficulty Managing Time 

Adult ADHD can cause people to miss appointments, misjudge how long a project or activity will take, and be late for numerous meetings or get-togethers.

• Lack of Organization 

Adult ADHD can cause individuals to be disorganized both in their work and their personal lives. This may show up as messy workspaces or homes, projects that never quite come together, or disorganized thoughts.

• Emotional Outbursts  

Many with adult ADHD have difficulty managing and regulating their emotions. When they get upset or angry, it may come out as an unexpected outburst that can surprise others and harm relationships. If you believe you may have adult ADHD, it should be a priority to get a diagnosis as soon as possible from a reputable San Francisco ADHD clinic. Once you have a diagnosis, you can begin working with your doctor on ADHD treatment without medication. Many of those who are newly diagnosed with the disorder wish to try other options before they turn to medication.

ADHD Treatment Without Medication

If you are one of those individuals, you may find that your condition improves with the following non-medication routes:

• Increase in Restful Sleep 

Everyone knows that night of bad sleep can negatively impact their attention span, mood, and ability to concentrate the next day. Those with adult ADHD are even more affected by poor sleep and insomnia. This causes a vicious cycle of not sleeping well and functioning the poorly the next day, which leads to even poorer sleep. Besides insomnia, other ADHD symptoms also make it hard to lead a normal life. Click the button below to schedule your appointment with a mental health professional. If you have trouble sleeping, try taking melatonin or develop a habit of not drinking caffeine in the afternoon. You may also want to try white noise machines or taking a warm bath before you turn in for the night. If you believe you suffer from a sleep condition such as sleep apnea, consider seeing a sleep specialist.

• Mindfulness Meditation  

A short attention span and inability to concentrate are hallmarks of adult ADHD. Finding ways to train your brain to be more mindful is helpful for many with this condition. Mindfulness meditation is one way to practice paying attention and increasing your presence in the now. You can try using apps to teach yourself mindfulness meditation or meet with a counselor or trainer who has successfully used this method for ADHD treatment without medication.

• Designate Activity Partners  

Many of those with adult ADHD get off track because they try to handle too much on their own. If you are disorganized, always find yourself turning in projects late, or have trouble paying bills on time, it could help to designate an activity partner both at work and at home. You can task them with helping you stay on track and schedule meetings with them to ensure you are not missing details or deadlines.

• Individual Counseling  

Many people find their condition improves when they have a compassionate counselor to talk with who understands their condition. Those with adult ADHD have often been misunderstood or criticized for years and this can result in low self-esteem and feelings of being unworthy of love or respect. Speaking with a counselor about these issues and exploring them in the new light of an ADHD diagnosis can be incredibly healing.

• Group Counseling or Therapy

Talking with others who are experiencing the same issues as you are effective for many with adult ADHD. [2*] This is an especially helpful treatment for those who are newly diagnosed and have felt alone or misunderstood within their families or workplaces. Learning how others manage their condition can make sufferers feel they are less alone and give them new ideas on how to cope.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy  

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (or CBT) is a type of therapy that involves changing negative thoughts into more constructive ones before they affect emotions and behaviors. Because many of those with adult ADHD have intrusive, critical, or obsessive thoughts, CBT can be a very effective ADHD treatment without medication. It’s vital that you see a doctor who has experience treating ADHD with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy if you are interested in this treatment.

• Family Therapy  

An individual’s diagnosis of ADHD often affects everyone around him and is especially challenging for his or her family. Bringing willing family members into counseling sessions can be helpful for both the patient and for those they love. Family members can talk about their feelings and learn new strategies for strengthening their relationship with the patient. Get your ADHD symptoms managed– Schedule your appointment with an ADHD expert by clicking the button below.

ADHD Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with adult ADHD should feel like a new beginning. Many now understand why they have struggled their entire lives just to keep up with what comes easily to others and are encouraged to know that they now can receive treatment to improve how they handle life situations.

Conclusion

For those who are just starting their journey with ADHD treatment, non-medication strategies such as mindfulness, counseling, and therapy can be good places to start. To talk to an expert about adult ADHD treatments, please visit our Clinic.  Click the button below to schedule your appointment.