without taking meds, what can i do for adhd?

Answer 1

Discussing this with a doctor would be the first step. You need to be properly tested and diagnosed. Ask about alternatives to medications such as therapy and biofeedback. There's been a lot of research on this issue lately. This is a link to an interesting article on the website for the National Institute of Health.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/adhdmenu.cfm

Good luck!

Answer 2

I would recommend you speak with a Clinical Psychologist for non-medication options, including behavioral management techniques. Research has been mixed about whether nutritional and dietary supplements may help at reducing ADHD symptoms. However, Omega-3-Esstential Fatty Acids has been shown to be a useful supplement for all mental health issues and you may wish to try increasing your consumption of healthy fish or this supplement. Some researchers have proposed that underlying food allergies are the culprit of ADHD symptoms and there are numerous diets, including wheat-free, wheat-free/gluten-free, sugar-free, preservative/additive/food coloring free diets. There is a small portion of the population with ADHD who benefit from these kinds of dietary changes, but it does not work for everyone. In general, psychotropic medication remains the most empirically validated treatment option for severe ADHD. Consuming caffeinated products can work for mild ADHD and for a short period of time in severe ADHD, however there is soem research that has suggested that the stimulant-theory of ADHD may not be applicable to all people. Additionally if you have any co-occuring anxiety disorder or anxiety symptoms, caffeine will increase these symptoms and is thus not your best alternative intervention.

Best,
Katie MacDowell, M.Ed.
Masters, Counseling Psychology
Doctoral Candidate, Clinical & Health Psychology

Answer 3

Behavioral Therapy

Research has shown that medications used to help curb impulsive behavior and attention difficulties are more effective when they're combined with behavioral therapy.

Behavioral therapy attempts to change behavior patterns by:

* reorganizing your child's home and school environment
* giving clear directions and commands
* setting up a system of consistent rewards for appropriate behaviors and negative consequences for inappropriate ones

Here are some examples of behavioral strategies that may help a child with ADHD:

* Create a routine. Try to follow the same schedule every day, from wake-up timeto bedtime. Post the schedule in a prominent place, so your child can see where he or she is expected to be throughout the day and when it's time for homework, play, and chores.
* Help your child organize. Put schoolbags, clothing, and toys in the same place every day so your child will be less likely to lose them.
* Avoid distractions. Turn off the TV, radio, and computer games, especially when your child is doing homework.
* Limit choices. Offer your child a choice between two things (this outfit, meal, toy, etc., or that one) so that he or she isn't overwhelmed and overstimulated.
* Change your interactions with your child. Instead of long-winded explanations and cajoling, use clear, brief directions to remind your child of his or her responsibilities.
* Use goals and rewards. Use a chart to list goals and track positive behaviors, then reward your child's efforts. Be sure the goals are realistic (think baby steps rather than overnight success).
* Discipline effectively. Instead of yelling or spanking, use timeouts or removal of privileges as consequences for inappropriate behavior. Younger children may simply need to be distracted or ignored until they display better behavior.
* Help your child discover a talent. All kids need to experience success to feel good about themselves. Finding out what your child does well - whether it's sports, art, or music - can boost social skills and self-esteem.

Alternative Treatments

Currently, the only ADHD therapies that have been proven effective in scientific studies are medications and behavioral therapy. But your child's doctor may recommend additional treatments and interventions depending on your child's symptoms and needs. Some kids with ADHD, for example, may also need special educational interventions such as tutoring, occupational therapy, etc. Every child's needs are different.

A number of other alternative therapies are promoted and tried by parents including: megavitamins, body treatments, diet manipulation, allergy treatment, chiropractic treatment, attention training, visual training, and traditional one-on-one "talking" psychotherapy. However, the scientific research that has been done on these therapies has not found them to be effective, and most of these treatments have not been studied carefully, if at all.

Parents should always be wary of any therapy that promises an ADHD "cure," and if they're interested in trying something new, they should be sure to speak with their child's doctor first.
http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/adhd.html

Answer 4

As a teacher and having about 30 per cent of my classes filled with children who they say have been diagnosed with "ADHD", I tend to wonder. We are so quick to place a label on folks. I have helped my students by 1) limiting their excitability (I remove bright and colorful distractive posters, etc from my room), 2) encourage parents to watch their children's diet 3) we have counseling sessions with the public health care workers, parents and students to help them recognize when they are in crisis 4) understanding teachers, parents, and other students who recognize that their friends might need a little more help 5) pray, pray , pray

Answer 5

I am an adult with ADHD....for years I self-medicated with caffeine. It has the opposite affect on my brain than others...it calms me down, helps me focus. Not too much--for me, half a cup of coffee or half of a caffeinated soda is just fine. Too much actually will put me to sleep!

Answer 6

Medicine is the safest and most reliable way to get ADHD under control...but if you really don't want them, stay away from sugar, caffeine, juices, etc.

Answer 7

I have to say..im bi-polar..and I dont take meds..sometimes you know when you're starting to get nutty...lolbut you know i dont like the drugs either ..actually brought it on worse alot of times...but thats me...I do fine..but it helps that everyone around me knows tooxxx Ya know...I think it depends on the person though...if you think you can handle it sometimes ya can...but to be honest most cant...I would sit down with those arounnd you and talk to them as they see you on a every day basis..if its not that bad of spells...i say go for it...but if they are threatening...you need to find something that agrees with yaxxxxxxx merry Xmas dear...i hope you find a solutionxxxx

Answer 8

My friends family is on Adderol for ADHD..the entire family has it.

I hear it works great but that most prescriptions for ADHD is a variant of METH .

Answer 9

If you have ADHD, meditation should definitely be a daily activity.

Answer 10

there are natural meds you can take for it (saw them on the internet when looking for my nephew) he never took them so I don't know how well they work, sorry