Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a fairly common and usually emerges in childhood. Symptoms include impulsiveness, trouble concentrating, short attention span and fidgeting. Many different medications can help ease the symptoms of ADHD, but not without some unwanted side effects. Many parents find themselves reluctant to medicate their child for any long period of time. Treating a child's ADHD without medication is likely to take more effort, but it is possible.
Exercise
Children with ADHD can benefit greatly from at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise every day. Exercise not only will allow your child to burn up extra energy and return to a calmer state throughout the day, but its effects also may even mimic the actions of the drugs used to control ADHD. Typical medications for ADHD generally raise the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Higher levels help give your child more focus and concentration and reduce inappropriate impulses.
Counseling
If you do not like the idea of medicating your child for ADHD, you may want to consider visiting a psychological professional who specializes in the disorder. Counseling practices can teach the child, parents and the family as a whole better deal with the problems and symptoms of ADHD. One of the major benefits of counseling for ADHD rather than medication alone is the potential for uncovering any additional problems that may be contributing to the hyperactivity and attention issues, such as a learning disability. Counseling does not have to occur on a weekly or bi-weekly basis in order to be helpful. Often even one counseling session can give insight to better ways of dealing with and controlling the disorder.
Diet
It is no secret that many children are not eating properly. High fat and sugar intake can spell disaster for a child who already has problems with hyperactivity. Some studies have even indicated that many of the preservatives and artificial chemicals contained in much of our food may be contributing to ADHD problems. Modifying your child's diet to contain the nutrients necessary for healthy growth and development and cutting back on food additives and empty calories may bring some relief of ADHD symptoms. Even if changing your child's diet does not immediately fix all of the issues with hyperactivity and inattention, it will help, and if nothing else, it will improve your child's overall health.
Tags: your child, ADHD without, , , symptoms ADHD, that many, with hyperactivity