Research has shown that ADHD is repeatedly linked to genetics. Often, if a child has ADHD, there is a relative somewhere who suffers from it as well. Yet, unlike many years ago, there are excellent ways to treat and help both adults and children with ADHD today.
Treatments
For both adults and children, there are medications available that mitigate the symptoms of ADHD; however, if one chooses not to medicate, there are many options.
For adults, many experts suggest the following:
- Train yourself to become more organized. Make lists of daily tasks (be reasonable!) and strive to complete them. Use a daily planner, leave notes for yourself and set your alarm clock when you need to remember an appointment or other activity. These steps will help you follow through on your plans rather than leave them hanging.
- Control impulsive behavior. If you have a tendency to do things you later regret, such as interrupting or getting angry with others, manage the impulse by counting to 10 while breathing slowly. Usually the impulse will pass as quickly as it appeared. Other techniques include exercise and deep breathing.
- Minimize distractions. Find ways to reduce the distractions throughout the day. If you find yourself being distracted by loud music or the television, turn it off or use earplugs. Move yourself to a quieter location or ask others to help reduce distractions.
- Find constructive outlets for excess energy. People with ADHD sometimes seem to have more nervous energy than others, and this hyperactivity needs to have an outlet of some sort. Find a hobby that you are good at and spend your extra attention on that, for instance: knitting, painting, writing, or swimming.
- Ask for help. We all need help from time to time and it is important to not be afraid to ask for it. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse.
Though ADHD makes life significantly harder for children and adults, there are some benefits. People with ADHD tend to be more resilient, energetic, and creative than others. Once managed, ADHD need not be a burden; rather, it can be a catalyst towards great achievements and success. It’s never too late to harvest that extra energy and put it to good use!
