For many years, people living with attention deficit disorder, or ADD, have been seen as nothing more than difficult, willful and misbehaving individuals. They were even treated as if they were mentally incapacitated. Thankfully, ADD and many others psychological problems are now acknowledged as conditions that can be diagnosed and treated. Unfortunately, many people still think that it is not a medical condition but rather a sure sign of behavioral misconduct. When diagnosing ADHD Dallas therapists can, however, help patients to deal with their condition.
Not all ADD patients suffer from the same symptoms but there are common signs that should alert parents. Most sufferers cannot concentrate for long. They fidget and are restless. Many of them sometimes talk incessantly and many others experience serious mood swings. Aggressive behavior is also very common, as is anti social tendencies. Many sufferers also struggle to see the relationship between existing and new information.
It is a common misconception that ADD is treated by means of drugs such as Ritalin. These drugs are not suitable for all patients and can cause severe side effects that can lead to other health problems. Another drawback is that no combination of drugs can manage all the symptoms common with those suffering from ADD. In some cases drugs do help, however, but not when used as the sole treatment method.
ADD cannot be cured. Therapists therefore focus on helping patients to manage and limit their symptoms and to develop techniques to cope with the condition. All treatment plans include a heavy emphasis on the importance of exercise. Patients need to be physical active for a minimum of half an hour every day. This improves their attention span and helps them to get rid of their aggression.
Another important part of the treatment plan is to make sure that the patient goes to bed and get up within a fixed routine. Many patients suffer from insomnia and this sometime aggravates the other symptoms. Patients must also make sure that their rooms are dark and that there is no television or any other device that can distract them. Silence in the bedroom is also important.
Diet is another vital component of any ADD treatment plan. Patients are known for abstaining from food for several days at a time and to then indulge into junk food that only serves to aggravate their symptoms. Therapists advise that they need to eat six or more small meals each day. Protein, fresh produce and omega fatty acids should be part of every meal.
Ongoing counseling is also of vital importance. Patients need to understand the nature of their condition and they need to accept the fact that the other components of the treatment plan, such as diet and exercise, are to their advantage. Counseling can also help patients to discuss their feelings and frustrations and to learn techniques to help them cope with and manage their symptoms, to build their self confidence and to develop a sense of self worth.
ADD need not be a debilitating condition. Patients can learn how to cope with their symptoms and how to enjoy life to the full. This can only be achieved by means of a multi pronged approach that addresses all the areas of their lives.
Not all ADD patients suffer from the same symptoms but there are common signs that should alert parents. Most sufferers cannot concentrate for long. They fidget and are restless. Many of them sometimes talk incessantly and many others experience serious mood swings. Aggressive behavior is also very common, as is anti social tendencies. Many sufferers also struggle to see the relationship between existing and new information.
It is a common misconception that ADD is treated by means of drugs such as Ritalin. These drugs are not suitable for all patients and can cause severe side effects that can lead to other health problems. Another drawback is that no combination of drugs can manage all the symptoms common with those suffering from ADD. In some cases drugs do help, however, but not when used as the sole treatment method.
ADD cannot be cured. Therapists therefore focus on helping patients to manage and limit their symptoms and to develop techniques to cope with the condition. All treatment plans include a heavy emphasis on the importance of exercise. Patients need to be physical active for a minimum of half an hour every day. This improves their attention span and helps them to get rid of their aggression.
Another important part of the treatment plan is to make sure that the patient goes to bed and get up within a fixed routine. Many patients suffer from insomnia and this sometime aggravates the other symptoms. Patients must also make sure that their rooms are dark and that there is no television or any other device that can distract them. Silence in the bedroom is also important.
Diet is another vital component of any ADD treatment plan. Patients are known for abstaining from food for several days at a time and to then indulge into junk food that only serves to aggravate their symptoms. Therapists advise that they need to eat six or more small meals each day. Protein, fresh produce and omega fatty acids should be part of every meal.
Ongoing counseling is also of vital importance. Patients need to understand the nature of their condition and they need to accept the fact that the other components of the treatment plan, such as diet and exercise, are to their advantage. Counseling can also help patients to discuss their feelings and frustrations and to learn techniques to help them cope with and manage their symptoms, to build their self confidence and to develop a sense of self worth.
ADD need not be a debilitating condition. Patients can learn how to cope with their symptoms and how to enjoy life to the full. This can only be achieved by means of a multi pronged approach that addresses all the areas of their lives.
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