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.
ADD can manifest in a wide variety of symptoms. Most sufferers struggle to concentrate on any specific matter for a long time. Many patients cannot relate new knowledge with existing knowledge easily or to see the relationship between two subjects. Severe mood swings are also common and sufferers are prone to developing depression and anti social behavior. A tendency to talk incessantly can also be a clear sign of ADD.
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.
The sleeping patterns of ADD sufferers are also of concern to therapists. Many of them seldom enjoy good quality, uninterrupted sleep. Insomnia is also very common. Patients need to adopt very rigid sleeping patterns by going to bed and getting up in the morning at the same time consistently. The room needs to be free of distractions such as televisions or computers. It must be dark and quiet.
Any treatment plan will also pay close attention to the diet of the patient. Many ADD patients stay without food for days on end, only to then stuff themselves with unhealthy foods. Patients need to eat several small meals each day, at least six. They need to consumer protein, fatty acids and fresh fruit and vegetable wherever possible. Sugar and alcohol should be totally avoided.
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.
People living with ADD did nothing wrong and the condition is not their fault. They need support and understanding from their families and they need to know that they can actually cope with ADD. They can indeed take their rightful place in society and make a positive contribution.
ADD can manifest in a wide variety of symptoms. Most sufferers struggle to concentrate on any specific matter for a long time. Many patients cannot relate new knowledge with existing knowledge easily or to see the relationship between two subjects. Severe mood swings are also common and sufferers are prone to developing depression and anti social behavior. A tendency to talk incessantly can also be a clear sign of ADD.
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.
The sleeping patterns of ADD sufferers are also of concern to therapists. Many of them seldom enjoy good quality, uninterrupted sleep. Insomnia is also very common. Patients need to adopt very rigid sleeping patterns by going to bed and getting up in the morning at the same time consistently. The room needs to be free of distractions such as televisions or computers. It must be dark and quiet.
Any treatment plan will also pay close attention to the diet of the patient. Many ADD patients stay without food for days on end, only to then stuff themselves with unhealthy foods. Patients need to eat several small meals each day, at least six. They need to consumer protein, fatty acids and fresh fruit and vegetable wherever possible. Sugar and alcohol should be totally avoided.
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.
People living with ADD did nothing wrong and the condition is not their fault. They need support and understanding from their families and they need to know that they can actually cope with ADD. They can indeed take their rightful place in society and make a positive contribution.
About the Author:
Get a summary of the factors to keep in mind when picking an ADHD Dallas treatment option at http://www.familycareclinicforadhd.com/family-practice-arlington.html right now.
No comments:
Post a Comment