With An ADHD Specialist Michigan Patients Can Gain Control Over Life

By Angela Thompson


Attention Deficit Disorder, commonly called ADD, has only recently been acknowledged as a bona fide medical condition that can be treated and managed. Even now, however, people still treat sufferers as lazy, stupid, willful, disruptive and rude individuals. As a result, many sufferers suffer from concomitant conditions such as depression and high levels of anxiety. Thankfully, with assistance from an ADHD specialist Michigan patients can learn to manage their conditions and to live full and rewarding lives.

Not all patients suffer from the same symptoms. It varies from one case to the next. There are nevertheless a few important signs that parents and teachers should watch out for. A large percentage of patients are utterly unable to focus on one activity at a time. Many are fidgety and cannot sit still for more than a few minutes. There are many of them that talk nonstop. These signs should be seen as an alert for ADD.

It is a truly great mistake to think that ADD can be treated with drugs alone. Many parents, teachers and others place their trust in drugs such as Ritalin to manage the condition in their loved ones. No drug or even combination of drugs can effectively control all the symptoms of ADD. Some drugs actually have terrible side effects and pose a real health risk to patients.

Because there is no cure for ADD, therapists have to focus on a holistic approach that covers all aspects of daily life. Exercise is always a very important component of any treatment program. Patients that exercise at least half an hour every day are more relaxed, less aggressive and they are able to focus and concentrate better. Exercise also releases endorphins that make people feel good.

Good quality sleep is also part of the treatment plan for ADD patients. Many of them suffer from insomnia and they never enjoy a proper rest. They are therefore advised to established fixed routines by going to bed at night and getting up at the morning at the same times. The room needs to be quiet and there must be no light, not even a night light or an indicator from a device charger.

The correct diet is also very important for the well being of ADD patients. Many of them refrain from eating for days at a time, only to gorge themselves with junk food thereafter. Therapists advise them to eat several small meals every day and to try and include fresh fruit, vegetables and omega fatty acids in each meal. Patients need to avoid sugar and alcohol.

ADD patients have to live with the condition all their lives. That is why most of them need counselling. Trained therapists can teach them more about their condition and they can equip them with techniques and strategies to deal with the symptoms when they occur. Group sessions also help patients to become more socially adept and it gives them a chance to voice their frustrations.

Living with ADD is not easy. Sufferers have to be on their guard against the onset of their symptoms at all times. They need to lead disciplined lives and they have to deal with the prejudice of uninformed people. This requires bravery and a high level of determination.




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