Exercise regularly. Exercising is one of the most effective ways to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Try walking, skateboarding, hiking, dancing or playing a favorite sport. Encourage your child to put down the video games and play outside. Eat a healthy diet. Set regular snack and meal times. Get plenty of sleep. Regular quality sleep can lead to vast improvement in the symptoms of ADHD.
Simple changes to daytime habits go a long way toward resting well at night. Have a set bedtime and stick to it. Avoid caffeine later in the day. Try therapy. ADHD professionals can help you or your child learn new skills to cope with symptoms and change habits that are causing problems.
Some therapies focus on managing stress and anger or controlling impulsive behaviors, while others teach you how to manage time, improve organizational skills, and persist toward goals. Maintain a positive attitude. A positive attitude and common sense are your best assets for treating ADHD. Here are some guidelines for safe use:. Learn about the prescribed medication.
Find out everything you can about the ADHD medication you or your child is taking, including potential side effects, how often to take it, special warnings, and other substances that should be avoided, such as over-the-counter cold medication. Be patient. Finding the right medication and dose is a trial-and-error process. It will take some experimenting, as well as open, honest communication with your doctor. Start small. Keep track of any side effects and monitor how well the medication is working to reduce symptoms.
Taper off slowly. If you or your child wants to stop taking medication, call the doctor for guidance on gradually decreasing the dose.
Abruptly stopping medication can lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, depression, and headaches. Encourage your child to come to you with any medication-related concerns so you can work together to solve the problem or find another treatment option.
A child still needs to behave like a child. Here is a list of questions you should ask when your child begins medication therapy, changes dosage, or starts taking a different medication:.
Heininger and Sharon K. Most children and adults taking medication for ADHD will experience at least a few side effects. Sometimes, side effects go away after the first few weeks on the medication.
You may also be able to eliminate or reduce unpleasant side effects with a few simple strategies. Loss of appetite. To deal with reduced appetite, eat healthy snacks throughout the day and push dinner to a later time when the medication has worn off. If getting to sleep is a problem, try taking the stimulant earlier in the day.
If you or your child is taking an extended-release stimulant, you can also try switching to the short-acting form. It's advisable to talk to your GP before using any supplements, because some can react unpredictably with medicine or make it less effective.
You should also remember that some supplements should not be taken long term, as they can reach dangerous levels in your body. Read more about living with ADHD. Page last reviewed: 30 May Next review due: 30 May ADHD can be treated using medicine or therapy, but a combination of both is often best. Medicine There are 5 types of medicine licensed for the treatment of ADHD: methylphenidate lisdexamfetamine dexamfetamine atomoxetine guanfacine These medicines are not a permanent cure for ADHD but may help someone with the condition concentrate better, be less impulsive, feel calmer, and learn and practise new skills.
Methylphenidate may be offered to adults, teenagers and children over the age of 5 with ADHD. Common side effects of methylphenidate include: a small increase in blood pressure and heart rate loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss or poor weight gain trouble sleeping headaches stomach aches mood swings Lisdexamfetamine Lisdexamfetamine is a medicine that stimulates certain parts of the brain.
Lisdexamfetamine comes in capsule form, taken once a day. Common side effects of lisdexamfetamine include: decreased appetite, which can lead to weight loss or poor weight gain aggression drowsiness dizziness headaches diarrhoea nausea and vomiting Dexamfetamine Dexamfetamine is similar to lisdexamfetamine and works in the same way. Common side effects of dexamfetamine include: decreased appetite mood swings agitation and aggression dizziness headaches diarrhoea nausea and vomiting Atomoxetine Atomoxetine works differently from other ADHD medicines.
Atomoxetine comes in capsule form, usually taken once or twice a day. Common side effects of atomoxetine include: a small increase in blood pressure and heart rate nausea and vomiting stomach aches trouble sleeping dizziness headaches irritability Atomoxetine has also been linked to some more serious side effects that are important to look out for, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Guanfacine Guanfacine acts on part of the brain to improve attention, and it also reduces blood pressure. Guanfacine is usually taken as a tablet once a day, in the morning or evening.
Common side effects include: tiredness or fatigue headache abdominal pain dry mouth Therapy As well as taking medicine, different therapies can be useful in treating ADHD in children, teenagers and adults.
Some of the therapies that may be used are outlined below. Psychoeducation Psychoeducation means you or your child will be encouraged to discuss ADHD and its effects. Behaviour therapy Behaviour therapy provides support for carers of children with ADHD and may involve teachers as well as parents.
Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Stimulants are the most common type of medicine used to treat ADHD. They work by increasing the availability of certain chemicals in the brain, thus making the pathways in the brain work more effectively.
Our brains are made up of nerve cells called neurons , which are separated by tiny gaps called synapses. All brain and nervous system functions are based on how these neurons communicate across synapses. The neurons relay information to each other by sending chemical messengers or neurotransmitters across the synapses throughout the neural network. Neurotransmitters are produced within a neuron. The neuron releases the neurotransmitter and it travels into the synapse. The neurotransmitter may then be accepted by the next neuron attaching at a site called a receptor, thereby transmitting information from one nerve cell to another throughout the brain.
In order for these pathways to work effectively so that the message gets through, the neuron must produce and release enough of the neurotransmitter. It can help them pay attention. And that can help them process and learn new information. ADHD medication works in about eight out of 10 people.
There are two main types of ADHD medication: stimulants and non-stimulants. Each type targets a different neurotransmitter. Keep in mind that ADHD medication can cause side effects. This is true for stimulants and non-stimulants.
Two of the most common side effects are decreased appetite and trouble sleeping. Some people get anxious or restless when medication wears off.
This is called a rebound effect. There are rarer side effects, too, like motor tics.
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