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.
The symptoms of ADD manifest differently from one patient to the next but there are a few that should alert parents and loved ones. Patients often withdraw from all forms of social interaction and they find it very difficult to concentrate on a single task or activity for any period of time. A lot of patients tend to prattle on incessantly. Most patients also find it very difficult to relate new information with their existing knowledge base.
Many people think that the treatment of ADD is as simple as to prescribe drugs such as Ritalin. These drugs are not suitable for all patients and in some cases they can cause very serious side effects and even other health problems. In addition, these drugs are only suitable for controlling a small number of the symptoms. At best drugs are used only as one component of a treatment plan.
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.
A proper sleeping pattern is also an important part of a treatment plan. Most ADD patients suffer from insomnia and they seldom get enough rest. This has an adverse effect upon the severity of almost all the other symptoms. Therapists encourage patients to establish a fixed sleeping routine where they go to bed and get up at the same time every day. The room needs to be dark and silent.
Following a proper diet is also vitally important for ADD patients. So many of them do not eat for days and then indulge in unhealthy food. Therapists encourage them to eat a minimum of six smaller meals each day. Every meal should include some protein, fresh vegetables and fruit and some omega fatty acids. This helps to keep their energy levels up and to improve their concentration abilities.
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.
There may be no cure for ADD but it is a condition that can be managed. Patients need to be disciplined, however, and adhere to their treatment programs at all times. If they do, there is no reason why they cannot live full and satisfying lives.
The symptoms of ADD manifest differently from one patient to the next but there are a few that should alert parents and loved ones. Patients often withdraw from all forms of social interaction and they find it very difficult to concentrate on a single task or activity for any period of time. A lot of patients tend to prattle on incessantly. Most patients also find it very difficult to relate new information with their existing knowledge base.
Many people think that the treatment of ADD is as simple as to prescribe drugs such as Ritalin. These drugs are not suitable for all patients and in some cases they can cause very serious side effects and even other health problems. In addition, these drugs are only suitable for controlling a small number of the symptoms. At best drugs are used only as one component of a treatment plan.
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.
A proper sleeping pattern is also an important part of a treatment plan. Most ADD patients suffer from insomnia and they seldom get enough rest. This has an adverse effect upon the severity of almost all the other symptoms. Therapists encourage patients to establish a fixed sleeping routine where they go to bed and get up at the same time every day. The room needs to be dark and silent.
Following a proper diet is also vitally important for ADD patients. So many of them do not eat for days and then indulge in unhealthy food. Therapists encourage them to eat a minimum of six smaller meals each day. Every meal should include some protein, fresh vegetables and fruit and some omega fatty acids. This helps to keep their energy levels up and to improve their concentration abilities.
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.
There may be no cure for ADD but it is a condition that can be managed. Patients need to be disciplined, however, and adhere to their treatment programs at all times. If they do, there is no reason why they cannot live full and satisfying lives.
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You can find complete details about the benefits and advantages of consulting an ADHD specialist Michigan area at http://www.michiganneurodevelopmentcenter.com right now.