Attention deficit disorder, or ADD as it is more commonly known, afflicts more people than is generally realized. Unfortunately, there is still a widespread misconception that people with ADD are just lazy, stupid, willful or deliberately rude. As a result, children with this condition are often excluded from group activities and they easily become loners. The fact is that this is a known condition and various forms of treatment are available. When treating ADHD Dallas therapists concentrate on helping their patients to cope with live.
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.
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 suffering from ADD need not be excluded from participating as full and respected members of society. The condition can be managed and controlled. Ongoing treatment is essential, however, since this condition cannot be cured. Apart from treatment, patients also benefit greatly if they enjoy the support of their loved ones.
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.
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 suffering from ADD need not be excluded from participating as full and respected members of society. The condition can be managed and controlled. Ongoing treatment is essential, however, since this condition cannot be cured. Apart from treatment, patients also benefit greatly if they enjoy the support of their loved ones.
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