With An ADHD Specialist Michigan Patients Can Gain Control Over Life

By Angela Thompson


Before Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADD for short, was recognized as a medical condition sufferers were routinely written off by families, parents and teachers as willfully unruly, stupid, malicious and disrupting individuals. Despite the fact that the condition is now formally recognized as a disease, patients still suffer from a great deal of prejudice. The truth is that this disorder can be treated and managed. With help from an ADHD specialist Michigan patients can lead perfectly normal lives.

ADD patients do not all display or experience the same symptoms. There are a few common symptoms to look out for, however. Most patients struggle to concentrate on one activity for any length of time. Many patients avoid social interaction and many others are perceived as aggressive or deliberately rude. When parents, teachers or loved ones spot these telltale signs it may be time to see a therapist.

It is a common misconception that ADD can best be treated with prescription drugs like Ritalin. This is definitely not the case. These drugs only address a very small portion of the symptoms commonly experienced by patients. They often have very nasty side effects and they may even pose a real health risk. Drugs do help some patients but they can never be the entire extent of a proper treatment regime.

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.

Most ADD sufferers need counselling on a regular basis. They need to know as much as possible about their condition and they have to develop strategies to deal with the symptoms that they experience. Many patients also need help with developing a healthy self respect and sense of self worth. Therapists also teach patients how to deal with rejection, aggression and social exclusion.

There is no reason why ADD should wreck the lives of sufferers and their loved ones. The condition can be managed and treated, but only if a holistic approach is taken. To this end it is important to make sure that patients see specialists in this area on a regular basis.




About the Author: