Monday, February 25, 2019

When Treating ADHD Dallas Therapists Follow A Holistic Plan

By Henry Allen


For many years, people living with attention deficit disorder, or ADD, have been seen as nothing more than difficult, willful and misbehaving individuals. They were even treated as if they were mentally incapacitated. Thankfully, ADD and many others psychological problems are now acknowledged as conditions that can be diagnosed and treated. Unfortunately, many people still think that it is not a medical condition but rather a sure sign of behavioral misconduct. When diagnosing ADHD Dallas therapists can, however, help patients to deal with their condition.

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.

There are drugs that help to relieve some of the symptoms in some patients. However, drugs cannot completely manage the condition. They are only effective in relieving some of the more common symptoms. There is also the fact that many patients experience severely unpleasant side effects that may eventually even lead to other health problems. In short, drugs are not the quick and easy way to deal with ADD.

Experts in treating ADD prefer to follow a holistic treatment plan that combines different forms of therapy. Exercise is always an important part of such an approach. Exercise releases serotonin and dopamine in the brain. This makes the patient feel good and it definitely help to increase the concentration span. Patients are encouraged to exercise for at least thirty minutes every day, preferably the type of exercise that they enjoy.

The sleeping patterns of ADD sufferers are also of concern to therapists. Many of them seldom enjoy good quality, uninterrupted sleep. Insomnia is also very common. Patients need to adopt very rigid sleeping patterns by going to bed and getting up in the morning at the same time consistently. The room needs to be free of distractions such as televisions or computers. It must be dark and quiet.

Diet is also vitally important. Many patients do not eat for many days on end and thereafter they go on a binge of eating junk food. They need to eat at least six smaller meals every day. Each meal should contain fresh vegetables and fruit, some protein and omega fatty acids. This will help them to maintain constant energy levels and improve their concentration. Sugar and alcohol is absolutely taboo.

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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