When Treating ADHD Dallas Therapists Follow A Holistic Plan

By Henry Allen


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 signs parents need to look out for. Most patients suffer from mood swings and sometime aggression. Sufferers often withdraw from social interaction with others and they cannot focus upon a single thing for any length of time. Many patients chatter constantly and others struggle to integrate new knowledge with what they already know. Any one or a combination of the symptoms can indicate ADD.

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.

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.

Therapists also pay close attention to the sleeping patterns of their patients. Many ADD patients suffer from insomnia or very poor quality sleep. This often makes the symptoms worse. Therapists advise that the patient must get into a strict regime by going to bed and getting up at the same time. Care must also be taken to ensure that the room is quiet and dark. A good quality bed also helps.

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.

ADD sufferers often have to deal with constant rejection. That is why they need counseling. They need to learn how to recognize their symptoms and how to deal with it in a positive manner. They need to learn ways in which they can control aggression and to improve their social skills. It is also important to have an objective and sympathetic ear that will listen to the frustrations and problems of the patient.

ADD need not be a debilitating condition. Patients can learn how to cope with their symptoms and how to enjoy life to the full. This can only be achieved by means of a multi pronged approach that addresses all the areas of their lives.




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