With ADHD Adult Treatment Athens Sufferers Have New Hope

By Sharon Taylor


Before Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder was recognized as a medical condition, sufferers were ostracised and dismissed as disruptive people unable to function in normal society. They were seen as deliberately anti social, rude, lazy and egotistical people that should be ignored, chastised or restrained. At best they were seen as eccentric. Luckily, with proper ADHD adult treatment Athens patients can function well in society and they can learn how to cope with the symptoms that hamper their daily functioning mechanisms.

ADD can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Sufferers often find it difficult to learn new skills or to achieve cognitive objectives. In fact, most people associate the condition with learning problems. Some patients also display unruly behaviour, an inability to concentrate and a tendency to jump from one activity to the next without completing any of them. Patients also tend to be fidgety, prone to non stop talking and impatience.

Effectively treating ADD requires a multi disciplinary approach. Some people think that the condition can be controlled by simply swallowing a pill. Medication is indeed part of a holistic approach but in most cases it treats only the symptoms. Some symptoms, such as forgetfulness do not react to medication. Patients also need to be careful to monitor and report side effects of the medication they use.

Regular exercise, at least thirty minutes each day, is one of the easiest ways in which patients can find relief from their symptoms. Exercise, especially if it is done out of doors, releases dopamine as well as serotonin in the brain. This has an almost immediate positive effect on the memory and the ability to concentrate and it also helps to keep the patient calm and motivated. Exercise also helps patients to become used to a set routine.

Taking steps to ensure better quality sleep is also important in the management of this condition. Many patients have problems in this area and a lack of quality sleep aggravates the symptoms. Instead of using yet more medication, patients are encouraged to go to bed at the same time and to get up at the same time each day. They need to make sure that their rooms are completely dark and free of any type of noise or distraction.

Diet also forms an important part of a holistic approach to treating patients with ADD. Patients are known for going without food for hours and then binging on whatever they can find. Many symptoms can be kept at bay by eating regular, smaller meals that contain protein and Omega fatty acids such as can be found in tuna, sardines and milk products. Many patients find that it helps to take a daily vitamin supplement containing zinc and magnesium.

Some patients benefit from formal psychological therapy. Therapists can help them to deal with their symptoms and to channel their frustrations in a positive manner. Therapy is not always possible because it is expensive, but experts agree that all patients benefit from practising relaxation disciplines such as yoga or meditation. This helps them to relax, to focus and to find solutions for their problems.

Once ADD was recognized and acknowledged as a medical condition patients got a second chance at leading balanced lives. Suddenly, they are no longer seen as social misfits that are disruptive and disagreeable. A multi prong approach to a treatment plan seems to work best but the patient needs to cooperate.




About the Author: