Complementary Approaches for Managing ADHD

Clinical practice guidelines recommend medication and behavioral parent training as the first-line treatments for ADHD, and research confirms their efficacy. However, many adults and children benefit from holistic treatment plans that also include exercise, mindful meditation, high-protein and low-sugar diets, vitamins and supplements, therapy, coaching, and more complementary approaches to managing ADHD.

Do non-medication approaches reduce ADHD symptoms? Are supplements, nutrition, and exercise shown to complement medication? What does the science say? Complementary Approaches for Managing ADHD answers those questions and more in its 199 pages.

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9-PART GUIDE TO ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO ADHD

Complementary Approaches for Managing ADHD details expert advice and resources spanning the following topics:

CHAPTER 1: THE ADHD TREATMENT LANDSCAPE TODAY

• Epigenetic research suggests that modifications in nutrition, sleep, and exercise can positively impact symptoms of ADHD.
• Many complementary approaches address ADHD’s secondary issues, such as stress, anxiety, self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation.
• Integrative medicine considers the whole person and devises a patient’s care plan comprising conventional treatments and complementary therapies.

CHAPTER 2: 10 THERAPIES FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN WITH ADHD

• Therapies for ADHD encompass a range of approaches from skills training to talk therapy and creating art to working with horses.
• ADHD medication paired with behavioral training is the most effective treatment for ADHD in children, especially those who also exhibit oppositional behavior.
• Finding the right therapy requires self-reflection, research, and a discussion with your treatment team.

CHAPTER 3: HOW EXERCISE AND GREEN TIME AFFECT ADHD SYMPTOMS

• Strong evidence shows that physical activity promotes brain growth, improves brain efficiency, and strengthens learning abilities.
• Time spent outside in natural settings reduces inattentiveness in children.
• Identifying goals, recruiting an accountability partner, varying activities, and scheduling workouts are some ways to incorporate exercise into daily routines.

CHAPTER 4: THE ROLE OF NUTRITION IN THE ADHD BRAIN

• Unhealthy eating patterns are often the byproducts of ADHD symptoms like impulsivity and inattention.
• Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and lean proteins benefit ADHD brains.
• Studies suggest that children with ADHD are adversely affected by food additives, artificial food coloring, and flavors,

CHAPTER 5: VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS THAT SUPPORT BRAIN HEALTH

• Supplements and vitamins are not meant to replace medication and behavioral therapy.
• Studies suggest that people with ADHD have low levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are believed to be important in the body’s production of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
• The best time to take a melatonin supplement is 90 to 120 minutes before bedtime; any later may lead to delayed sleep and difficulties waking up in the morning.

CHAPTER 6: CALMING ADHD BRAINS WITH MINDFULNESS AND SOMATIC THERAPY

• Mindfulness trains the brain to be less reactive, more observant, and more self-aware.
• Mindfulness techniques can enhance social skills, improve focus, and promote emotional regulation in children at home and at school.
• Many people associate meditation with a “spiritual lifestyle;” however, mindfulness is not a spiritual practice, but a type of meditation.

CHAPTER 7: WHAT IS ADHD COACHING, AND HOW DO YOU FIND A COACH?

• ADHD coaches are trained professionals who help individuals with ADHD develop strategies and skills to manage their symptoms, but they are not therapists or medical experts.
• No regulating body currently certifies ADHD coaches; several institutions have established robust criteria to be an ADHD coach.
• Age is not a criterion for coaching—ADHD coaches can work with individuals of all ages, including children, teens, adults, and older adults.

CHAPTER 8: BRAIN TRAINING AND NEUROFEEDBACK: WHAT THE SCIENCE SAYS

• Brain training refers to a range of programs, tools, and exercises meant to strengthen the brain by changing its structure, altering brain waves, or improving specific brain-based skills.
• Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that uses EEG to help patients train their brains to improve focus, impulsivity, and executive functions.
• According to research, neurofeedback and brain training are not effective standalone treatments for ADHD.

CHAPTER 9: ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES NOT BACKED BY SCIENCE

• Alternative approaches, such as lion’s mane mushroom, kava, caffeine, and homeopathy, are not recommended to treat ADHD.
• Anecdotal evidence suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) oil may help reduce symptoms, but no large studies recommend CBD oil for ADHD.
• Small studies link turmeric and curcumin, hypnotherapy, and EFT tapping to positive outcomes for individuals with ADHD; however, robust clinical trials remain sparse.

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Complementary Approaches for Managing ADHD: What Science Says About the Benefits of Exercise, Therapy, Nutrition, Vitamins, Supplements, and Mindfulness for ADHD Brains

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The full report includes 199 pages of expert advice and information on therapies that benefit individuals with ADHD, vitamins and supplements to consider (and avoid), and strategies for incorporating green time and mindfulness into daily routines, plus more from ADDitude!

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