Behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapies, and nonmedical treatments can help people with ADHD treatments without a prescription. They can teach adults to identify and change self-talk that leads to distraction, poor planning, and impulsivity. They can also learn relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation. For children, a combination of behavioral treatments and medication is the most effective treatment.
Most school-aged children with ADHD are treated with a stimulant medicine, often with behavioral treatments and classroom accommodations. However, parents who prefer to avoid medicines should work closely with the child’s doctor or nurse to help him achieve optimum performance.
Natural ADHD Treatment Options: Strategies Beyond Prescription Medications
Many children need to try different types of stimulants to find the one that works best for them, and they may need to have their dosages gradually increased. They should see their GP regularly to monitor the effects and check that the medicine is working well. They should also be re-evaluated every year, since symptoms can change over time.
A GP can also prescribe a non-stimulant medicine called atomoxetine (trade name Strattera) for those who cannot tolerate stimulants. It can help improve the way that certain brain chemicals work and may also be used in place of stimulants in people who have a history of drug abuse or are at risk of developing it.
It’s important to remember that, despite their effectiveness, medicines don’t cure ADHD. They only reduce the symptoms, and a person needs to be working on behavioral skills at the same time. If he isn’t, he is likely to continue struggling with underachievements and frustrations, the development of unhealthy defense mechanisms and emotional problems damaged self-esteem, and eventually low motivation and ambitions.
