Is there a way to treat adhd without using drugs?

A variety of psychotherapeutic and behavior modification approaches to managing ADHD including psychotherapy and working memory therapy may be used. Improving the surrounding home and school environment with parent management training and classroom management can improve the behavior of children with ADHD. Specialized ADHD coaches provide services and strategies to improve functioning, like time management or organizational suggestions. Self control training programs have shown to have limited effectiveness. Behaviorally based self control does better than cognitive self control training A meta-analysis found that the use of behavior modification for ADHD are effective.

There are a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches employed by psychologists and psychiatrists; the one used depends on the patient and the patient's symptoms. The approaches include psychotherapy, cognitive-behavior therapy, support groups, parent training, meditation, and social skills training. If psychotherapy fails to bring improvement, medications can be considered as an add-on or alternative.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is another option, with or without medication, that has been shown to be effective.

Parent education and classroom management

Improving the surrounding home and school environment can improve the behavior of children with ADHD. Parents of children with ADHD often show similar deficits themselves, and thus may not be able to sufficiently help the child with his or her difficulties. Improving the parents' understanding of the child's behavior and teaching them strategies to improve functioning and communication and discourage unwanted behavior has measurable affect on the children with ADHD. The different educational interventions for the parents are jointly called Parent Management Training. Techniques include operant conditioning: a consistent application of rewards for meeting goals and good behavior (positive reinforcement) and punishments such as time-outs or revocation or privileges for failing to meet goals or poor behavior. Classroom management is similar to parent management training; educators learn about ADHD and techniques to improve behavior applied to a classroom setting. Strategies utilized include increased structuring of classroom activities, daily feedback, and token economy.

Working memory training

Many of the problems shown by children with ADHD can be traced back to deficits in working memory (or short-term memory). By training and improving this memory some of the other symptoms may diminish as well. In a study by Klingberg et al., a computerized training program has shown good results in working memory, even if the generalized effect to behavioral symptoms was not as clear.

Coaching

ADHD Coaching is a specialized type of life coaching that uses specific techniques geared toward working with the unique brain wiring of individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Professional coaching is not considered a substitute for traditional treatment such as medication and therapy.

Hope the info helped? Take care, best wishes!

It was tough for me to do, being ADHD, but I've learned how much it helps. Now, he has found something he loves to do and becomes hyperfocused when he has a project. But, he can do several things at once while concentrating on one. He took meds. for awhile on a couple different occasions, but is finally off them at 27. Good luck! Remember, structure, exercise, counseling & lots of love because "we" have a natural lack of self-esteem. Jillian