| Once you have been accurately diagnosed with | | | | Though many of these alternatives are not officially |
| attention deficit disorder (ADD), you can begin to | | | | recognized as treatments for ADD, they have been |
| explore ways to alleviate or even overcome your | | | | known to work for some people. Sufficient research |
| symptoms. This search should start with an | | | | has not been performed for them to be approved. |
| experienced professional - most likely your physician. | | | | These alternatives include visual therapy, nutritional |
| He or she can suggest coping mechanisms and | | | | supplements, hypnotherapy and neuro-biofeedback - a |
| changes that can immediately begin to improve your | | | | non-invasive way to record normal brain function and |
| life. | | | | then change electrical activity patterns that may be |
| Many people who suffer from ADD - especially adults | | | | impairing performance. |
| who have gone their entire lives without treatment - | | | | If medication, support groups and lifestyle changes are |
| also suffer from very low self-esteem. Their | | | | not having the effects you desire, then personal |
| symptoms have caused them to fail in careers, | | | | coaching might be a good option for you. An ADD |
| relationships, financial matters and other areas of their | | | | coach doesn't need to be a therapist or have any |
| life. A good jumping-off point for treatment is to find | | | | special training, but he or she should be well-educated |
| something you can be successful at so that you can | | | | about ADD and have clear plans and coping |
| immediately begin improving your self-confidence. | | | | mechanisms arranged for clients. You can pay a |
| There are many lifestyle changes that can also help | | | | professional coach to help you or even rely on a |
| control the symptoms of ADD. For many with this | | | | trusted friend. However, if your ADD makes you |
| disorder, stress and an overcomplicated life can | | | | irritable or angry, having a friend or family member as |
| greatly exacerbate the symptoms of ADD. Avoiding | | | | your coach can put a lot of strain on the relationship. |
| stressful situations and simplifying your schedule can | | | | So think carefully before you ask someone you know |
| be a great way to see positive results quickly. Also, | | | | to be your coach. |
| talk to your doctor about a diet and exercise plan. The | | | | In her book Women with Attention Deficit Disorder, |
| healthier your body is, the healthier your mind can be | | | | Sari Solden lists three main areas where an ADD |
| because it does not have to deal with physical | | | | coach can be of assistance: |
| ailments. | | | | 1. Help the client stay on track, priority and meet goals. |
| If lifestyle changes are not making enough of an | | | | 2. Give support in order to help you see your |
| impact - and for many they don't - then speak with | | | | successes. |
| your doctor about trying certain medications. There are | | | | 3. Help the client maintain systems and stay with you |
| many effective medications available by prescription | | | | while you complete necessary tasks that you may |
| and it is likely that you can find one that will alleviate as | | | | find boring and repetitive. |
| least some of your symptoms. If you experience side | | | | Regardless of your symptoms or the degree to which |
| effects, discuss this with your doctor. Often side | | | | you suffer from ADD, there are many options |
| effects can be avoided by a change in diet, the timing | | | | available to help you. If you start with a clear diagnosis |
| of administering the medication or a change in dosage. | | | | and create a plan for treatment, you can begin to |
| You may also need to try a few different medications | | | | alleviate your symptoms. Just keep in mind that each |
| before you find one that is just right for you. | | | | ADD patient is unique and it may take some time to |
| In the event that you do not want to treat your ADD | | | | find exactly the right treatment(s) for you. |
| with medication, there are some alternative treatments. | | | | |