Taming adult ADHD
Can't focus? Are easily impatient? Hate dealing with multitasking? You may be contending with adult ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Join the crowd.
More than 15 million American adults have been diagnosed with ADHD (many more go undiagnosed) and have to deal with the work, relationship and internal conflicts that can arise as a result of the disorder.
So, what can you do to tamp down your symptoms and lessen your risk for associated health problems such as alcohol dependence, obsessive-compulsive disorder, drug abuse, intermittent explosive disorder and -- yup -- obesity?
Stimulant medications such as Ritalin and Adderall can be useful -- around half of adults diagnosed with ADHD have been prescribed such drugs. But fully 71% of them report that they have trouble finding available medication. Fortunately, there are non-drug therapies that can ease symptoms.
Establish everyday routines. You can help yourself get organized by making lists for different tasks and activities and using a calendar for scheduling events. Break down large projects into smaller, manageable tasks.
Enjoy daily aerobic exercise. It can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and improve executive functioning. Yoga and meditation are also calming and improve executive functioning. Plus, research indicates that neurofeedback (a kind of biofeedback that teaches self-control of brain function) can help control impulsivity and agitation.
Consider various supplements. Research shows that there are potential benefits from taking melatonin (ADHD can disrupt sleep cycles), pycnogenol (French maritime pine bark), green coffee bean extract, and caffeine or caffeine and L-theanine. For more ideas, read "The Best Supplements for Boosting Focus and Attention" at iHerb.com/blog.
Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world's leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively. Together they have written 11 New York Times bestsellers (four No. 1's).
(c)2024 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2024 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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