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Managing ADHD Without Medication

Although prescription stimulant medications, such as Concerta and Adderall, can effectively manage the symptoms of ADHD, some people may choose a more natural route. Behavioral therapy, family therapy, exercise, and meditation have all shown promise in reducing ADHD symptoms.

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that manifests as a consistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity.1 These patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity significantly interfere with a person’s functioning or development. Both children and adults can have ADHD, with symptoms beginning during childhood.1

Symptoms of ADHD in children include:1

ADHD spelled in children's blocks

  • Inattentiveness in the classroom and on the playground.
  • Inability to listen when spoken to directly.
  • Failure to complete homework and household chores.
  • Constant movement (fidgeting).
  • Loses items, such as pencils, school books, or homework.
  • Inability to sit still for a long period of time.
  • Excessive talking.
  • Difficulty waiting their turn.
  • Often interrupts others.
  • Uses other people’s personal items without prior consent.

Symptoms of ADHD in adults are similar to those in children, but may present differently in a variety of settings. These symptoms include:1

Male student distracted in class due to having ADHD

  • Overlooks important details.
  • Exhibits inattentiveness, such as during lectures, conversations, or reading.
  • Struggles with organization.
  • Displays poor time management.
  • Fails to meet deadlines.
  • Loses items, such as a wallet, purse, keys, eyeglasses, and cell phone.
  • Exhibits restlessness and talkativeness.
  • Forgets to do daily tasks, such as paying bills, attending appointments, or returning calls.
  • Fails to remain still for extended periods of time, such as during meetings.
  • Struggles with waiting in lines.
  • Interrupts others.

Again, ADHD begins in childhood, but symptoms can change over time, increasing and decreasing in intensity. Also, the symptoms of ADHD may be mistaken for other emotional or behavioral problems. For example, restlessness and fidgeting may be confused with anxiety. Furthermore, forgetfulness and avoiding activities that require much mental effort could be confused with symptoms of depression. Once an individual has been thoroughly assessed and given an accurate diagnosis of ADHD, it is important that they receive treatment for their symptoms.2

How Is It Normally Treated?

While ADHD cannot be cured, it can be managed. Many children and adults with ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. Common medications used for the treatment of ADHD are prescription stimulants, such as Concerta, Adderall, and Ritalin. While these medications can be very beneficial and effective for those who struggle with symptoms of ADHD, they may also cause serious side effects in those who take them. Adverse effects include:2

  • Reduced appetite.
  • Sleep issues.
  • Twitching or tics.
  • Personality changes.
  • Increased blood pressure.
  • Rapid heart rate.
  • Increased anxiety.
  • irritability.
  • Headaches.
  • Stomachaches.

Because of these side effects, many people do not want to take the medications that are typically prescribed for ADHD. Parents may be especially concerned about how these side effects will impact their children. Further, some people may take these medications during childhood and decide that they do not want to continue taking them into adulthood. For those who have other conditions, such as anxiety, high blood pressure, seizures, glaucoma, and liver or kidney disease, they might not be able to take stimulant medications due to the possibility that taking them will cause dangerous complications.2

Those who are concerned about taking medications for the treatment of ADHD should speak with their physician about their options. There may be other, non-pharmacologic ways to manage symptoms that may be less worrisome, and your treatment providers should be able to give more details.

Ways to Manage ADHD Symptoms Naturally


If you or your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, you might have many concerns, one of the main ones being the stimulant medications that may be prescribed for the treatment of symptoms. However, it is important to remember that you have options. There are several ways to naturally treat the symptoms of ADHD with many of the options being practical, affordable, and backed by scientific research. Additionally, you can combine as many of these options as you see fit to create a comprehensive approach to managing this disorder. For example, you may attend therapy, exercise regularly, practice meditation, and make sure you get adequate sleep every night. If you are looking for a non-medicinal way to treat ADHD, it is worth your time to explore your many natural, safe, and reliable options.

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