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The Progression of ADHD and Natural ADHD Treatment Options

The Progression of ADHD and Natural ADHD Treatment Options

There is a natural progression to the way that ADHD manifests in those that suffer from it. As a person ages, ADHD tends to progress in a fairly common path depending on what actions have been done to treat it. What is an indicator at one age may develop into something more serious at a later stage in life. Knowing what to expect at all ages can help parents identify and assist in finding natural ADHD treatment options.

Toddlers: Hard To Diagnose

Extremely unruly behavior may indicate that a toddler is beginning to suffer from ADHD. Often not diagnosed until later, a doctor or health professional can still inform a parent of strategies to help them manage their small child’s hyperactivity.

Children: Concrete Symptoms Emerge

In elementary school, symptoms besides hyperactivity begin to show (although not all children will be hyperactive). Some symptoms that may emerge are:

  • Lack of focus
  • Trouble sharing or taking turns
  • Talking over others
  • Constantly losing things
  • Inability to complete homework or chores
  • Easily frustrated

Teens: Emotional Turbulence

At this age, hyperactivity can begin to decline, but suffering teens may still feel restless and not able to sit for long periods of time. The frustration that has been manifesting as a child may now turn into a more serious issue like Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Other symptoms that appear more significantly are:

  • Time management problems
  • Risky behavior
  • Drug and alcohol use
  • School performance slipping
  • Difficulty driving (multiple accidents or infractions)

Adults: Serious Consequences of Impulsivity

In adulthood, hyperactivity is rarely present. But, other destructive behaviors are even more noticeable as they have become engrained. Impulsivity can cause an adult with ADHD to suddenly quit their job or drive erratically. They also might make poor financial choices, and engage in risky sexual behavior. Relationships are also more likely to fail—divorces are more common among adults who have ADHD.

Controlling ADHD With A Holistic Approach

The best approach to controlling ADHD is a holistic approach. A combination of treatment and lifestyle changes that work together is the best way to manage this disorder. Here are some components to healthy treatment:

  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): This therapy helps ADHD suffers change destructive patterns of behavior. It involves increasing self-awareness, controlling self-defeating thoughts and modifying thinking.
  • Physical activity: Exercising outdoors is extremely beneficial to sufferers of ADHD. Sunshine, air, and exercise relieves stress, boosts mood,calms the mind and reduces feelings of aggression.
  • Diet: Mood, behavior and cognition are closely associated with diet and nutrition. Studies and personal testimonies have shown that ADHD can be greatly managed with the right holistic diet. Eliminating sugar can be the single most important change a person with ADHD needs to make to their diet.

Untreated ADHD, Lifelong Consequences

Left untreated, ADHD has the potential to seriously impact a person’s adult life. ADHD sufferers are five times more likely to become substance abusers, are less successful in gaining and maintaining employment, and are more likely to engage in criminal activity. If you know what to look for as your child ages, you will be in a better position to find a treatment that works.

For more information about ADHD and natural ADHD treatment options, contact Rites of Passage at (800)794-0980. Our wilderness therapy programs and holistic approach to ADHD work together in order to manage this common disorder in young adults and teens.