Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder that develops in children around six and may last till adulthood. Inattentiveness is one of its primary symptoms. Children diagnosed with ADHD may be inattentive or hyperactive; they may talk too much and do or say things impulsively without thinking. A child may have one or more of these symptoms. Doctors treat ADHD using a combination of behavioral therapy and lifestyle modification to restrict the use of prescription treatments.

Treatment options for ADHD
ADHD can interfere with a child’s ability to participate in daily activities at home, school, or society. They get bored and distracted easily and show less interest in learning. Doctors recommend behavior management therapy for children less than six and a combination of behavior management therapy and pharmacological treatment for children between six and twelve. Doctors actively involve parents and teachers in these therapies to understand the child’s needs and manage them appropriately. Doctors use FDA-approved stimulants and nonstimulants wherever necessary. Some side effects of such stimulants include sleeping trouble, low appetite or interest in eating, mood changes, stomach ache, faster heart rate, and high blood pressure. Home treatments are beneficial in the long run as they reduce the dependence on pharmacological treatments.

Home treatments for ADHD
The following are the recommended home treatments for ADHD:

1. Behavioral therapy at home
Behavioral therapy at home guides parents in enforcing rules consistently with positive and negative consequences for the child’s behavior. Parents are trained to make the child understand and review the rules with simple words. They have to give commands that are clear and unambiguous. Parents are counseled not to expect perfection quickly and to be patient as each child’s learning power differs, and some may take longer. Encouraging good behavior with rewards and points is another important aspect of behavioral therapy at home.

2. Nutritional changes
Although there is no clear relation between food and ADHD, doctors recommend foods that can help improve brain functioning and help the child focus and concentrate better. Eating a protein-rich breakfast with beans, cheese, meat, or nuts can improve concentration at school. Increased portions of complex carbohydrates and omega-3 fatty acids can improve immunity and overall health. Parents should also ensure that children have limited or no access to snacks high in salt and sugar, processed foods, and carbonated beverages, as they have zero nutritional value and can promote inflammation. A balanced meal with more plant-based foods ensures a child receives essential nutrients like zinc, magnesium, and iron that can reduce ADHD symptoms.

3. Physical exercise
Research establishes a connection between low dopamine levels and ADHD. Regular exercise can stimulate more dopamine production, which can improve concentration. Ideal exercises for kids with ADHD include games, cycling, swimming, martial arts, or climbing. Taking them outdoors and letting them play in a park playground helps them to relax and learn crucial social skills.

4. Regular sleeping patterns
Seven out of 10 children with ADHD may face difficulty sleeping or can’t sleep for long hours. Some kids resist sleeping and may not wake up quickly once they sleep. Sleeping problems cause fatigue and lead to poor appetite and mood issues. Parents can enforce the following to improve sleeping patterns

• Gadget shutdown
• Bedtime reading
• Thirty minutes of age-appropriate physical exercise or sport after school
• Routine sleep and wake-up times
• Ban on sodas or sugar-rich beverages two hours before bedtime
• Use of white noise machines for a limited period