HOLISTIC TREATMENT FOR ADHD

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) isn't a one-size-fits-all condition. Once known as ADD, this condition is primarily known as ADHD today and it affects 4-5% of the United States' adult population. While research is ongoing to understand better how ADHD affects different age groups, it's clear that the experience can vary greatly. Some individuals may struggle with inattention, while others exhibit hyperactivity or impulsivity. Fidgeting, multitasking to a fault, procrastination, and memory lapses can all be part of the picture. The impact of ADHD can range from mild to debilitating, affecting daily life for some and shaping the very essence of who others are. Regardless of the experience, managing ADHD symptoms can feel overwhelming--which is why we've put together this outline of our holistic approach to ADHD treatment for children and adults. 

​

What Causes ADHD?

Sometimes, ADHD can go undetected and undiagnosed in children and can present later in life as an adult. ADHD in children and adults may present differently, and each individual's experience may be unique. Whether or not adults can get ADHD without having it as a child is still a large debate in the psychiatry and overall medical community. ADHD is a life-long condition that is sometimes grown out of, but more so is managed over time. However, many people are not able to manage ADHD due to various barriers related to diagnosis and treatment. Financial issues, stigma, lack of experts, and more can contribute to an inability to receive proper ADHD guidance, whether as a child or an adult. 

 

What is agreed upon about ADHD is that it is predominately caused by genetics. According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 80% of people with ADHD inherited it from a parent. Other current causes of ADHD include premature birth, exposure to environmental toxins at a young age, problems during development, alcohol, cigarettes, and other potential drug abuse by a pregnant mother. 

​

While more research is needed to determine other possible causes of ADHD, the fact remains that some adults and some children do have ADHD, and they and or their families want to address their symptoms in one way or another. At Better Brain & Body, our approach to ADHD treatment is completely holistic for either children or adults and does not involve pharmacology or medications. If you are interested in the various childhood developmental disorders treated at our clinic, click here!

​

Holistic Treatment for ADHD

Before treatment for ADHD begins at Better Brain & Body, patients will undergo a comprehensive diagnostic testing exam. Our cutting-edge diagnostic technology is safe and comfortable and analyzes brain and body function. The assessment begins with a brain map, or qEEG, that analyzes a patient's brainwaves to determine if there are any underlying areas of dysfunction. Brainwave analysis provides useful insight into the brain's functionality. For example, individuals with ADHD tend to present brainwave activity with high theta brainwaves and low beta waves. Theta brainwaves are slow brainwaves that are typically associated with daydreaming and sleepiness. Excessive theta wave activity in individuals with ADHD may contribute to difficulties with focus, impulse control, attention, and hyperactivity. While low beta waves may be associated with decreased alertness, concentration, and cognitive processing. After the brain scan, a patient will continue through the various diagnostic tests detailed in the video below. 

​

After diagnostic testing, Dr. Alicia Brown analyzes the results and then constructs a personalized and comprehensive treatment plan unique to the patient that addresses their diagnostic results, goals, needs, wants, etc., during treatment. Treatment plans include state-of-the-art therapies and technologies, lifestyle changes, nutrition input, and expert ADHD advice from Dr. Brown. All treatments at our clinic are non-invasive and holistic. Better Brain & Body does not provide treatments that use pharmacology, surgery, needles, or other method of invasive treatment. While beneficial in some cases, these methods do not represent the holistic treatment approach Better Brain & Body offers its patients. Better Brain & Body will work with a patient undergoing other treatment modalities to provide a holistic and integrated approach to care. We also work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, including speech therapists, occupational therapists, and educators.