ADHD Tips and Supports

By Izabella Helbin

Reading time 5 minutes ⏰

What are some ways to find support for ADHD women? We know that since the 1930s, there have been common stimulant drugs known as Ritalin and Dexedrine which are often prescribed for children diagnosed with ADHD. Research shows that Ritalin and Dexedrine do produce short-term benefits for multiple young children with ADHD (Majewicz and Carlson, 2007). Although, about 30% of young females with ADHD actually do not benefit from these stimulants (Nutt et al. 2007). Therefore, medication does not cure ADHD, as pills do not build skills. However, it does provide a ‘light in the darkness’ where children can be taught individually to learn their own behavioural patterns. This then makes us wonder, what approaches can help young females with ADHD if medication is not the sole form of treatment? How can we treat ADHD through tips and tricks and self-treatments? A very important baseline to know is your type of ADHD and your traits. Once you understand your own personal challenges, it is easier to address what needs best suit you and what really can benefit you.

Habits that have shown to include many benefits for young children with ADHD from parental perspectives include getting into daily routines, selective choices, keeping calm, and eye contact (Friedman et al. 2020). Using charts and calendars as a form of reminders of events or daily activities is a crucial element that parents can aid for their child with ADHD. The benefits of daily routines are important to help keep the child mentally on track and organised. Getting into the habit of giving your child selective options, just two, can make the world of a difference as this avoids the possibility of them saying no to everything. For example, “would you like apples or pears for lunch?”. It is common for children with ADHD to mirror their parents or authority figures' emotions, therefore getting into the habit of keeping calm is crucial for their learning and behaviour. It may be easier for parents to try to put a halt on their emotional response, in order to think clear mindedly about the appropriate reaction to their child in distress. Finally, eye contact can reduce the opportunity that the child may not listen and turn the other way. Maintaining eye contact before talking to your child or student does in fact keep them engaged in the conversation, as well as proving to yourself that they are paying attention to yourself.

A common traits of ADHD is hyperfocus, which is a phenomenon demonstrating an individual's full and undivided attention into a singular task. Tips for hyperfocus include managing your time better, staying organised, and knowing your own strengths and weaknesses. This can be done in many ways, the most popular being creating to-do lists, giving yourself extra time for tasks and writing in printed visual calendars, allowing the individual to see their tasks right in front of them. Exercise has shown improvements in an individual's ability to stay calm and focused, and increasing their serotonin levels (Friedman et al. 2020). Perfectionism is very common in our technological world nowadays, not only being a popular traits for those diagnosed with ADHD. However, it can target those diagnosed as perfectionism may lead to hyperactivity and internal pressure to do their absolute best, leading to not completing any tasks due to the overwhelming pressure. It is important to know that with mindfulness and putting ideas and tasks into perspective, it truly acn alleviate the pain of mental hyperactivity and perfectionism.

There is much data and areas of research to be analysed when it comes to ADHD in children, although what researchers and doctors do know for certain is that ADHD does cause significant impairments continuing into adulthood. This is treatable through different medications and treatments, providing helpful opportunities to relieve the stress of patients and their families and reducing the costs of unemployment, crime rates, and substance abuse incidents. As we build more awareness and resources available to those with ADHD, the information can be relayed onwards to enhance proper care for young adult females and children with ADHD.

Bibliography

Majewicz-Hefley, A., and Carlson, J-S. A Meta-Analysis of Combined Treatments for Children Diagnosed with ADHD. JAD. (2007),

https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054706289934

Nutt, D-J., Fone, K., Asherson, P., et al. Evidence-based Guidelines for Managements of ADHD in Adolescents in Transition to Adult Services and in Adults. JOPP. (2007),

https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881106073219

Friedman, L-M., Dvorsky, M-R., McBurnett, K., et al. Do Parents’ ADHD Symptoms Affect Treatment for their Children? The Impact of Parental ADHD on Adherence to Behavioural Parent Training for Childhood ADHD. JACP. (2020),

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-020-00672-1

Lensing, M-B., Zeiner, P., Sandvik, L., et al. Adults with ADHD: Use and Misuse of Stimulant Medication as Reported by Patients and their Primary Care Physicians. ADHD. (2013),

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12402-013-0116-8