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What are the real options for grown women with ADHD, besides drugs?

By Anonymous July 18, 2011 - 1:40pm
 
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I was diagnosed about 3 years ago with ADHD and was prescribed metilphenidate. I took it for over 2 years along with pshycotherapy, but I was not happy with the pills because they don't correct anything, they just diminish the symptoms for a few hours. This is not about the therapist, she's really good. I just can't bring myself to the idea of having to pop pills every day to cope with this. The biggest challenges seem to be ever-changing thoughts, organizing things, follow up on work and other pending activities and doing chores around the house (which btw didn't improve significantly while I was on medication). I felt more focused at work while on the pills, the 'bouncy thoughts' were less, but that's about it. I later learned they caused me liver damage and I stopped taking them about a year ago.

I don't want to be on drugs that in the longrun only poison the body. Ultimately all drugs have harmful side effects and leave toxins behind. Unfortunately the specialists don't know how to fix ADHD.
I love natural, organic, raw foods. I am a firm believer that my life quality for later years is directly proportional to what I do for my health and body now. That said, I've been working for the last 6 years on cleansing -and keeping clean- my body, studying nutrition, holistic health, herbs and plants properties, even aromatherapy. I gave metilphenidate a shot, but drugs are definitely not an option for me.
Thank you.

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As a woman with ADHD I will say you need to be clear of how you are affected by ADHD in your life.

Therapy is not for your ADHD it's for the side affects of an ADHD unfriendly environment which can present as anxiety, depression etc(unless you know you have separate significant psychiatric issues) which are the fuelled by how you are treated, how you think of yourself because of your traits of ADHD and how they affect your life.

If you have fatigue you may want to try starting the day with a work out and maintaining a GI appropriate diet. I would definitely suggest monitoring your food as I didn't realise that the gluten and wheat was dragging me down, plus tomatoes and milk chocolate.
If organisation, I strongly recommend coaching but that comes down to luck of the draw. I had to go through several before I found the perfect one for me.

Becoming self aware is the key. Trying to work on what your limiting habits are. I.e. I always answer the work phone away from the desk and so never make the proper notes and etc. I noticed I would alway make important calls first thing but if they were for challenges they would leave me very tired after and reduce the chance I would complete my more physical tasks.

I know it may sound simple, but so is nuclear physics to someone so inclined others have to be three times as dedicated to getting it. I hope this helps a little at least

Also handy tip, popping a ice cube in your mouth helps keep you awake.

December 7, 2012 - 7:31am
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Hi,
Finding ways to manage the symptoms of ADHD without the use of medications can be challenging. I do appreciate your desire to avoid taking prescribed medications. My knowledge of ADHD treatments is very limited. As you are aware, the use of stimulant medications seems to be the first treatment of choice. I did find information that suggest ADHD coaching or therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, healthy diet, regular physical exercise and mediation may help manage adult ADHD.

July 18, 2011 - 4:39pm
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