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Tag: ADHD

Tips to Manage ADHD in Children

Young children with notice-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be difficult to offer with. Millions of youngsters undergo the ailment, which commonly lasts into adulthood. Persistent concerns which includes problems retaining concentrate, hyperactivity, and impulsive carry out are all signs of this ailment.

Small self-esteem, university stress, hard associations, and subpar educational functionality are among the concerns little ones with ADHD might experience. Sometimes, indications get far better as they experienced. Some persons, even though, hardly ever absolutely outgrow their signs. They might, even so, pick up some productive techniques to mitigate them.

Raising a youngster with a neurodevelopmental conditioon is diverse from normal child-rearing. Relying on the sort and diploma of your kid’s indications, enforcing customary policies and keeping routines in the dwelling can grow to be almost complicated.

How to Manage Kids with ADHD

Even though these small children may be various, they don’t have to be isolated. (Picture by means of Freepik/Freepik)

There are a lot of administration procedures for moms and dads that can make your and your child’s life less complicated and happier, no matter of regardless of whether your child has just gained a diagnosis or has been working with the condition for some time.

Below are five strategies that you can use for your youngster:

1) Receive a Experienced Evaluation and Diagnosis

A professional can help recognie if there is certainly just about anything much more than notice deficit. (Photo by means of Freepik/Prostooleh)

Receiving a specialist analysis is important to figuring out specifically what’s heading on, no matter whether you are the one to detect your kid’s ADHD or not.

Often what appears to be ADHD may well be a different disease. You are not able to tell if your kid’s signs or symptoms are introduced on by this affliction, one more dysfunction, or several other situations. With out the support of a specialist, these types of as a neurologist, neuropsychologist, or mental wellbeing expert, one particular can’t diagnose a little one with ADHD.

There are 16 health problems or groupings of ailments that ought to be dominated out when a specialist is assessing your baby for ADHD. Locating a professional who is professional about the most modern theories and studies is important.

2) Established Rules, but Give Some Liberty

Though it’s vital to continuously praise constructive actions and punish damaging types, you shouldn’t be extremely serious with your kid. Maintain in head that children with ADHD may possibly not be as flexible as other youngsters. You need to produce the capacity to enable your baby make mistakes as they find out.

You need to embrace your child’s bizarre actions as a distinctive component of their persona as lengthy as they never damage them or any one else. Discouragement of a kid’s eccentric steps basically for the reason that you uncover them special can inevitably be harming.

3) Educate Your Young children Social Abilities

Youngsters with exclusive wants demand unique therapy. (Picture by using Freepik/Freepik)

Uncomplicated social connections can be complicated for children. They may possibly obtain it hard to interpret social cues, talk much too much, make way too lots of interruptions, or come off as pushy or far too rigorous.

Because of their comparatively immature emotional development, they may possibly stand out from friends their age and turn into victims of cruel mocking. Even so, maintain in thoughts that several youngsters with these situations are amazingly vibrant and imaginative.

They will inevitably master for themselves how to get along with others and realize individuals who aren’t good mates.

4) Discover the Appropriate Treatment

If your kid is identified with the affliction and is not experience far better, that may possibly be attritubted to the sort of treatment method. The very best cure for most young ones generally involves a mix of the pursuing:

a) Behavioral Treatment

About 50 percent of all youngsters also battle with behavioral problems. The title of this therapy’s most well known variant is cognitive behavioral remedy (CBT). This therapy focuses on the cycle between feelings, feelings, and behaviors.

b) Psychotherapy

Communicate remedy can supply your kid with a secure setting to examine their emotions and opportunity issues coping with ADHD.

c) Coaching In Social Expertise

You or a therapist can support your boy or girl in obtaining the talents demanded to establish and maintain good interactions with other children.

d) ADHD Medicine

It is really far more typical than you might consider to use medicine. According to a well-known investigate, approximately 75{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of kids with this dysfunction bear remedy with medication.

5) Motivate relaxation and motion

Young children with or without psychological health worries demand support. (Impression by way of Freepik/Freepik)

Small children with ADHD frequently have a whole lot of energy. They can channel their vitality in balanced techniques and focus their focus on distinct motions and expertise by taking part in structured sporting activities and other bodily things to do.

Actual physical exercise has countless rewards, which include enhanced concentrate, reduced anxiety and despair ranges, and accelerated mind progress. What issues most, even though, for young ones with notice deficit condition is that exercise promotes enhanced slumber, which assists lessen the indications.

Choose a activity that appeals to your youngster and performs to their talents. Sporting activities like softball, which need a good deal of down time are not the biggest for children with concentration concerns.

Picking out the finest treatment and coping mechanisms for your child’s personal needs is a very important element of parenting youngsters with ADHD.

Nevertheless, getting the suitable diagnosis is genuinely required in the beginning. Accurate analysis and very careful thing to consider of your child’s specific necessities are the 1st methods in understanding how to father or mother a boy or girl with focus-deficit/hyperactivity condition.

Demo and mistake may be important to uncover the ideal management and regulation procedures. Nevertheless, at the time you figure out how to deal with your kid’s ADHD and assist them in controlling it, existence will be simpler.

Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master’s diploma in utilized psychology with a specialization in medical psychology.

What do you assume of this story? Notify us in the remarks section below.

February 20, 2023
As ADHD prescriptions increase, some seek alternative treatments

GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – The health care firm Trilliant Health pulled information from hundreds of countless numbers of people who were prescribed Adderall and identified prescriptions enhanced about 15{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} from 2020-2021 for men and women ages 22-44.

It will come as quite a few are dealing with an Adderall scarcity because of to manufacturing troubles.

Vicky Olachea was approved Adderall through COVID-19. She was never ever identified with the affliction right before, but struggled to focus on her college operate when courses ended up remote. She was in a position to get a analysis on the internet.

“A psychiatrist reviewed it online and I did this questionnaire,” Olachea explained.

She then experienced to get closing approval for the prescription from her physician. Within just a couple of months she was on Adderall and suggests it genuinely enhanced her schoolwork.

“My head had never ever been so very clear,” Olachea explained. “It was unnerving. I was like, ‘why is my head so quiet?’ It was so useful and I was able to concentration so a lot better.”

But then she ran into a serious aspect impact. Olachea suggests she would go up to 8 hours devoid of eating or ingesting. This was a dilemma since she is hyperglycemic, which implies she has small blood sugar levels. If she doesn’t eat there are outcomes.

“I get shaky, and my temper adjustments quite quickly,” Olachea said. “It can be hard to focus, I can get sweaty and then finally I will go out.”

Soon after graduation she made the decision to get off Adderall. She suggests she was equipped to do this by means of a life style transform. In its place of finding out textbooks all day she now operates three careers. Just one consists of operating at an escape home.

“And that allows simply because I am not sitting all working day,” Olachea explained. “I am on my toes and I am doing a diverse place each and every hour. So there is a wide variety. Becoming equipped to pick my timetable and where I want to do my operate has assisted immensely.”

Olachea suggests she also began doing work with a holistic medicine health practitioner. She claims taking in the ideal food items served her target. In the end she has this suggestions for many others.

“Know that there are so many people out there who have ADHD and have figured out choices or who are prepared to enable you with it,” Olchea claimed. “I have experienced a good deal of accomplishment from performing with a holistic medical doctor. So there are solutions and a whole lot of them are life style improvements.”

Fox Carolina achieved out to Greenville ADHD specialists to uncover out much more about alternative remedies to Adderall. Nurse practitioner Apryl Watson states there are other comparable remedies out there, but their effectiveness and aspect effects can differ from particular person to particular person. She endorses getting in touch with a health practitioner if fascinated. Watson also states life-style variations like right slumber, physical exercise and balanced ingesting can support with ADHD. She cautions towards getting any over-the-counter health supplements or drugs. Watson claims these could interfere with other medications a client is taking. She once again recommends calling a physician right before starting up anything at all new.

Copyright 2022 WHNS. All legal rights reserved.

December 6, 2022
The connection between adult ADHD and nicotine
Grown ups with interest deficit hyperactivity ailment (ADHD) are additional likely to smoke cigarettes and turn out to be dependent on nicotine. They may well also obtain it extra tough to give up smoking cigarettes nicotine. Scientists are investigating why this is the circumstance.

According to Little ones and Adults with Interest-Deficit/Hyperactivity Problem (CHADD), as many as 10 million older people in the United States (U.S.) have ADHD.

Nicotine is a normal ingredient of tobacco. The Meals and Drug Administration (Food and drug administration) clarifies that nicotine can improve how the brain works, major to cravings and addiction.

Tobacco goods, these types of as cigarettes, provide nicotine to the mind promptly. This satisfies a person’s cravings for nicotine. However, it also would make it a lot easier for a human being to come to be dependent on it and makes it more challenging to give up smoking cigarettes.

Cigarette smoking nicotine can increase a person’s chance of building heart ailment, stroke, lung cancer, and other health ailments.

This report explores the relationship involving ADHD and cigarette smoking nicotine.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can have an effect on small children and grown ups. According to the Facilities for Sickness Control and Avoidance (CDC), folks with ADHD show a pattern of inattentive and hyperactive signs or symptoms.

Some of the signs or symptoms of ADHD, according to the CDC, incorporate:

Folks with ADHD might display screen either inattentive or hyperactive signs or symptoms, but commonly, folks with ADHD display both of those.

A health care experienced can diagnose an adult with ADHD if they expertise five or more of these symptoms, and the indicators have been present for at least 6 months.

The signs and symptoms also have to be present in two or extra options — this sort of as at household and at function — and they should negatively effects a person’s operating and overall performance.

Understand additional

Discover far more about diagnosing ADHD.

People with ADHD are far more most likely to start out cigarette smoking nicotine cigarettes than people with out ADHD. They could also have a lot more intense withdrawal symptoms when they stop cigarette smoking.

A 2016 analyze as opposed the cigarette smoking behaviors of young adults and uncovered that these with ADHD had been noticeably extra probable to turn out to be each day smokers than people without the need of ADHD.

The researchers also be aware that immediately after the participants stopped smoking, those with ADHD reported much more rigorous withdrawal symptoms and much better cravings than people without the need of ADHD.

Traits in cigarette using tobacco between adults in the U.S. are dropping, according to the CDC. Having said that, this pattern is not mirrored between folks with ADHD, suggesting that ADHD is a hazard element for smoking cigarettes.

Estimates from CHADD also recommend that, as properly as obtaining larger smoking premiums, youth with ADHD are twice as very likely to turn into addicted to nicotine than their friends with out ADHD.

Find out much more about the connection among ADHD and compound misuse.

Why is nicotine use better in people with ADHD?

One clarification could be that some individuals with ADHD come across that nicotine can help them regulate their symptoms.

Nicotine’s stimulating outcomes could support increase consideration and focus in men and women with ADHD. This concept is identified as the self-medication theory, according to 2015 investigate.

Nevertheless, a 2017 assessment signifies that acquiring early remedy with recommended ADHD medication does not avoid nicotine use.

ADHD and cigarette smoking

People today with ADHD have a tendency to have far more problems quitting smoking cigarettes than folks without having ADHD. Far more investigate is necessary to come across out why, but a 2018 assessment shows that people today with ADHD are far more inclined to earning impulsive conclusions and frequently favor a more compact rapid reward over a larger reward in the long run.

Persons with ADHD may be a lot more likely to find the rapid correct of nicotine that smoking offers simply because it is a behavior that provides an immediate reward.

Nevertheless, extra research is essential to totally comprehend why smoking cigarettes charges are increased in people with ADHD and why they uncover it harder to quit cigarette smoking.

In accordance to the CDC, medical doctors normally prescribe stimulants to help people today with ADHD manage their signs or symptoms. Nicotine stimulates the mind in identical strategies and can enable a individual aim on a process and boost concentration degrees.

A 2016 examine suggests that nicotine has beneficial outcomes on the focus, awareness, and emotional regulation of people with ADHD.

Even so, the results are limited-lived. Over time, several people need to have to smoke more nicotine far more normally to accomplish the identical outcomes.

Also, men and women with ADHD obtain it harder to stop smoking cigarettes nicotine and might sense far more extreme withdrawal signs or symptoms when they do.

In accordance to the CDC, cigarette smoking cigarettes is the primary bring about of preventable fatalities in the U.S.

People who smoke are more likely to create wellness ailments such as heart ailment, stroke, and lung cancer than folks who do not smoke.

Aside from the normal dangers of smoking cigarettes nicotine, exploration suggests that youthful people today with ADHD who smoke are a lot more very likely to misuse other substances, such as liquor and other medicines.

The explanations for this are not but known, and further more analysis is needed to clarify the backlink.

Locate out why cigarette smoking is lousy for your overall health.

This area answers some usually asked questions about ADHD and nicotine.

Can nicotine affect ADHD medicine?

Nicotine is a stimulant that functions on the mind in a similar way to some of the drugs made use of to deal with ADHD.

Whilst most of the investigation into ADHD has targeted on children, there is no evidence to recommend that nicotine interferes with any ADHD drugs.

Can quitting nicotine impact ADHD?

The health implications of cigarette smoking nicotine are the similar for persons with or devoid of ADHD. Nevertheless, a 2016 analyze suggests that people today with ADHD may feel the withdrawal indicators more strongly than those people without ADHD.

Quite a few of the signs or symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are prevalent qualities among individuals with ADHD. These symptoms can include:

According to a 2017 evaluate, some men and women with ADHD feel the severity of these signs and symptoms raises during nicotine withdrawal.

A individual with ADHD must carry on to acquire any recommended medicines when quitting the use of nicotine. This might aid cut down the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

Uncover out what occurs to your physique when you stop smoking.
Smoking nicotine will increase the danger of:

cancer

heart ailment

stroke

diabetes

and a lot more

The CDC claims quitting cigarette smoking is one particular of the most essential methods a individual can just take to enhance their overall health and excellent of existence.

A person with ADHD could come across it more durable to stop cigarette smoking nicotine, but there are ways to aid. Some valuable strategies contain:

Behavioral therapies and counseling: Folks with ADHD who are making an attempt to give up cigarette smoking may possibly discover behavioral therapies, these as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), useful. Remedy might present coping approaches to enable people resist cravings.

Making use of incentives: A particular person with ADHD could find it valuable to use reward-based practices when making an attempt to quit cigarette smoking. An older 2010 literature overview identified that monetary incentives could assistance folks with ADHD halt smoking. A human being could replicate this by allowing for themselves to have a take care of just about every 10 times of not cigarette smoking, or by employing an app that rewards a person for very good habits.

Using nicotine replacements: Merchandise such as nicotine patches or gum may possibly also help lower any cravings or withdrawal signs for these who are struggling to stop.

Utilizing substitute medicine: Whilst there is constrained evidence to help the effectiveness, some individuals use complementary medicines, these as hypnotherapy and acupuncture, to quit cigarette smoking.

Some people today may well uncover that it can take quite a few tries to quit smoking cigarettes. This does not suggest that a man or woman has unsuccessful at quitting. Each try can display a man or woman which strategies are most handy for them.

Any individual with ADHD who is seeking to quit cigarette smoking nicotine ought to discuss with a health care professional about receiving aid.

In this article are 11 useful suggestions for supplying up cigarette smoking.
In 2019, the U.S. federal government lifted the legal age at which somebody can obtain tobacco to 21. This features the sale of e-cigarettes. The hope is that this will deter more youthful men and women from starting off to smoke nicotine.

Ideally, a individual with ADHD will have obtain to medicine, counseling, behavioral therapies, and instructional support to help them cope with the problem and stay clear of behaviors these kinds of as using tobacco nicotine.

Proper medicine will clear away the have to have to self-medicate. Even so, attributes of the disorder, such as impulsiveness, risk-using, and searching for immediate rewards, might even now lead a human being to nicotine cigarettes.

The before a man or woman stops smoking nicotine, the less difficult it is and the more rapidly they see the overall health gains.

Find out far more about drugs for ADHD.

Persons with ADHD are more very likely to smoke nicotine and have a more difficult time quitting than folks with out ADHD. They may possibly also encounter stronger withdrawal indications and cravings.

Grown ups with ADHD who use nicotine cigarettes to assist take care of their signs may possibly come across that with appropriate treatment, they can stop.

Human being-specific behavioral therapies and counseling can also support men and women cope with any cravings involved with nicotine withdrawal.
June 2, 2022
Natural Supplements For ADHD: Benefits and Side Effects
There has been a great deal of interest in the use of natural supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, herbal preparations, and vitamin and mineral supplements, in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—but do they really work?

The research is inconclusive, at best, about most of these supplements, but there is evidence to show they may help people with ADHD who have nutritional deficiencies.

This article will discuss nutritional supplements for ADHD, including what works, what doesn’t, and what we are still learning.

tatyana_tomsickova / Getty Images

Stimulant medication is the most supported treatment for ADHD. Over 70{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of children with ADHD respond to psychostimulant medications.

Still, there is interest in the use of supplements as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments for ADHD. These are treatments used instead of or in addition to traditional treatments.

Current Research

Current research does not support the use of supplements as a stand-alone alternative to medication and/or behavioral therapy for ADHD. But some supplements may help people who have vitamin or mineral deficiencies.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential nutrient that you must get from your diet since your body doesn’t produce them. Dietary sources include fatty fish like salmon and tuna, seeds such as flax and chia, and nuts such as walnuts.

Health Benefits

Research is inconclusive about the efficacy of omega-3 supplements in treating ADHD.

A 2018 systematic review (answering a research question by collecting and summarizing evidence) and meta-analysis (using statistical methods to summarize results) of eight studies involving a total of 628 participants indicated that children and adolescents with ADHD tend to have a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids. The review suggests omega-3 supplements improve clinical symptoms and cognitive performance in children and adolescents with ADHD.

A 2017 systematic review of 25 randomized controlled trials (trials in which participants are randomly assigned into one of two groups) showed inconclusive results. It found about half of the studies reported some beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids on ADHD symptoms, but the other half of the studies reported negative results.

Numerous other studies and reviews have been conducted on the use of omega-3s in treating ADHD, but differences in the studies make them hard to compare. Results from these studies vary.

Overall, it is unclear if omega-3 supplementation is helpful for ADHD symptoms, but it may be worth looking into if the person has a deficiency. Omega-3 supplementation is known to be less effective than stimulant medication.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects of omega-3 supplements tend to be mild. They may include:
- Unpleasant taste
- Bad breath
- Bad-smelling sweat
- Headache
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea
Omega-3 supplements may interact with medications that affect blood clotting.

People with seafood allergies should be cautious taking omega-3s as it is unclear if it is safe for them to take fish oil supplements.

Dosage and Preparation

According to some preliminary research, fish oil supplements may be more beneficial than docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Current evidence suggests supplementation with a dose of 1–2 grams of omega-3 daily with a substantial content of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) within the omega-3 formulation.

Check with your healthcare professional before taking omega-3 supplements or giving them to your child, especially if there is a blood clotting disorder or seafood allergy present.

Iron Supplements

Iron is used by the body to make hemoglobin in red blood cells. Hemoglobin transports oxygen to nourish your tissues. Dietary sources include meat (especially red meat), tuna, and dark leafy greens.

Health Benefits

A 2014 study found an association between iron deficiency and ADHD symptoms in children. The study did not conclude that iron deficiency causes ADHD, but suggests that it could lead to ADHD symptoms in relationship with genetics, environmental risk factors, absence of iron supplementation, and diet.

A 2013 study indicated that Iron deficiency increased the risk of psychiatric disorders, including ADHD.

A 2012 meta-analysis found that people with ADHD tended to have lower iron levels than participants without ADHD. With these results in mind, people with ADHD may wish to be tested for iron deficiency.

Get Advice Before Starting Iron Supplements

Do not start taking iron supplements without first talking to your healthcare professional to see if it is necessary and safe. If a person is not deficient in iron, too much iron can cause significant problems.

Possible Side Effects

Too much iron can be dangerous or even fatal, especially for children.

Side effects of iron supplements can include:
- Upset stomach
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Fainting
High doses of iron may decrease zinc absorption. Iron supplements can interact with other medications and supplements, as well. Consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about possible interactions.

Dosage and Preparation

The dosage for iron supplements depends on factors such as age, sex, how deficient the person is, and other considerations.

The maximum amount of iron daily from all sources, including food and supplements, is:
- Birth to 13 years: 40 milligrams
- 14 years and over: 45 milligrams
Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that you need to get from your diet for the proper functioning of your body. Vitamins are produced by plants or animals, while minerals come from soil and water and then are incorporated into plants and animals that we eat.

Health Benefits

Vitamins have not been conclusively shown to directly affect ADHD, but they can correct deficiencies that may be associated with ADHD symptoms.

A small study of 20 participants found deficiencies in magnesium, zinc, and copper in children with ADHD. The study found that magnesium and zinc deficiencies correlated with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. This correlation was not found with copper deficiencies.

A 2018 study indicated the possibility that low levels of certain vitamins may contribute to ADHD symptoms. The researchers suggested it may be beneficial for people with ADHD to be checked for deficiencies.

Possible Side Effects

Two of the commonly studied supplements for ADHD are magnesium and zinc.

Side effects of magnesium supplements include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramping
Very high doses of magnesium may cause magnesium toxicity, which is serious and can be fatal.

Too much zinc can cause side effects such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
Both magnesium and zinc can interact with other medications and supplements. Consult your healthcare professional and pharmacist before use.

Dosage and Preparation

How much magnesium, zinc, or other vitamin and mineral supplements to take is highly variable depending on the person.

Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if you or your child needs vitamin or mineral supplements, and what dosage to take.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone secreted primarily by the pineal gland (located deep in the brain). It regulates your sleep-wake cycles.

Health Benefits

People with ADHD commonly experience problems with sleep.

The medications used to treat ADHD can also affect sleep.

Melatonin taken by children and adults with primary sleep disorders has been shown to:
- Decrease sleep latency (how long it takes to fall asleep)
- Increase total sleep time
- Improve sleep quality
While melatonin hasn’t been shown to improve ADHD symptoms directly, it can help people with ADHD improve their sleep.

Possible Side Effects

Melatonin is considered safe for short-term use, but there are no studies to determine safety for long-term use. No significant side effects of melatonin use in children have been reported.

Side effects of melatonin are uncommon but can include:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Dosage and Preparation

Typically, 3–6 milligrams (depending on the child’s weight) of melatonin is taken about a half an hour before bedtime.
Supplements That Have Not Been Proven Safe or Effective

There is insufficient evidence on the safety and efficacy of these supplements to support their use in the treatment of ADHD:

Pycnogenol (extract of French maritime pine bark)

Ginkgo biloba

Saint-John’s-wort
What to Look For

So many CAM treatments are suggested for ADHD that it can be hard to separate fact from fiction.

The organization Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) offers some advice for vetting these options.

Ask yourself:
- Have clinical trials been conducted to prove this treatment works?
- Is information about this treatment available from a trusted source?
- Is there a respected national organization of people who practice this therapy?
- Does the person administering the treatment need a state license?
- Does my health insurance cover this treatment? (Insurance carriers usually won’t cover unproven treatments)
CHADD suggests some red flags to look for that indicate the treatment is suspicious and should be avoided, including if:
- They claim that the treatment works for everyone with ADHD, even though no single treatment is effective for everyone.
- There is a lack of credible research and studies and only anecdotal evidence (derived from stories people tell).
- No directions are given for using it properly or the contents are not listed on medication containers
- There is no information about side effects.
- They claim that the product is natural without acknowledging that “natural” does not necessarily mean safe.
- There are bold claims such as the treatment is “a secret formula,” “astonishing,” “miraculous,” “an amazing breakthrough” or a “cure.”
- You learn about it through infomercials or a book an author is trying to sell.
- The “medication” comes by mail order instead of through a healthcare professional.
- They claim that doctors unfairly talk down the treatment or won’t tell the public about it.
Summary

Stimulant medications are the treatment most supported by evidence in the treatment of ADHD, but other treatments are sometimes suggested. While dietary supplements may not help ADHD symptoms on their own, they can help manage deficiencies that affect ADHD symptoms.

Before starting any treatment for ADHD, talk to your healthcare professional. It is important to determine if there are any deficiencies in you or your child before treating with supplements.

A Word From Verywell

Living with ADHD can be challenging, so it is natural to look for ways to address its symptoms. But be aware that supplements are not without risks for side effects, toxic overload, or interactions with other medications. Because a product is “natural” does not mean it is safe. Be sure to discuss any supplements with your healthcare professional before taking them.
January 13, 2022
CBD for ADHD: Benefits, Considerations, and Uses
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopment conditions among children, affecting an estimated 11{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of U.S. children. The condition is characterized by having trouble sitting still, an inability to focus, forgetfulness, and disorganization.

Adults can also be diagnosed with ADHD, and about 75{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of kids with ADHD will continue to have ADHD symptoms as adults.

These days, more ADHD patients and parents of children with the condition are curious about whether cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive extract of the cannabis plant, can be beneficial in managing ADHD symptoms.

CBD has shown promise for treating some health experts, and many experts believe its calming effects could help those with ADHD. However, research is still emerging and caution should be used.

This article will review the potential benefits of CBD for ADHD, the side effects, and how to source the best CBD products.

Vanessa Nunes /iStock/ Getty Images Plus

Using CBD for ADHD Symptoms

The federal prohibition on all cannabis products, including hemp, prior to 2018 has limited research on CBD and ADHD. However, there are some studies about the effects of CBD or cannabis on ADHD symptoms. Here’s what they’ve found:
- A 2020 scientific review gave a grade B, or moderate, recommendation supporting CBD for ADHD treatment.
- A small 2020 study of 112 adult medical cannabis patients with ADHD found that those who took a higher dose of CBD took fewer other ADHD medications.
- A small 2017 study involving 30 individuals found that those who used a CBD nasal spray had a small reduction in hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. However, the improvement was not big enough for researchers to definitely say that CBD spray was more effective than a placebo. The researchers called for further investigation.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved one prescription CBD medication, which is used to treat epilepsy. Research is ongoing for CBD formulate to treat other conditions.

Benefits of CBD

Unlike THC, which acts on cannabinoid receptors in the brain, CBD acts on opioid and glycine receptors. These receptors regulate pain and the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps us feel good. Unsurprisingly, then, research has shown that CBD can have lots of benefits. These include:
- Reducing inflammation
- Regulating the immune system
- Reducing pain
- Providing antipsychotic effects
- Reducing seizures
- Reducing anxiety
CBD products sometimes claim many additional benefits. However, those listed above have been scientifically proven, while other benefits are often anecdotal or overstated.

Potential Side Effects of CBD

A perk of CBD is that it has very few side effects. CBD does not have any psychoactive effects and it doesn’t have any risk of addiction or abuse. A 2020 scientific review of 22 research studies found no reports of serious adverse side effects.

However, some people who take CBD will experience minor side effects including:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Changes to appetite
- Stomach pain or nausea
Things to Consider Before Using CBD

Although many CBD products make claims about treating ADHD, there is no definitive research that shows CDB will help most people with ADHD. It’s best to keep your expectations realistic and remember that even if CBD worked well for someone you know, it will not necessarily improve symptoms for you or your child, and it is not a replacement for treatments recommended by your healthcare team.

You should also consider the legality. It’s important to only use a CBD product that contains less than 0.3{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} THC, in order to comply with federal law. If you are considering CBD for a child, consult laws in your state and consider using an isolate that contains no THC, which is illegal for people under 21 even in states that have legalized cannabis. Be sure to purchase your CBD products from a reputable dispensary or drugstore so that you know exactly what’s in them.

How to Use CBD

There are no guidelines on how to use CBD for ADHD. CBD oil is widely available and is usually consumed by placing a few drops under the tongue or stirring into coffee or tea. There are also many CBD products available, ranging from supplements to gummies to packaged drinks.

There is also no known dosage for treating ADHD. Many people find they need to experiment to find the right daily dose to manage their symptoms.

If you’re curious about using CBD to treat ADHD, you should talk with your healthcare provider. Although CBD is generally considered safe, it is still a chemical compound that can interact with other supplements or medications.

Remember that CBD oils are mostly unregulated, so there’s also no guarantee that a product is safe, effective, or what it claims to be on its packaging. Your healthcare provider should be able to offer dosage and product recommendations that work with your individualized treatment plan.

Summary

CBD shows some promise for helping to manage ADHD symptoms. However, the research is limited and more research needs to be done to confirm effectiveness, dosage, and safety. CBD is generally considered safe and has few if any side effects. If you are considering trying CBD, talk with your healthcare provider and seek out a quality product for the best results.

A Word From Verywell

The symptoms of ADHD can have a big impact on your life, so it’s normal to look for alternative treatments to supplement your medical treatment plan or manage minor symptoms.

While early research on CBD for ADHD is promising, there are no definitive conclusions yet. If you want to try CBD for ADHD, talk with a trusted healthcare professional. They’ll be able to answer your questions without judgment and craft a treatment plan that is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions

Is CBD oil safe?

CBD is generally considered very safe. It has no psychoactive properties and is not addictive. Some people experience minor side effects like an upset stomach or drowsiness.

Can you give CBD oil to children?

The FDA has approved one prescription CBD medication for treating epilepsy in children. Outside of that, CBD is considered generally safe, but you should consult your healthcare provider and laws in your state before giving CBD to children.

Is CBD illegal?

CBD is legal at the federal level as long as it is in a form that contains less than 0.3{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} THC, the other active ingredient in marijuana. The legality of CBD at the state level varies, so be sure to look at laws in your state.
January 13, 2022
Can Cannabis Help With ADHD? Benefits vs. Risks
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects 11{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of school-aged children and an estimated 4.4{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of adults.

ADHD is characterized by an inability to sit still, trouble focusing, and impulsive behavior. Because cannabis (Cannabis sativa) has been linked to relaxation, many people are curious whether the medicinal herb can be helpful in managing ADHD symptoms.

The research on whether cannabis can provide short-term relief of hyperactivity in people with ADHD is mixed. And researchers are still trying to learn more about cannabis and ADHD. Here’s what you should know about the effects of cannabis on people with ADHD.

Sharon Mccutcheon / EyeEm / Getty Images

How Cannabis Could Help With ADHD Symptoms

To understand how cannabis might provide relief for ADHD symptoms, it’s important to understand the two components of cannabis, which are:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): THC is a psychoactive component that gives the “high” associated with cannabis. It acts on the areas of the brain that control focus, coordination, and reaction time.
- Cannabidiol (CBD): CBD is a nonpsychoactive component in cannabis and hemp (a type of cannabis plant that contains 0.3{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} or less THC). It acts on different areas of the brain and can counteract the effects of THC. CBD has been shown to help regulate brain activity.
When you smoke or consume cannabis, you take in both THC and CBD.

Cannabis for ADHD: What Research Says

There isn’t much research on using cannabis for ADHD because federal research on cannabis has been restricted by the drug’s schedule 1 status (drugs not currently accepted for medical use that have a potential for abuse). However, the research that is available gives a mixed answer to the question of can cannabis help with ADHD, including:
- A small 2020 study of 112 adult patients with ADHD who used medical cannabis found that those who took a higher dose of medical cannabis components, like CBD, took fewer other ADHD medications.
- A 2019 medical review of 83 studies found that there was “scant” and “insufficient” evidence on the effectiveness of cannabis to treat mental health conditions, including ADHD.
- A 2021 study of 1,700 students found that those with ADHD self-reported that using cannabis improved their ADHD symptoms and lessened their side effects from their ADHD medication.
- A 2016 study that analyzed online posts mentioning cannabis and ADHD found that 25{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of those posts stated a positive impact of cannabis on ADHD symptoms, as opposed to 8{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} that said it was harmful.
More research is needed to determine if cannabis can have benefits for adults with ADHD. However, at this time, most states with medical cannabis programs do not include ADHD as a qualifying condition for getting a license.

Cannabis and Kids

Although ADHD is most often diagnosed in children, cannabis should not be used by most young people. Even states with recreational cannabis laws don’t allow people under 21 years old to purchase or consume cannabis. Medical cannabis programs for children are extremely limited, and ADHD is not a qualifying condition.

Using Cannabis With ADHD Medications

There’s limited research on how cannabis interacts with ADHD medications, such as Adderall (dextroamphetamine–amphetamine). A small 2015 study of adults without ADHD found that when Adderall and marijuana were taken together, they produced unique effects (neither positive nor negative) compared with either medication taken alone.

If you’re on ADHD medications, it’s important that you be upfront and honest with your healthcare provider about your cannabis use. Cannabis use is becoming mainstream and is legal in some places. Your healthcare provider can help you understand the benefits and risks of using cannabis with ADHD medications.

Cannabis Effects by Strain Type

Some people believe that different strains of cannabis produce different effects. Strains are different varieties of the cannabis plant. Common marketing distinguishes between these two strains:
- Sativa is believed to energize.
- Indica is believed to have calming and pain-reducing effects.
However, research shows the differences between strains are not necessarily accurate. The effects of cannabis are dictated by its levels of THC and CBD, with each having different effects on the brain and body. Most Indica strains are thought to have a higher proportion of CBD, which lends them their calming effects.

Most research in favor of cannabis for ADHD shows benefits of CBD, so you may want to choose a cannabis strain with a higher proportion of CBD (such as an Indica product) or try CBD oil (or other CBD-only product) instead of cannabis.

When Does Cannabis Use Become a Substance Use Disorder?

About 30{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of people who use cannabis will develop a substance use disorder. A substance use disorder occurs when substance use begins to interfere with a person’s day-to-day functioning.

Research shows that CBD alone, without THC, is not addictive. So, if you are concerned about developing a substance use disorder, you may want to choose a product with only CBD as opposed to both CBD and THC.

Summary

There’s little research on whether cannabis can help with ADHD. The research that exists is mixed: Some studies have found that cannabis can help with ADHD symptoms, while others conclude there is insufficient evidence to make that conclusion.

In most cases, ADHD doesn’t qualify for state medical cannabis programs, and cannabis should never be used to treat ADHD in people under age 21. It’s best to have an open and honest conversation with your healthcare provider about using cannabis if you have ADHD.

A Word From Verywell

It’s normal to wonder whether cannabis can treat your ADHD symptoms. Unfortunately, there’s no clear answer. Luckily, researchers are continuing to explore the medical potential of cannabis. Hopefully, within a few years, we’ll have a better idea of the impact of marijuana on people with ADHD.
Frequently Asked Questions

Should you talk to your doctor before you stop taking prescribed ADHD medicine?

Yes, you should always talk with your healthcare provider before stopping ADHD medications. Sometimes finding the right medications for ADHD can take time. Rather than stopping your medications, reach out to your medical provider to discuss your concerns.

How much cannabis is too much?

If your cannabis use is interfering with your day-to-day functioning, it’s time to seek help. Remember that even in states with recreational cannabis programs, cannabis is illegal for people who are under the age of 21.

What the best type of cannabis for ADHD?

There’s little research about the effects of different forms of cannabis for people with ADHD. However, CBD seems to show more promise for treating ADHD, compared to cannabis that contains THC and CBD. Talk to your healthcare provider about your specific situation.

Could microdosing cannabis help with ADHD symptoms?

There’s not enough research to conclude whether cannabis helps people with ADHD. This includes microdosing, or the practice of taking ultra low doses of cannabis to help manage symptoms without a high. If you’re interested in microdosing to help control ADHD, talk with your healthcare provider.
January 11, 2022