(Newswire.net — January 25, 2016) — With two main types, inattentive and hyperactive, everybody knows somebody who could probably be diagnosed with ADD, even if they’ve never seen a doctor about it. The root causes of ADD are many, and could result from anything from lead paint exposure during childhood to fetal alcohol syndrome and many other sources. ADD isn’t completely understood, but with so many people who clearly fit the bill, there are many ways that people are treating themselves and their friends, outside of the doctor’s office.
Drugs aren’t the only way to counteract the effects of ADD, though they can certainly help. Some people have major problems, physically and philosophically, with stimulant therapy, the front line treatment for adults and children with symptoms of ADD. Stimulants are easily abused, can cause overdose, can have negative impact on the cardiovascular system, and can cause other problems both physical and social. Other non stimulant alternatives are being used by many, modafinil and wellbutrin for example. But no totally safe, totally effective drug has been yet discovered.
So people with ADD, whether they know it or not, find ways to make themselves more focused and calm. Some of these are very healthy. It’s well known that some ADD sufferers are drawn to video games. Games like Tony Hawk Pro Skater and the game found at Total Domination official site are known to be stimulating of themselves, in the same way as the above drugs are, but without the dangerous substance part. People who play these fast paced games find relief from scattered thoughts, relief that last long after the game has been put away.
Other people find a balance from their symptoms from activities like hiking, swimming, or lifting weights. Many children who have been diagnosed with ADD do very well when taken out for moderate exercise in nature. It turns out that some people just have a lot of nervous energy that needs to be worked out in natural ways, though this is sometimes mistaken for a flaw in their brain. However, real ADD does exist, and it can be treated in the same manner. Any physical exertion is known to help some people.
Finally, if relief can be found through none of the above methods, sometimes it’s all a matter of organizing one’s life to the physiological temperament one finds oneself with. For instance, people with ADD sometimes do very well if employed in fast paced, socially oriented jobs. Let’s say you are a daycare employee with 25 children in your care. ADD people sometimes find that the constant improvisation required for caring for a room of wild toddlers actually keeps them involved in the task at hand. Like the constant stimulation provided by a drug like adderall, a high stimulation job where one works with humans can actually keep someone on their toes, without the deleterious effect of drugs. There are no easy solutions, but there are good ones nonetheless which can and will help.