If you’re seeking support for yourself, your child or another loved one for ADHD, it’s likely you’ll run into quite a few myths and misconceptions. This is especially true if you’re researching natural ADHD solutions. Here are five important facts you should know about ADHD that can guide you in making all-important decisions about care.
1. ADHD is a brain-based condition that requires brain-based therapy. ADHD symptoms reflect a brain imbalance. Once balance is achieved, the brain functions better and symptoms improve. There is a lot that can be done through completely natural therapeutic support to promote better brain function.
2. ADHD requires a comprehensive approach. Although it is a brain-based condition, multiple underlying factors may play a role in ADHD. Every single system in the body must be examined and every possible factor that could be a cause must be considered. This includes metabolic issues, gut function, blood chemistry, any chronic infections or any injuries to the head or brain in the patient’s health history. A practitioner who is trained in functional neurology looks at the ADHD patient as a whole person, because the more that is uncovered and addressed through therapeutic support, the better the patient will feel.
3. ADHD evaluation demands in-depth, objective testing. Putting any patient on powerful drugs for a condition that is improperly evaluated is cause for deep concern, but it’s especially alarming when it happens to young children. Functional neurologist rely on in-depth testing to obtain objective and specific data they can use to evaluate ADHD patients. Data may be collected through eye and visual reflex tests, balance and stability testing, nutrition assessments, blood chemistry profiles and more. This is the type of testing that ensures each patient is evaluated accurately. It’s truly the only option for comprehensive assessment, and is far superior to the guessing game far too many ADHD evaluations involve.
4. ADHD care must be customized. In-depth testing reveals the very specific, unique needs of individual ADHD patients, and care that is customized to meet them will be efficient and effective. Care that is customized is focused, and because it addresses more than one aspect of what’s likely a complex condition, improvements can often be brought about swiftly. A functional neurologist can develop a personalized plan of therapeutic support that will get you the best results possible efficiently.
5. ADHD medications do nothing to improve function. The stimulants, anti-depressants and other drugs used to control ADHD symptoms can cause serious unwanted side effects for children, teens and adults. They can also put you at risk for serious health problems in the future. The medications that seem to work today may fail you tomorrow, as they do not address any of the underlying causes of ADHD. When medications are stopped, ADHD symptoms nearly always return. This is why it’s crucial to seek out the care and support of a practitioner who focuses on resolving causes and improving function rather than masking symptoms.