Meditation for ADHD impulsivity might seem like a ridiculous idea. How can a practice that involves stillness possibly help a disorder that makes stillness of the mind, body, or both nearly impossible? Isn’t it a bit like recommending running a marathon to fix a broken leg?

Admittedly, ADHD makes sitting still and focusing attention very difficult. However, studies show that doing so makes it possible. While it’s not a cure for ADHD, meditation can truly help ADHD and impulsivity.

Meditation, Mindfulness, and Impulsivity

In deciding if meditation is right for you, it can be helpful to know what meditation is. Without knowing the big picture, it’s natural to be skeptical about meditation’s ability to decrease ADHD impulsivity.

Meditation is a broad term that refers to the practice of concentrating and self-regulating, and there are many different ways to meditate (Bushak, 2016). One of the many styles of meditation is a practice known as mindfulness. Mindfulness involves focusing on one’s senses to be fully present in the moment.

It is mindfulness meditation in particular that is helpful for reducing impulsivity. In one study, trends showed that people high in mindfulness were low in impulsivity (Trapp, 2011). The idea, if not the practice, is simple: if you are fully focused on what you are doing or what is happening in the moment you’re in, you’re less likely to act on an impulse to go do something else.

One of the beliefs about meditation is that it involves emptying the mind of all thoughts and emotions. Trying to do that may actually cause more stress and difficulties for someone with ADHD. Mindfulness meditation isn’t about emptying the mind; instead, it’s about learning to focus the mind, to accept the signals we’re receiving, and to control our behavior—and impulsivity (Nauman, 2014). Mindfulness helps people with ADHD learn how to focus at work and add an ADHD impulsivity strategy to the toolbox.

Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation for ADHD Impulsivity

Mindfulness has been shown to benefit the brain—including the ADHD brain—in multiple ways. Mindfulness meditation:

• Affects changes in the brain itself, including within the prefrontal cortex, the region important in impulse control and other forms of self-control
• Increases one’s awareness of distractions
• Helps people recognize unproductive states of mind in order to refocus
• Allows people to control their thinking and focus their attention even after mentally taxing activities
• Increases awareness of thoughts and feelings, which allows people to pause before impulsively acting

According to Bank (2015), “Mindfulness facilitates attentional regulation.” In helping people regulate their attention, thus decreasing impulsivity, mindfulness mediation can indeed help ADHD impulsivity.

How to Practice Mindfulness Meditation with ADHD

Meditation often conjures an image of a person sitting serenely, cross-legged, lips turned upward in a small smile, content to remain like this, unmoving, for an indefinite amount of time. If you have ADHD, chances are this image creates in you a strong urge, an impulse if you will, to run away screaming. Rightfully so. To someone with ADHD, sitting still like this can be torturous. Before you act on that impulse to run away from mediation, check out these suggestions for practicing mindfulness meditation when you have ADHD.

Mindfulness meditation can be an active meditation. Doing things while meditating actually helps increase focus and decrease impulsivity as well as negative emotions like irritability (Surman & Bilkey, 2013). Active meditation can include:

• Tuning into the senses—touch, sight, smell, sound, and even taste if appropriate, as in mindful eating
• Going for a walking meditation, taking in the world around you as you go
• Doing yoga or just a series of stretches, feeling the movement of your body, your feet on the floor, etc.
• Swimming, concentrating on the rhythmic laps, feeling the water, concentrating on your muscles moving, etc.
• Practicing concentrated distraction, the act of keeping your hands busy expends physical energy and increases focus

You can “do” mindfulness meditation your way. The idea is to improve concentration, increase awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and other sensations, and in doing so reduce impulsivity.

Mindfulness meditation is a tool for decreasing ADHD impulsivity. It can work well, but it does take practice and time. Be patient with yourself and trust the process. With meditation, you’ll build self-control and decrease impulsivity.

Alzheimer's can be scary and distressing for children. Here's how to explain Alzheimer's Disease and dementia to children.

When you are distressed about someone close who has dementia, it is easy to forget just how anxious your children may feel. Children need clear explanations and plenty of reassurance in order to cope with the changing situation. Though the facts are distressing it may come as a relief to know that their relative's strange behavior is part of an illness and not directed at them.

Of course, you will have to adapt your explanation to your child's age and understanding but always try to be as honest as you can. It is more upsetting for a child to find out later that they cannot trust what you say than to cope with the truth, however unpleasant, with your support.

Giving explanations

It is always hard to take in distressing information. Depending on their age, children might need explanations repeated on different occasions. You may have to be very patient.

• Encourage children to ask questions. Listen to what they have to say so you can find out just what might be worrying them.
• Give plenty of reassurance, and hugs and cuddles where appropriate.
• Practical examples of behavior which seems strange, such as the person forgetting an address, getting words mixed up or wearing a hat in bed, may help you to make a point more clearly.
• Don't be afraid to use humor. It often helps if you can all laugh together at the situation.
• Focus on the things that the person can still do as well as those that are becoming more difficult.

Children's fears

• Your child may be afraid to talk to you about their worries or show their feelings because they know you are under strain and they don't want to upset you further. They may need gentle encouragement to talk.
• Young children may believe that they are responsible for the illness because they have been naughty or have had 'bad thoughts'. These feelings are a common reaction to any unhappy situation which may arise in a family.
• Older children may worry that the dementia is a punishment for something the person did in the past. In both situations, children will need reassurance that this is not the reason for the person becoming ill.
• You may also need to reassure older children that it is unlikely that you or they will develop dementia just because their relative has the illness.

Changes for your child

When someone in the family develops dementia, everyone is affected. Children need to know that you understand the difficulties they face and that you still love them, however preoccupied or even snappy you may seem at times.

Try to put aside time to talk to your child on a regular basis without interruption. Young children may need reminding why their relative is behaving in a strange way. And all children will probably need to talk about their feelings as new problems arise. They might wish to discuss, for example:

• Grief and sadness at what is happening to the person they love and anxieties about the future.
• Being afraid, irritated or embarrassed by the person's behavior and bored hearing stories and questions repeated over and over again. These emotions might be mixed with guilt for feeling this way.
• Having to assume responsibility for someone they may remember as being responsible for them.
• Feelings of loss - because their relative does not seem to be the same person as they were or because they can no longer communicate.
• Anger - because other family members are feeling under pressure and have far less time for them than before.

Children all react differently to experience and show distress in different ways. Here are some things to look out for.

• Some children have nightmares or difficulties in sleeping, may seem attention-seeking or naughty, or complain of aches and pains that cannot be explained. This could suggest that they are very anxious about the situation and need more support.
• School work often tends to suffer as children who are upset find it harder to concentrate. Have a word with your child's teacher or head of year so that staff at the school are aware of the situation and understand the difficulties.
• Some children put on an over-cheerful front or appear to be uninterested although inside they may be very upset. You may need to encourage them to talk about the situation and express their feelings rather than bottle them up.
• Other children may be sad and weepy and need a great deal of attention over quite a long period. Even though you may feel under a lot of pressure yourself, try to give them some time each day to talk things over.
• Teenage children often seem bound up in themselves and may retreat from the situation to their own rooms or stay out more than usual. They may find the situation particularly hard to handle because of all the other uncertainties in their lives. Embarrassment is a very powerful emotion for most teenagers. They will need reassurance that you love them and understand their feelings. Talking things through in a calm, matter-of-fact way may help them sort out some of their worries.

Involving children

Try to find ways to involve your children in the care and stimulation of the person with dementia. But don't give them too much responsibility or let it take up too much of their time. It is very important to encourage children to continue with their normal lives.

• Emphasize that just being with the person with dementia and showing love and affection is the most important thing they can do.
• Try to ensure that time spent with the person is pleasurable - going for a walk together, playing games, sorting objects or making a scrapbook of past events are ideas for shared activities which you might suggest.
• Talk about the person as they were and show the children photographs and mementos.
• Take photographs of the children and the person together to remind you all of the good times even during the illness.
• Don't leave children alone in charge, even for brief spells, unless you are sure in your own mind that they are happy about this and will be able to cope.
• Make sure that your children know that you appreciate their efforts.

Sources:

Alzheimer's Society of Ireland

Alzheimer's Society of UK - Carers' advice sheet 515

Things to consider when it comes to providing care for the person with Alzheimer's disease.

As Alzheimer's progresses, people usually need more care and support. It is a good idea to consider all the options carefully before the situation reaches crisis point.

If a person with Alzheimer's is assessed as being in need of certain services, social services may be able to help provide these. Services vary from area to area but range from meals on wheels or day care, enabling the person to stay in their own home, to care in a nursing home. The views and preferences of the person receiving services should always be taken into account.

Even if it is concluded that the person's needs are not yet urgent enough to receive help from social services, an assessment will give everyone clearer information about the situation and the kinds of help available from other sources.

Local voluntary organizations, such as the Alzheimer's Association, are a source of further information, advice and practical help.

Thinking it through

Once everyone is aware of the services available, a decision can be made about whether the person can remain in their own home with additional support or whether they would prefer to move into sheltered housing or a nursing home, for example.

You may also want to consider the financial implications of the options available. Social services should be able to give you an idea of the costs of the various services that are arranged through them.

It is important not to rush into a decision. You might also want to talk to friends and relatives, other caregivers or your local Alzheimer's Association branch.

Alzheimer's and Help at home

If the person with Alzheimer's is staying in their own home, there are a number of points to consider:

• Benefits. Check that all benefits are being claimed. Extra benefits for the person with Alzheimer's or their caregiver can make a great difference.
• Equipment. Would equipment such as a raised toilet seat, a walking frame, a gas detector or a memory board make it easier for the person to stay in their own home?
• Adaptations or repairs. Adaptations such as a wheelchair ramp, a specially designed shower, improvements to the heating system or basic repairs might enable the person to remain at home.
• Practical help. Would meals on wheels, help with shopping, cooking or other domestic tasks, or assistance with bathing or dressing make a difference? Ask social services whether they can arrange these services or put you in touch with an appropriate organization. Speak to your doctor if nursing care is needed at home.
• Company and breaks for caregivers. Would a befriending scheme, home care service, day care or respite care be helpful? Again, ask social services whether they arrange these services.

If social services are unable to arrange appropriate help, find out what services other organizations can provide. Ask at your local library or the United Way or at a local Alzheimer's Association group.

The Alzheimer's Association publishes helpful information sheets about help at home and what to look for when making your own arrangements.

Social services may have a list of local private home care agencies.

Alzheimer's and Assisted living accommodations

You may wish to consider assisted living accommodations. This enables people to continue to live independently but with the reassurance that help is at hand. It may be suitable for some, but not all, people with Alzheimer's. However, any move to new surroundings is likely to increase confusion and most assisted living place do not offer the constant monitoring and support available in a nursing home. Talk through the pros and cons with professionals involved in Alzheimer's care as well as with family and friends.

There are many different types of assisted living accommodations, both to rent and to buy. The support offered ranges from just getting prepared meals to part-time nursing care.

No matter what you decide on it's important to carefully check the financial and legal implications before settling on an option.

It may be agreed that the best option is a move into a home providing residential or nursing care. Whether a person with Alzheimer's needs residential or nursing care depends on the degree of their Alzheimer's and on any other illnesses and disabilities.

Most community homes offering residential care are run privately or by voluntary organizations. Most nursing homes offering nursing care are also run privately or by voluntary organizations. Some homes are able to provide both residential and nursing care.

Residential care for Alzheimer's Patients

Most residential homes (group homes) provide personal care for the residents who need it. This might include help with dressing, washing, going to the toilet and taking medicine. If you are considering a residential home, find out whether suitable care can still be offered if the person with Alzheimer's becomes more confused and dependent. A move to another home can be very upsetting.

Nursing care for Alzheimer's Patients

Nursing homes always have a trained nurse on duty and can offer 24-hour nursing care in addition to personal care. Nursing care may need to be considered if the person with Alzheimer's is very confused and frail, has difficulties walking, has other illnesses or disabilities or is doubly incontinent, for example.

Sources:

• Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease: Fact Sheet, Family Caregiver Alliance, Revised 1999.
• Making Hard Choices, Respecting Both Voices: Final Report, Feinberg, L.F., Whilatch, C.J. and Tucke, S. (2000). Family Caregiver Alliance, San Francisco, CA.
• Alzheimer's Society - UK, Information Sheet 465, March 2003.

Call it a brain fitness program. Here are ideas for keeping your brain healthy and reducing your risk of Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias.

Maintaining A Healthy Brain Goes A Long Way to Preventing Alzheimer's and Dementia

When people think about staying fit, they generally think from the neck down. But the health of your brain plays a critical role in almost everything you do: thinking, feeling, remembering, working, and playing - even sleeping.

The good news is that we now know there's a lot you can do to help keep your brain healthier as you age. These steps might also reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease or other dementia.

Simple lifestyle modifications also would have an enormous impact on our nation's public health and the cost of healthcare. If you make brain-healthy lifestyle changes and take action by getting involved, we could realize a future without Alzheimer's disease.

Make brain-healthy life choices

Like other parts of your body, your brain may lose some agility as you get older. It can deteriorate even more if you don't take care of it. Science is unlocking many of the mysteries of the brain, but we don't have all the answers yet. You can do everything "right" and still not prevent Alzheimer's disease. What's offered here is the best and most up-to-date information available so that you can make your own decisions about your health.

Mental Activity Helps You Stay Sharp

Mental decline as you age appears to be largely due to altered connections among brain cells. But research has found that keeping the brain active seems to increase its vitality and may build its reserves of brain cells and connections. You could even generate new brain cells.

Low levels of education have been found to be related to a higher risk of Alzheimer's later in life. This may be due to a lower level of life-long mental stimulation. Put another way, higher levels of education appear to be somewhat protective against Alzheimer's, possibly because brain cells and their connections are stronger. Well-educated individuals can still get Alzheimer's, but symptoms may appear later because of this protective effect.

You don't have to turn your life upside down or make extreme changes to achieve many of these benefits. Start with something small, like a daily walk. After a while, add another small change.

Keep your brain active every day:

• Stay curious and involved — commit to lifelong learning
• Read, write, work crossword or other puzzles
• Attend lectures and plays
• Enroll in courses at your local adult education center, community college or other community groups
• Play games
• Garden
• Try memory exercises

Social Activity Is Good For Your Brain

Research shows that people who are regularly engaged in social interaction maintain their brain vitality. But again, the combination of physical and mental activity with social engagement — and a brain-healthy diet — is more effective than any of these factors alone.

A recent study reported that leisure activities that combine physical, mental and social activity are the most likely to prevent dementia. In the study of 800 men and women aged 75 and older, those who were more physically active, more mentally active or more socially engaged had a lower risk for developing dementia. And those who combined these activities did even better.

Other research found that sports, cultural activities, emotional support and close personal relationships together appear to have a protective effect against dementia.

So stay socially engaged in activities that stimulate the mind and body:

• Stay active in the workplace
• Volunteer in community groups and causes
• Join bridge clubs, square dancing clubs or other social groups
• Travel

Sources:

• Larson, Christine, Keeping Your Brain Fit, US News and World Report, January 31, 2008.
• Alzheimer's Association - Austin, TX., 10 Ways to Maintain Your Brain, Spring 2005 Newsletter.
• Alzheimer's Association

The roles of wife and mother add new dimensions of complexity to the daily life of a woman with AD/HD. Read about the impact of ADHD on some women.

How does Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder affect your home life?

ome women say that they have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), but others say they are AD/HD. I prefer to see the AD/HD as just one aspect of a unique individual. Nevertheless, it is easy to understand why one might say, "I am AD/HD." For better or worse, AD/HD can affect many areas of one's life.

Women are more likely to internalize - to blame themselves and to become depressed about their perceived shortcomings. Inattentive or impulsive girls often feel that "something" is wrong with them. Feelings of shame and guilt can layer themselves in to a young woman's personality as she grows up. When a woman is first diagnosed with AD/HD, she may feel relief and a temporary euphoria. She now has a name for her guilty secret. But a diagnosis does not change an ingrained personality style. After the diagnosis comes the real work. She must gain an in-depth understanding of how the AD/HD affects her own unique strengths and weaknesses.

ADHD Mother, Wife Equals More Stress

The roles of wife and mother add new dimensions of complexity to the daily life of a woman with AD/HD. In our society, women often bear more of the responsibility for maintaining the household and raising the children. We expect the homemaker to provide organization and structure for the rest of the family members. Office jobs often have specific schedules and clear job descriptions. The home is much less structured. Tasks may not have a clear beginning or end.

Some women with AD/HD may feel overwhelmed at the sheer number of tasks in the home. It may be difficult to break down and prioritize tasks. A woman with difficulty maintaining divided attention may blow up when her children start asking for things while she is trying to fix dinner. She may have difficulty providing the structure her children need to help contain their own AD/HD. A woman prone to impulsive temper outbursts may have difficulty disciplining her children. Occasionally this impulsivity can lead to excessive punishment and even child abuse. If she has insight into her impulsive tendencies, she and her family can plan to have "time out" periods when arguments become heated.

Women with AD/HD may discover that the disorder has its positive side. Her generosity, spontaneity and energy may make the household a Mecca for neighborhood children. Her high energy may enable her to keep up with a demanding job and a busy family life.

Sometimes, marriage between a spouse with AD/HD and a partner without AH/HD may work well. The husband may provide stability, structure and organizational skills. At the same time, the wife's creativity and quest for novelty may provide color to her husband's life and help him explore new horizons. This complementary relationship works best when each partner has insight into his or her unique strengths and weaknesses. They learn from each other in a dynamic way, and do not allow their roles to become too rigid. Eventually the husband may have periods of spontaneity, and the wife with AD/HD then becomes the stabilizer.

Sometimes individuals with AD/HD marry each other. The couple may enjoy each other's spontaneity and energy. The woman may feel as if she has finally found someone on her own wavelength. However, when the couple encounters complex family demands, they may need outside help to stabilize their lives.

ADHD Can Affect A Marriage

Sometimes, AD/HD can strain a marriage. The husband without AD/HD may misinterpret his wife's disorganization and procrastination as deliberate offenses. If the wife goes on an impulsive spending spree, it may damage family finances. The urge for novel situations can lead some women into repeated job changes or promiscuity. In a couple where both partners have AD/HD, they may have difficulty deciding who will manage the more mundane aspects of family life.

Both partners should have a thorough understanding of the psychiatric diagnoses and how the behaviors associated with the diagnoses affect the entire family. Often women with AD/HD have other conditions such as anxiety, depression or alcohol abuse. It is important to address these conditions too. They may hide these difficulties just as they hid their AD/HD.

The woman's partner may also feel euphoric early in the treatment process when medication begins to have an effect. Both members of the couple are lulled into the belief that the diagnosis and the medication will be a panacea. The woman's husband may despair or even leave the relationship when old patterns and behaviors re-emerge. Family or group therapy can be an important part of treatment for women with AD/HD. It took a long time for each family member to learn their behavior patterns and it may take time to make lasting changes. The AD/HD may be an explanation, but no one should use it as an excuse. Instead, understanding one's own strengths and weaknesses can help her to develop creative coping strategies.

About the author: Dr. Watkins is Board Certified in Child, Adolescent and Adult psychiatry and in private practice in Maryland. One of her specialities is ADHD.

Concrete ideas to help the Alzheimer's disease patient maintain quality of life and stay active.

How to help someone with Alzheimer's maintain their quality of life

Maintaining skills

A person with Alzheimer's is a unique individual. As a caregiver, you will want to do everything you can to preserve their dignity and confidence. Each person experiences Alzheimer's in their own way but, using encouragement, a reassuring routine and common-sense measures, you can help them to continue to make the best use of their skills and abilities as their condition changes.

Try to encourage the person with Alzheimer's to do whatever they can for themselves and only offer as much help as is necessary. If they are struggling with a task, avoid the temptation to take over completely, even though it may seem easier and quicker. If you take over, the person is likely to lose confidence and cope less well.

• If you do need to offer assistance, try to do things with the person rather than for them. The person will then be more likely to feel involved.
• Always try to focus on what the person can do rather than what they cannot do.
• Remember that they will have a short attention span and will be finding it hard to remember because of the Alzheimer's.
• Try to be patient and allow plenty of time. If you feel yourself becoming irritated, take time out. Make sure that the person is safe; then go into another room for a few minutes to give yourself some space.
• Give plenty of praise and encouragement.

Ways of helping

The person may find certain tasks increasingly difficult as the Alzheimer's progresses, while others may remain much longer. Adjust any help you offer accordingly so that they can continue to make the best use of the skills they still possess. Ways of helping that may be appropriate at different times include:

• The person may be able to complete a task when it is broken down into sections, even if they can't complete it. An example of this is getting dressed. Putting the clothes out in the order they are put on may make it possible for the person to continue to dress themselves. Achieving only one or two steps of a task may give them a sense of achievement.
• Give tactful verbal reminders or simple instructions. Try to imagine that you are the person receiving the help and speak in a way that you would find helpful.
• Doing things together, such as folding clothes or drying dishes, can be helpful.
• It is very important that the person with Alzheimer's does not feel that they are being supervised or criticized in any way. The tone of voice can imply criticism as well as the actual words.
• Pointing, demonstrating or guiding an action may sometimes be more helpful than verbal explanations when the Alzheimer's is more advanced. For example, the person may be able to brush their own hair if you start by gently guiding their hand.

Ask advice

A person with Alzheimer's may find it hard to cope with certain tasks either because of the Alzheimer's or because of other disabilities. An occupational therapist (OT) can advise on aids and adaptations and other ways to help the person retain their independence for as long as possible. You can contact an OT through social services (look in the phone book under your local council) or through your GP.

Any changes involving equipment or different approaches to practical tasks are more likely to be successful if they are introduced at an early stage when the person with Alzheimer's finds it possible to absorb new information.

Feeling safe

• Feeling safe is such a basic human need that one might say our survival depends upon it. A person with Alzheimer's is likely to experience the world as an unsafe place for much of the time. We can only imagine how frightening it must be to experience the world in this way. This is why a person with Alzheimer's may try to keep as close as possible to people they recognize.
• The less anxious and stressed the person with Alzheimer's feels, the more likely they are to be able to use their skills to the best advantage. A relaxed, uncritical atmosphere is therefore very important.
• Familiar surroundings and a regular routine are reassuring for people with Alzheimer's.
• Too many conflicting sounds or too many people can add to confusion. If possible, turn off the radio or the television or, if the person needs to concentrate on something in particular, take them to a quiet place.
• A person with Alzheimer's is quite likely to be upset or embarrassed by their declining abilities or clumsiness. They will need plenty of reassurance.
• Although you need to be tactful and encouraging, sometimes the best thing when things go wrong is to have a good laugh together.

Sources:

• U.S. Administration on Aging, Alzheimer's Disease - Caregiving Challenges booklet, 2005.
• Alzheimer's Association
• Alzheimer's Society - UK

A diet for ADHD adults (in terms of symptom management) may look different for each person. Factors such as pre-existing medical conditions, food allergies, or other considerations affect what a person’s diet may look like. Nonetheless, there are some general guidelines to follow when creating a helpful diet for ADHD adults.

Diet for ADHD Adults

Most adults have a basic understanding of what a healthy diet looks like. And most adults know there is a strong connection between diet and mental and physical health. The connection between diet and health is even more significant when it comes to adults with ADHD. Regardless, many adults fail to follow anything resembling a healthy diet. If you are looking to find a new way to manage difficult adult ADHD symptoms, or get back on track with a nutritional diet plan for ADHD, try incorporating the following into your diet:

• Protein – whether you prefer meat, cheese, nuts, eggs, or yogurt, there are so many ways to add protein to a diet for ADHD adults.
• Healthy fats – fat is essential to any optimal brain function, especially when it comes to an ADHD brain. A diet for ADHD adults should include healthy (or plant-based) fats such as olive or coconut oils, and avocado (Ketogenic Diet and ADHD: How Effective Is It?).
• Fruits and vegetables – central to any well-rounded diet, fruits and vegetables may be especially vital to a diet for ADHD adults. Incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables (i.e. peppers, squash, berries, pomegranates, etc.) is a great way to get the antioxidants that keep the brain young, and thus functional. Yet, be sure to wash your fruits and vegetables, as many are treated with insecticides, which can negatively affect you.
• Whole grains – whole grains are also referred to as “complex-carbohydrates.” Whole-wheat crackers, flour, pasta, and cereal are all healthy options to incorporate into a diet for ADHD adults. Make sure the ingredients list to be certain what you are getting is, in fact, truly whole wheat.
• Water – getting enough water seems simple enough, but so many adults fail to adequately hydrate. Water intake is so important when it comes to diet and ADHD in adults. The brain is 80% water, and if you become dehydrated, your brain will not work at its optimal capacity. Beware of things that contribute to dehydration, including alcohol and caffeine (ADHD and Caffeine: The Effects of Caffeine on ADHD).
• Herbs and Spices – if you like to cook, then chances are herbs and spices are already part of your diet. But for those who do not cook as often, incorporating herbs and spices can seem intimidating. Nonetheless, they are part of a healthy diet for ADHD adults.  Turmeric, saffron, rosemary, thyme and sage have all been shown to boost blood flow in the brain, improve memory, and promote antioxidant production.
• Supplements – even people who follow a healthy diet overall tend to be deficient in certain vitamins and minerals. So, when creating a diet for ADHD adults, vitamin and mineral supplements are important, and can prove hugely beneficial.  Research indicates for adults with ADHD, increasing intake of B-vitamins is important, in that these help promote serotonin production.
• Omega 3’s – omega 3 fatty acids are well-known as a source of “brain food.” Fatty fish, flaxseeds, soybeans, and walnuts are all great ways to incorporate omega 3’s into a diet for ADHD adults.

article references

ADHD Table of Contents

• ADHD in Children
• Children's Behavioral Issues
• ADHD in Adults
• Women and ADHD
• ADHD Self-Help
• ADHD and Food
• ADHD Blogs
• ADHD Related Information

Articles on ADHD in Children

ADD, ADHD articles providing comprehensive information on ADHD in children. Articles include ADHD definition, signs and symptoms of ADHD, causes and treatments of ADHD in children, support for parents and more.

• What Is ADD and ADHD? ADD, ADHD Definition
• Types of ADHD: Inattentive Type, Hyperactive Type, Combined Type
• ADHD Symptoms: Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
• ADD Quiz: Free online ADHD Child Quiz
• How Do You Get ADHD? Cause of ADD and ADHD
• ADD Help: Where to Get Help for ADHD
• How to Diagnose ADHD: The ADHD Assessment
• ADHD Treatments: Treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder
• ADHD Medications: How ADHD Medicines Benefit Children with ADHD
• ADHD Therapy: ADD, ADHD Therapy for Children
• Natural Remedies for ADHD: Alternative Treatments for ADHD
• ADHD Cure: Is There a Cure for ADD?
• ADHD Support for Parents of ADD, ADHD Children

ADHD Children Behavioral Issues

• A Parent's Job As A Role Model
• How to Create an Emotional Bond with Your Child
• Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder
• An ADHD Family - Our Story
• Family Issues and the ADHD Child
• How to Deal with Sibling Rivalry
• 30 Tips on Managing Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) at Home
• Tips for Parenting A Child With ADHD
• Some Parents Drink to Cope with ADHD Child
• Eight Principles to Manage ADHD Children
• How to Help Your ADHD Child Succeed in School
• Disciplining Your ADHD Child
• The Seven Keys to Child Obedience
• ADHD Children and Constructive Criticism
• ADHD and the Risk of Antisocial Behavior
• Why Other Children Are Rejecting Your ADHD Child?
• How to Help Your ADHD Child Make Friends
• Kids, TV and ADHD
• Nutrition for Kids with ADD - ADHD
• Parenting an ADHD Teenager
• What to Do When Your Teen Chooses Bad Friends
• Prognosis for ADHD in Children

Adult ADHD Articles

In-depth articles on adult ADHD designed to provide a very good understanding of adult ADHD. Includes where to get help for adult ADHD, diagnosis and treatment and help with recognizing and managing personal relationships and work issues resulting from adult ADHD.

• Do I Have ADHD?
• What Is Adult ADHD? Adult Attention Deficit Disorder
• Adult ADD, ADHD Symptoms and Their Impact
• ADD Test: Take Free Online ADHD Test
• Adult ADHD Help: Where to Get Help for Adult ADD
• Finding Adult ADHD Doctors Who Know How to Treat Adult ADHD
• Adult ADD, ADHD Testing and Diagnosis
• Treatment of Adult ADHD
• ADHD Drugs and How ADHD Drug Treatment Helps ADHD Adults
• Adult ADHD Therapy - Could It Help You?
• Do Adult ADHD Natural Treatments, Natural Remedies Work?
• ADD and Relationships: How Adult ADHD Affects Relationships
• Managing Adult ADD, ADHD at Work
• ADHD Coaching: How Can ADD, ADHD Coaches Help You?
• Adult ADHD Support

Women with ADHD

• ADHD in Women
• ADHD Through A Woman's Lifecycle
• Women with ADHD and Its Impact on Home Life
• Undiagnosed ADHD in Women
• Treatment of Women with ADHD
• ADHD Stimulant Medication During Pregnancy
• Can A Woman with ADHD Take Non-Stimulant Medication While Pregnant?

ADHD Self-Help

• Adult ADHD Support: Where to Find it. Why You Need It
• How to Manage Adult ADHD and Impulsivity
• ADHD and Impulsivity: How Meditation Can Help
• ADHD and Successful Relationships: 5 Helpful Tips
• ADHD and Friendships: How to Make and Keep Friends
• ADHD and Rudeness: How to Change People’s Perception of You
• How to Deal with ADHD Meltdowns in Adults
• How to Handle ADHD and Anger in Adults
• How to Talk to Your Parents about ADHD
• How to Study When You Have ADHD: 5 ADHD Studying Tips
• ADHD and Exams: Test Taking Strategies for ADHD Students
• ADHD and How to Get a Better Night’s Sleep
• 5 Ways to Deal with ADHD and Feeling Like a Failure
• 10 Best ADHD Self-Help Strategies
• How to Treat Adult ADHD without Medication
• What Happens When You Stop Taking Adderall?
• What Happens When You Stop Taking Vyvanse?
• What Happens When You Stop Taking Concerta?
• How to Handle ADHD Medication Withdrawal
• Best Adult ADHD Apps for Helping Yourself
• ADHD and Procrastination: How to Get Stuff Done
• ADHD and Clutter: 5 Tips for Getting Organized
• ADHD and How to Stay Organized
• Finding the Best Job for Your ADHD Brain
• ADHD and 5 Ways to Stay Focused and Productive at Work
• Adult ADHD and How to Manage Your Time and Stay on Schedule
• ADHD and How to Manage Money, Pay Bills
• ADHD and How to Manage Stress

ADHD and Food

• Diet for ADHD: Does Food Really Make a Difference?
• Food for ADHD: Which Foods Help and Hurt Your ADHD Child?
• Food Dyes and ADHD: Do Food Dyes Cause Hyperactivity?
• Best Diet for Your ADHD Child
• Is There a Diet Plan for ADHD?
• Diets for ADHD Hyperactive Child and Inattentive Type
• Ketogenic Diet and ADHD: How Effective Is It?
• ADHD Elimination Diet: Food Sensitivities in ADHD Children
• Diet for ADHD Adults: How Foods Affect Adult ADHD Symptoms
• ADHD and Sugar: How Sugar Affects Your ADHD Child’s Behavior
• ADHD and Caffeine: The Effects of Caffeine on ADHD

ADHD Blogs

• Living with Adult ADHD
• ADDaboy! by Douglas Cootey (Discontinued.)

ADHD Related Information

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• Childhood ADHD Videos
• ADHD Library - Additional Articles
• ADHD Chat Transcripts
• Suicide Information

An ADHD elimination diet may be an approach to helping your child manage the difficult symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity (Diets for ADHD Hyperactive Child and Inattentive Type). In general, an elimination diet is where a person removes one or more foods from his or her diet for a period of time.  The purpose of eliminating foods is to help identify any food sensitivities. Certain foods, such as dairy, nuts, wheat, and food dyes are thought to have a negative impact on some people.  In the same respect, those who experience inattention and/or hyperactivity may be more affected by those foods and thus benefit from a specifically tailored ADHD elimination diet.

ADHD Elimination Diet

The concept of an ADHD elimination diet is fairly simple to understand – begin by removing the foods most likely to affect your child’s behavior, and then monitor and observe any change in behavior. If your child appears more attentive when wheat is removed from his or her diet yet is increasingly unfocused when reintroduced, it is likely your child has a wheat sensitivity.

The research behind the benefits of using an elimination diet for ADHD symptom management is convincing. A 2011 study showed that the use of an elimination diet for ADHD children resulted in a 64% improvement in symptoms after five weeks, in comparison to children who ate a “normal” diet.  There are numerous other studies demonstrating the potential benefits of using an ADHD elimination diet for symptom management. Yet, as with most research, there is, of course, opposing research.  Nonetheless, if you are thinking about trying an ADHD elimination diet for your child, there are a few different ways to approach the elimination process.

Variations of the ADHD Elimination Diet

Food elimination diets for ADHD come in different forms.

• The single-food ADHD elimination diet – this variation of an elimination diet focuses on the removal of only one or two foods at a time.
• The multi-food ADHD elimination diet – this diet is focused on removing the foods that have been found to most commonly cause negative reactions (i.e. – wheat, corn, soy, nuts, eggs, dairy, and/or artificial additives.
• The few foods ADHD elimination diet – also referred to as the “oligoantigenic” diet. In terms of using an elimination diet and ADHD, this food regimen incorporates only a few foods, making it difficult to maintain over long periods of time.  While most foods are eliminated in this diet, the foods least likely to cause issues can be consumed including meat, rice, and vegetables. If the oligoantigenic diet interests you, it may be beneficial to get the help of a medical professional to avoid nutritional deficiencies.

An ADHD elimination diet has the potential to be beneficial to your child’s inattention and hyperactivity. Yet, when changing the diet for ADHD, as with making any major dietary changes, it is helpful to consult the advice of a medical professional.

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It’s entirely possible to overcome relationship anxiety although relationship anxiety symptoms can be brutal. But by attending to each other, yourself, and the relationship, you can break free from anxiety’s control. Read on to discover how you can overcome relationship anxiety.

How to Start Overcoming Relationship Anxiety

Some important themes provide a context for overcoming relationship anxiety and serve as a positive starting point for moving past anxious thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are damaging what you and your partner have together. Relationships without problematic anxiety have these healthy features:

• Both parties work together toward common goals
• These goals are crafted and held by both people to shape a sense of why they’re together
• The couple plans how they’ll work toward their goals, what little things they can do together to live their values

The best general way to overcome relationship anxiety is to focus less on the anxiety and more on how you’ll move past it as well as what you’ll replace it with. This applies to what you do as a couple and what you do as an independent individual.

Overcoming Relationship Anxiety as a Couple

Reducing anxiety’s negative impact on your relationship involves:

• Discovering and sharing common interests and activities
• Finding ways to support each other
• Honesty
• Open communication

These might seem like things that would increase anxiety in the relationship, not reduce it. For some, the idea of asserting interests and desired activities could nearly induce panic. And honesty and open communication can be anxiety-provoking for anyone. Will these really help overcome relationship anxiety?

The simple answer is yes. That doesn’t mean that they will be easy, though. Moving forward in positive directions usually involves a degree of discomfort as you grow. But discomfort now can dislodge anxiety and lead to calm, peaceful feelings that allow you to enjoy your partner and relationship.

Communication is paramount. Especially important:

• Remember that you and your partner can’t read each other’s minds. Trying to do so makes anxiety skyrocket because you’re basically reading a book with the cover closed, guessing what’s inside and creating your own fictitious ideas.
• Share your thoughts and feelings. It means being vulnerable, but it also means you are letting your partner better understand your anxiety, your triggers and needs—and you
• Intentionally reach out to each other, requesting and giving support

Additionally, make time for fun together, doing something enjoyable for no other reason than to spend light-hearted time together. Laugh together. Anxiety is heavy and serious. Counter it with laughter and humor. When you give yourselves a break from anxiety, you begin to move past it.

Another thing that many people in relationships find helpful is couples’ therapy. Working together with a therapist who specializes in relationships can be effective in overcoming relationship anxiety in addition to strengthening your connection as a couple.

To overcome relationship anxiety requires work as a couple. It also involves individual work on the part of the person experiencing anxiety. Overcoming anxiety in a relationship needs a reduction in individual anxiety ("Anxiety and Romantic Relationships: How to Help Your Anxiety-Ridden Partner?").

How to Overcome Relationship Anxiety as an Individual with Anxiety

A key to reducing your anxiety when you’re in a relationship is to be patient and kind with yourself.  Anxiety is frustrating, and it interferes in seemingly everything. Remind yourself of all you’re doing and the positive things you bring to your relationship.

As you turn your focus inward, observe what anxiety’s critical voice is telling you. Notice how you react. How can you change your reactions? Slow down and respond rather than react. When you do respond, base it on reality rather than what anxiety is telling you is real.

Other strategies to help you overcome anxiety in your relationship include:

• Learn about your true self; understand you, not just your anxiety
• Cultivate self-compassion
• Notice your positive traits (and your partner’s, too)
• Express appreciation for your partner, and be grateful for things you do, too
• Consider individual therapy to help you put your anxious thoughts in perspective
• Develop, perhaps with a therapist, ways to reassure yourself so you don’t have to rely solely on your partner for reassurance

Learn who you are, what strengths you have, and what type of support can help you deal with anxiety. Licensed marriage and family therapist, Kristine Tye, (2015) summarizes it well: “Attend to your needs, not your fears.” Instead of getting stuck in worries, turn your attention to what you need right now to move ahead.

Working to reduce your own anxiety while simultaneously working with your partner to reduce anxiety in the relationship can build a healthy bond between the two of you. As you and your partner become closer and better able to enjoy each other, your own individual anxiety will diminish. When your own anxiety lessens, your relationship will benefit. It’s a positive circle and one that rolls ahead to overcome relationship anxiety.

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