Submitted by inthedark on 11/05/2017.
Does anyone know if there is an alternative treatment for ADHD. My partner can't take most drugs due to a severe heart condition, which he is already on medication for.
Does anyone know if there is an alternative treatment for ADHD. My partner can't take most drugs due to a severe heart condition, which he is already on medication for.
The ADHD Effect on Marriage was listed in Huff Post as a top book that therapists suggest all couples should read.
CBT
Submitted by bowlofpetunias on
Have you looked into CBT therapy?
alternative treatment
Submitted by inthedark on
Thank you for your reply. No I don't think he has tried CBT. He is a mature age, so has been living for a long time with ADHD, with no treatment. I might suggest this to him, but not sure he would consider it. I like the quote about the petunias. It seems appropriate doesn't it? He is a bit all over the place, and just gets angry a lot. I will try to weave it into the conversation next time I see him, he says he gets very anxious and that he has been drinking more, which isn't good.
Perhaps take a look the "Treatment' area of this site
Submitted by Chevron on
https://www.adhdmarriage.com/category/adhd-marriage/diagnosis-and-treatm...
These are posts over time by made Melissa Orlov, who hosts this site and is an ADHD counselor. You'll see her remarks on the impact of the use of supplements like Omega 3, and I did notice a remark in one of her posts on ADHD-moderating prescriptions that are a better fit with heart problems than other meds given to people with ADHD.
Or perhaps ask her directly online.
All best,
Chevron
My family has used
Submitted by Hopeful Heart on
My family has used neurofeedback. It’s a form of brain training. My husband (ADHD) and son (ADHD and ODD) both between 40-50 treatments. It really didn’t help my husband at all. My son’s behavior improved significantly, but it definitely wasn’t a cure.
We also tried Vayarin. It is a prescription pill that is referred to as a “medical food”. It is a nutritional supplement. It gave my husband really bad headaches. My son really didn’t take it for very long.
My son has great results from a very small dose of adderall. But Nothing has helped my husband, no medications or alternative treatments. So we are going to try something else. In a couple of weeks he’s going to go to Chicago for testing to determine chemical imbalances. They will formulate a supplement specifically for him based on the test results. I’ll let you know how that goes.
your experiences
Submitted by MelissaOrlov on
Your experiences mirror the research out there. Neurofeedback has limited effectiveness, if any and Vayarin's 'research' was tightly managed to demonstrate 'effectiveness' in that when they analyzed the results they deleted a lot of the respondents who didn't respond to it and honed in on those trying to manage hyperactivity.
One of the overlooked 'treatments' that can help is getting more sleep. Many with ADHD have trouble doing this and their ADHD symptoms are increased/made worse as a result. So creating a very specific 'sleep hygiene program' that adds hours and/or better sleep can be quite helpful. Also, sleep apnea is a problem for some with ADHD, so seeing a sleep clinic can help if that's the issue. You can find out more about ADHD and sleep in my treatment area on this page. Also, see these blog posts for more:
The Relationship between ADHD and Sleep
Sleep Issues? Bedtime wars? ADHD Couples Can Reconnect at Night
Thank you so much for the
Submitted by Hopeful Heart on
Thank you so much for the information. I’m definitely going to study this further.
Alternatives to meds for ADHD treatment
Submitted by MelissaOrlov on
There are many ways to help manage ADHD symptoms. You can find out about them by downloading my free e-book on optimizing ADHD from the home page. In addition, you can find more articles (for example, on sleep) in my treatment area. The treatment area also provides things such as symptom tracking worksheets to help you both out.
About 20-30% of adults can't take meds for ADHD, so you are not alone.
I had to split up with him, I
Submitted by inthedark on
I had to split up with him, I couldn't handle some of his comments or the things he was saying. He has bad language, but I don't think this is part of ADHD. I have been reading ADHD and Marriage, which is so enlightening. I write down all his positive traits eg. keeps life interesting, bounces back easily, helpful etc. but it is easier being on my own.