Can treating your ADHD make you feel less stressed

Can treating your ADHD make you feel less stressed?

Approximately 7 million U.S. children between the ages of 3 and 17 have been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and about 15.5 million adults currently have ADHD. Many people with this diagnosis struggle with focus and organization, but it can also lead to heightened stress levels, especially if left untreated. Can treating your ADHD make you feel less stressed?

What is the link between ADHD and stress?

If you have ADHD - especially if it's untreated - everyday tasks can feel overwhelming. And dealing with ADHD symptoms can often stress you out even more. On the other hand, experiencing stress can make your ADHD symptoms seem worse. This creates a vicious cycle that's hard to break.

Research shows that stress affects the prefrontal cortex, the same part of the brain affected by ADHD. There, stress reduces neuronal firing and impairs cognitive abilities. Over time, chronic stress can affect brain structure, certain chemical functions and the size of certain sections. This produces a reduced capacity for decision-making, goal-setting and problem-solving - all of which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.

How does ADHD treatment help manage symptoms?

Several treatment options are available for ADHD, including medication, therapy, lifestyle changes and skills training. The goal of ADHD treatment is to relieve the symptoms and reduce their impact on your everyday life.

Medication

Medication is the first line of treatment for ADHD because of its effectiveness, tolerance and versatility. There are two types of ADHD medication: stimulants and non-stimulants. The main difference between the two is how they affect the brain. Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine - chemical messengers in the brain involved in focus and concentration - typically within 45 to 60 minutes. Stimulants also contain methylphenidate or amphetamine and are classified as controlled substances.

Non-stimulants do not include methylphenidate or amphetamine. They use different active ingredients to produce similar effects. But they don't work as quickly and may not be as effective as stimulants for some people. Doctors usually prescribe non-stimulants when the alternative doesn't work or has adverse side effects.

Therapy

Therapy can be helpful for people with ADHD who want extra support or don't want to take medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for example, focuses on reducing inattention and impulsivity by changing how one thinks and reacts to different situations. With CBT, those with ADHD learn coping skills they can use to change unwanted behaviors. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy may help reduce daydreaming and distractibility and improve emotional regulation.

Lifestyle changes

It's also possible to manage ADHD symptoms with certain lifestyle changes. Getting enough sleep is a big one. Inattention, for example, can get worse with lack of sleep and increase stress. Establishing a sleep routine, such as limiting screen time before bed and creating a comfortable, distraction-free bedroom environment, can help make it easier to fall and stay asleep.

Incorporating time management and organization strategies into your day, such as using a planner or setting reminders, can also help people stay on track. Creating a structured routine can often improve focus and memory for those with ADHD.

Skills training

People with ADHD are often perceived as impatient, inattentive, lazy, selfish and a host of other negative attributes. Over time, these negative labels may cause those with ADHD to become socially isolated. Social rejection is a huge stressor for many people and can lead to adverse psychological and physical consequences.

Children with ADHD may benefit from social skills training to help identify appropriate behaviors or simulate situations they might encounter. Parents and teachers should provide immediate feedback when they see inappropriate behaviors so children can learn how to approach them differently. Focus on a few specific behaviors at a time, rather than trying to do a lot at once, as this may increase stress.

Can treating your ADHD make you feel less stressed?

Combining stress management techniques with ADHD treatment can help those with ADHD break the stressful cycle that comes with managing everyday tasks.

Here are some tips for managing stress and ADHD symptoms:

• Follow your treatment plan. It's important to stay consistent with treatment, as it can take time for it to start working. Understand that stopping treatment abruptly can have adverse side effects. Your doctor can help you navigate concerns about your treatment plan.
• Explore relaxation techniques. Deep breathing, meditation or muscle relaxation techniques may help calm the mind and reduce the stress response for some people.
• Remove stressors. Delegating responsibilities or breaking down large tasks into smaller chunks can help make certain activities feel less overwhelming and reduce stress for those with ADHD.
• Maintain your overall health. A balanced diet, exercise and adequate sleep can help reduce stress and relieve symptoms such as inattention and irritability.
• Set boundaries. Having ADHD can make it hard to set and respect boundaries, and it can lead to stress, burnout, and strained relationships. Understanding what you can and cannot handle, learning when to say "no" and ask for help or practicing self-control can make stress easier to manage.

Treating ADHD can alleviate stress and help you take control of your life. At the same time, stress management techniques can complement treatment by addressing common challenges associated with ADHD symptoms. Be sure to talk to your doctor to understand the right treatment plan for you.

With 57 inpatient programs and more than 200 outpatient programs across 16 states, our larger HCA Healthcare network has one of the most connected networks of mental health and wellness facilities in the U.S.

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