“On Trusting My ADHD Sixth Sense”

“There is only one cause of unhappiness: the false beliefs you have in your head, beliefs so widespread, so commonly held, that it never occurs to you to question them.” ~Anthony de Mello

Which do you rely on more to keep yourself organized: paper or digital planners?In a recent ADDitude survey, 61% of readers said they use hardcopy planners, sticky notes, and handwritten lists. The remainder prefer phone alerts and apps that exist across devices and in one virtual space.

December 22, 2022Older adults with a genetic risk for ADHD may be more susceptible to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).1 These results, published recently in Molecular Psychiatry, shed light on ADHD-related vulnerability to cognitive impairments as people age.The ADHD polygenic risk score (ADHD-PRS) “represents the combined genetic liability for the disorder” and “is highly associated with ADHD diagnosis and related traits in independent clinical and population samples.” Researchers found that a higher ADHD-PRS was associated with greater decline of cognitive performance and memory impairment over time, and persistent executive function deficits compared to participant baselines. Study participants included adults aged 55 to 90 without a clinical diagnosis for ADHD or cognitive impairments.The Preclinical Alzheimer’s Cognitive Composite (PACC) detects early signs of decline in cognitive function and was adapted to the current study.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends treating ADHD in children and adolescents with FDA-approved medications, plus parent training in behavior modification and behavioral classroom interventions. Likewise, research confirms that “stimulant medications are most effective, and combined medication and psychosocial treatment is the most beneficial treatment option for most adult patients with ADHD.” Still, many individuals seek to augment their ADHD treatment plans with natural therapies ranging from nutrition and vitamins and herbs and fish oil.“Parents and adults see me either because the ADHD medication isn’t doing the job, or they want more improvement and can’t increase the dosage without increasing side effects,” says Richard Brown, M.D., associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and co-author of the recent book How to Use Herbs, Nutrients, and Yoga in Mental Health Care.Here are 10 of the most popular natural ADHD remedies — including foods, ADHD supplements, and herbs — and research findings for each suggesting whether adding them to your treatment plan might unlock better focus, attention, and motivation.Keep in mind that all ADHD treatment decisions should be made in consultation and coordination with a licensed medical provider.Poor nutrition can cause a child or adult with ADHD to become distracted, impulsive, and restless.

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