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ADD & ADHD: Triggers, Symptoms, and Remedies

Dr Livingood
ADD & ADHD: Triggers, Symptoms, and Remedies

ADHD and a sub-type called ADD are types of attention disorders characterized by an inability to focus, both in general or on key information at appropriate times. It is common for children and teens to have ADHD. Around 3.3 million children ages 12-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. It can be diagnosed early on in children by a pediatrician.

There are a few different types of ADHD which include hyperactive-impulsive ADHD (impulsive type), inattentive type, and a combined type.

While symptoms can vary from person to person, they’re broadly consistent. As a result, doctors are more accurate when with an ADHD diagnosis these days than they have in the past. ADHD tends to be due to genetics.

If you already have been diagnosed with ADHD, there are more risk factors that arise for it to lead to other conditions such as depression, anxiety disorder, and other mood disorders.

More people than before are realizing they may have a mild to moderate case of ADD or ADHD. But instead of relying on potentially drowsy or severe medication, you can rely on other techniques to avoid ADHD triggers and to treat any symptoms. 

What Triggers ADD and/or ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is technically the only “real” disorder itself and ADD. ADD or attention deficit disorder is better understood as a type of ADHD.

Regardless, both disorders can be triggered by several of the same circumstances or incidents.

Common triggers for ADD and ADHD include:

  • Stressful situations, especially for adults. Furthermore, intense ADHD may cause a perpetual state of stress, making it difficult for the person with ADHD to filter out excess stimuli
  • Lack of sleep can cause inattention and drowsiness in anyone. ADHD symptoms may be worsened if an individual doesn’t get enough sleep, however
  • Certain foods or additives. For example, gluten, high sugar foods, and high-fat foods can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Various additives, such as food coloring dyes or sodium benzoate (a kind of preservative) can also make ADHD worse in certain individuals. Processed sugar and gluten can also have negative effects on some individuals with ADHD
  • Overstimulation can occur whenever too much sensory information is presented at once. Crowds, live concerts, and similar events can all be overwhelming for those with ADD or ADHD. Certain technological devices can also lead to overstimulation, such as big TVs or loud headphones
  • Environmental toxins like pesticides may also cause a sharp increase in ADHD symptoms
  • Alcohol can make it harder for those who have ADHD to function whilst doing their daily activities.

Learning to identify which triggers affect your ADHD or ADD is vital if you want to minimize the effects that these disorders have on your life.

Symptoms of ADD

As mentioned, ADD is technically a subsidiary type of ADHD. So it has many of the same symptoms as ADHD but lacks a few symptoms as well. Pay close attention to your symptoms and behavior so that you may report your experiences to your doctor or psychiatrist.

ADD includes the following symptoms:

  • Difficulty paying attention
  • Trouble keeping on tasks for extended periods of time (Example: trouble hitting deadlines at work, schoolwork, and finishing chores)
  • Forgetfulness
  • Poor time management
  • Disorganization
  • The hard time following instructions or fails to follow them completely
  • The appearance of not listening to other people when spoken to
  • Avoiding longer tedious mental tasks (especially in kids)
  • Making careless mistakes (low mental effort)
  • Feelings of restlessness

Adults and kids will manifest these symptoms differently, of course. For example, a child with ADD may have difficulty finishing homework, whereas an adult may put off finishing a report for work until the very last minute.

Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD is different from ADD in that it includes hyperactivity. Hyperactivity is characterized by intense squirming, tapping, talking, or other constant movement and activity regardless of the situation. Hyperactivity can often be recognized if it occurs in situations where it’s not appropriate, such as in classrooms, workplace meetings, and so on.

However, ADHD includes additional symptoms like impulsivity, or a tendency to make spur-of-the-moment decisions without thinking of long-term effects or the potential for harm.

Remedies for ADD/ADHD

Living with ADD or ADHD can be very difficult without treatment. But those diagnosed with either condition do not necessarily have to use prescribed medication, which may come with its own harmful side effects.

Nutritional Changes

It may be beneficial to make smart nutritional changes in your diet. By getting rid of excessive sugar and fats, you’ll benefit from increased wellness across the board and potentially remove some of the triggers for ADHD symptoms. Other foods to avoid include food coloring or dyes, excessive caffeine, conventional dairy products, and any processed foods.

Consistent Exercise

Those suffering from ADHD especially should practice consistent exercise, even if it’s for 10 minutes a day. High-intensity exercise in particular can help to boost focus and remove excess energy, making it easier to control the impulse to fidget around or constantly move.

As a bonus, consistent exercise will lead to overall better health as well. A healthier body often leads to a healthier mind.

Use Breathing Techniques

Folks with ADD or ADHD can further practice various breathing techniques. Two of the most popular include paced breathing and box breathing.

  • Paced breathing involves breathing with a set rhythm, giving the mind something to focus on aside from environmental stimuli.
  • Box breathing involves taking long, slow breaths and moderating air intake so that the body focuses on the repetitive exhalation activity.

Both breathing exercises can be effective, but you may need to try them both to see which is best for you. These can be taught in therapies like behavioral therapy. 

Summary

In the end, recognizing the triggers of ADHD or ADD and minimizing their symptoms is key to living a fulfilling life with either condition, as both ADD and ADHD are incurable at this time. Fortunately, folks with either condition have a lot of options, including the wellness options available from Dr. Livingood. Check out our online store and other health guides for more assistance!

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