An Integrative Medicine Approach to Optimize Outcomes and Improve Overall Health and Wellbeing.

ADHD treatment works best when the patients, families, and their provider work as a team to promote whole health goals and strategies.  In complement with effective medication treatments for the control of symptoms of ADHD, integrative medicine and the promotion of whole health concepts can drastically improve the mental, physical, and emotional health, “the whole person’.  Whole health treatment goals, which includes appropriate medications, aim to gain better control of ADHD with reduction of symptoms and medication side effects, while optimizing outcomes, increase compliance, and improved patient/family satisfaction. We aim to break the links between ADHD and chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, mood disorders, sleep problems, substance use and other conditions and issues.   And since the reverse is also true: chronic stress and anxiety, diet, nutrient deficiencies, lack of exercise, poor sleep, can worsen ADHD symptoms, we must use multiple treatment strategies that are patient centered, evidence based, and promote whole health and wellness.  We need to educate, teach, and supply the tools to help patients take control and become empowered.   

ADHD impacts the whole self.  Treatments must likewise target more than inattention and impulsivity.   The whole person approach looks at how ADHD affects all of one’s health and lifestyle and vice versa.

An integrative and whole person approach to treating patient with ADHD is multimodal.  In complement to medications, we look to work with the patient and their family to develop a comprehensive, patient- family centered treatment plan to maximize outcomes and empower the patient with tools and resources.   Integrative and whole health is supported by evidence-based practice and are in support of evaluating diet and nutrition, environmental modifications, physical exercise, mindfulness activities, sleep and more. 

When patients are not responding as planned to medications, or suffering from side effects of the medications etc., we must look to address other root cause or underlining issues that could be negatively affecting the patient.  The integrative medicine approach also considers underlying biochemical imbalances, that might possibly drive the disorder. Modifications to diet, nutrition and gut brain axis can be important to improve outcomes.  Nutrient deficiencies are very common in those with ADHD such as Vitamin D, Magnesium. In some cases, heavy metals such as copper and lead could be affecting the patients’ outcomes.   Physical activity and mindfulness activities are also important tools for the patient to fully embrace and help rewire the brains synaptic pathways.  Addressing undiagnosed sleep issues is another important part of whole health treatment plan. 

A physician working in partnership with the patient to maximize outcomes can help coach the patient and improve outcomes, self-esteem and confidence while reducing the magnitude of the negative impacts that poorly controlled ADHD can have on a patient.  Combined medication and psychosocial treatment is the most effective and beneficial treatment option for most adults and adolescents with ADHD.