Exercise provides many benefits for people of all ages and sizes. For people suffering from mental illnesses, exercise is often recommended to control symptoms. With depression, exercise is often recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Because of this correlation between exercise and improvement in mental and emotional conditions, attention deficity hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) sufferers may be wondering how exercise can help them.
Identification
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD is one of the most common childhood disorders, and it can continue into adulthood. Kids who have ADHD often experience difficulties in school due to the hyperactivity, inattentiveness and impulsivity associated with the disorder. Adults with ADHD often experience problems with work or with peers, and adults who are diagnosed for the first time with ADHD often seek professional counseling or psychiatric treatment because of chronic home or work life problems.
Effects
Exercise can provide multiple benefits for both children and adults with ADHD. Exercise naturally boosts mood because of the endorphins released while exercising. Additionally, exercise increases the dopamine, serotonin and norepinepherin levels in the brain. These three chemicals regulate focus and mood and may be lacking in people with ADHD. According to "Exercise: An Alternative ADHD Treatment Without Side Effects" in ADDitude magazine, exercise is complementary to ADHD, with a small number of people with ADHD possibly being able to manage symptoms with only exercise and lifestyle changes.
Types
Just about any type of exercise has benefits for people with ADHD. Unfortunately, due to the very nature of ADHD itself, sticking to an exercise plan proves challenging for many. Sticking to an exercise plan can be made easier by choosing an exercise that's enjoyable, such as dance or sports, and starting out slowly. According to Dr. John Ratey and ADDitude Magazine, exercises where extra focus and attention are required, such as ballet and karate, provide extra benefits for people with ADHD.
Considerations
People with ADHD tend to have problems with their executive functions. Decision making, keeping track of time, taking action and organizing in general are all included under the umbrella of executive functions controlled by the frontal cortex in the brain. Taking a walk before work or school or getting in 10 to 15 minutes of exercise a couple of times a day may improve the functioning of the frontal cortex and increase executive functioning.
Warning
Anyone considering starting an exercise program should consult first with a physician to make sure it is safe to begin. Additionally, ADHD medications, particularly stimulant medications, should not be started or stopped without the prior approval of a physician. While exercise may be helpful for most people with ADHD and replace medication in a few, discuss exercise as an alternative treatment option with a physician before discontinuing any medication.
