Functional psychiatry takes a personalised, holistic approach to mental health and ADHD. It looks at the underlying factors contributing to symptoms and focuses on treating the whole person, rather than just their diagnosis.
If you:
Then functional psychiatry may be right for you.
Functional psychiatry refers to a holistic and integrative approach to treating mental health conditions, including ADHD.
Unlike traditional psychiatry, which focuses on symptom management through medication, functional psychiatry explores the root causes of symptoms. It aims to address them through a combination of lifestyle changes, coaching, positive use of technology, physical exercise, nutritional support, and other alternative treatments.
Who is it for?
We know that functional psychiatry is an approach to treating mental health, but how is it specifically applied to ADHD? There are a few ways:
ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, and its exact cause is not fully understood. As mentioned, functional medicine looks at underlying factors that contribute to ADHD. Some of the potential causes may include:
In addition to addressing underlying factors, functional psychiatrists may also recommend lifestyle changes to help manage ADHD symptoms. Some suggestions may include:
1. Daily routines:
Establishing a daily routine and sticking to it can be beneficial for those with ADHD. This includes setting specific times for meals, exercise, and sleep.
Example:
2. Prioritising tasks:
Breaking them into smaller, more manageable steps can help with organisation and productivity.
Example:
Say you've been given the task of cleaning your room. Instead of trying to tackle it all at once, break it down into smaller tasks such as "picking clothes up off the floor", "making bed", and "organising the desk". This can make the task feel manageable.
3. Time management:
People with ADHD may struggle with time perception and may benefit from using timers or alarms to help them stay on track and complete tasks within a specific timeframe.
Example:
Set an alarm for 30 minutes when working on a project or task, then take a short break before setting another alarm for the next 30-minute work session. Limiting distractions by creating a quiet work environment or using noise-canceling headphones can also improve focus (more on this later).
1. Balanced diet
A balanced diet rich in whole foods, lean protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates can support brain function and improvethe overall quality of life. Close monitoring the macro and micronutrients. Avoiding highly processed foods, refined sugars, and caffeine may also benefit people with ADHD.
Example:
Always consult a healthcare professional for individualised nutritional guidance tailored to your specific needs.
2. Supplements:
Although the research into supplement use is currently limited, certain supplements may help manage symptoms of ADHD. Please be mindful it is important to consult a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to one's regimen.
Example:
3. Hydration:
Staying hydrated can support brain function and improve overall well-being. It is recommended that you drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.
Example:
1. Meditation
Practicing meditation can help you improve focus, reduce stress, and regulate emotions. It involves sitting quietly and focusing on one's breath, a specific object, or a mantra.
Example:
2. Yoga
Yoga combines physical movements with breathing techniques and mindfulness practices, making it beneficial if you have ADHD.
Example:
3. Mindful Breathing
Practising deep breathing exercises can reduce stress and increase focus. It involves taking slow, deep breaths while focusing on the sensation of the breath in the body.
Example:
1. Create a calm workspace
Having a designated workspace free from distractions can help you stay focused and on task. This could include minimising clutter, adding calming scents or sounds, and choosing comfortable seating.
Example:
2. Eliminate visual distractions
If you have ADHD, you may have difficulty maintaining focus when there are too many visual distractions in your environment. It can be helpful to declutter and organise workspaces, limit the use of electronic devices, and reduce background noise.
Example:
If you are struggling with ADHD, it is important to consider all of your options when seeking treatment. Functional psychiatry may be a beneficial approach if you:
It may be helpful to do some research on functional psychiatry (like this page!) and speak with others who have tried this approach for their ADHD management.
Pros:
Cons:
Overall, functional psychiatry is an alternative approach that may benefit some people with ADHD — but make sure it’s the right fit for you. Remember, every person's experience with ADHD is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Let's recap what we've learned so far:
If you'd like to take control of your ADHD and explore functional psychiatry as an avenue for managing your symptoms, consider booking a consultation here.
Remember, finding the right treatment approach for you may involve trial and error. Be patient with yourself and trust in the process. With perseverance and support from a qualified functional psychiatrist, you can overcome your ADHD and lead a fulfilling life. Don't be afraid to ask questions, seek second opinions, and advocate for your needs—your well-being is worth it!
There is no specific type of psychiatrist that is considered "best" for ADHD. It ultimately depends on your preferences and needs. Some people may find success with conventional psychiatrists who primarily use medication to manage symptoms, while others may prefer a more holistic approach with functional psychiatry.
Yes, functional medicine can help with ADHD by addressing underlying factors that may contribute to symptoms, such as diet, sleep, exercise, and gut health. It takes a more integrated approach to treatment and focuses on overall well-being rather than just managing symptoms.
Dopamine: Half of the body's dopamine is produced in the gastrointestinal tract by intestinal epithelial cells and enteric neurons. Dopamine is also produced by the exocrine pancreas, spleen and the adrenal glands which sit on top the kidneys. In the brain, dopamine is mainly produced in hypothalamus, which is an important area of the brain the size of a grape. This regulates body temperature, hunger mood, sleep, hormones, metabolism and is highly involved in the body's response to stress.
Serotonin: About 90% of the body's serotonin is produced in the GI tract by the enterochromaffin cells.
Many would make the assumption that the serotonin and dopamine are only produced in the brain, when in fact the gut health plays such an important role in producing these important hormones necessary for our optimal physical and mental health. Functional psychiatry recognises how all the factors influence mental health.
Disclaimer: Functional medicine is not a replacement for traditional treatments for ADHD, such as medication or CBT therapy. However, by taking a holistic approach and addressing underlying factors, functional medicine can be an effective complementary treatment option for sustainably managing ADHD symptoms. All content, and information, contained in this article is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional.
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