Engage the Brain - Exercise and ADHD

ADHD — or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder — is a fairly common mental health condition. People with ADHD may have a tough time paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors, and be overactive.

It’s caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain, primarily dopamine.

The condition has a significant genetic component, though it can also be caused by environmental factors, premature delivery, low birth weight, brain injuries, and alcohol or tobacco use during pregnancy.

While ADHD is most often diagnosed in childhood, it’s also known to affect a certain percentage of adults.

Traditional treatment methods include medications and behavior management, though more progressive approaches include dietary and exercise modifications.

Regular physical activity can relieve symptoms. If you aren’t used to following a regular exercise routine it can seem like a challenge to get started, but the benefits will be worth it.

Performing regular exercise plays a key role in promoting various areas of brain health, regardless of whether a person has ADHD

Benefits of Exercise for ADHD:

• Improves memory

• Enhance learning

• Improve mood

• Help prevent and/or delay the onset of certain brain diseases

• Promotes dopamine release

• Improve executive functions

• Changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling

• Helps regulate behavior and improve attention in children

For children, including those with ADHD, the overall daily time spent being active is more important than participating in purposeful exercise. The general recommendation is to get 60 minutes of daily physical activity for children over the age of 6

Adults have a wide variety of exercise options to choose from, all of which can positively affect their ability to manage their ADHD symptoms. Focus on portioning out a part of your day for exercise to help promote consistency.