Almost 6.5 million children in the US have ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and although the disorder is associated with children, it can affect adults too. About 4 percent of those over 18 struggle with ADHD on a regular basis. Although there is no actual cure for ADHD, the good news is that there are proven ADHD treatment options available, and for the most part it’s possible to keep the symptoms under control.

Most people with ADHD have prescribed medication to help them cope with the disorder, and there are several so-called central nervous system stimulants available, of which Adderall, Dexadrene and Ritalin are some of the most common. These all provide effective ADHD treatment by increasing the amount of specific brain chemicals and improving overall focus and concentration. For most people who take these stimulants, the side effects are mild or not noticeable at all, although these can include weight loss, difficulty sleeping, headaches and irritability.

Various non stimulant medications can also be used to treat ADHD; these include Strattera and Wellbutin, and these are often prescribed for children with certain other medical conditions, such as bipolar disorder or a heart condition. All of these medications come in different dosage sizes, depending on the severity of the disorder.

Although medication for treating ADHD treatment is effective, there are also other options available, including a variety of natural remedies. Behavior modification has been shown to work effectively with both children and adults; it involves imposing consequences for negative behavior, with the intent of decreasing or eliminating such behavior. Rewarding good behavior is also part of this treatment system. If you are a parent trying to cope with your child’s ADHD at home, you probably know how demanding and stressful that can be, and behavior modification can help significantly. Making your expectations clear, explaining the system of rewards and consequences, and being as patient and understanding as possible are all important aspects.

Having a structured and predictable environment, along with a routine are also important when it comes to ADHD treatment and coping at home. Children can also benefit from social skills training and counseling, and parents can get advice from a support group. And if your child isn’t getting enough sleep, the lack of sleep can also make their ADHD symptoms more noticeable; simply getting a good night’s sleep regularly can help treat ADHD

Taking a tai chi or yoga class can help kids with ADHD to cope more effectively, as can simply spending more time outside or exercising. Spending about 20 minutes regularly in a pleasant setting, such as a garden or by a lake can significantly improve concentration for those with ADHD. Taking certain supplements or herbs can also be an effective option for natural ADHD treatment, although it can be hit and miss as to what works, and you should always check with your doctor first. Zinc or magnesium supplements have been proven effective, as have ginseng, gingko and Vitamins B6 and C.

Avoiding foods that contain chemicals and additives has become known as ‘clean eating’ and simply changing your child’s diet can be an effective way to treat ADHD. Increasing the overall intake of protein is also recommended for anyone with ADHD, as it can influence the neurotransmitters that allow brain cells to communicate. Avoiding snacks and eating at regular meal times can help to regulate blood sugar levels, something else that helps to control ADHD.

If you have ADHD, you aren’t alone; a surprising number of celebrities have been diagnosed and have learned to cope. Whether you choose prescribed medication or simply change your diet, ADHD needn’t be an insurmountable obstacle.

When it comes to advances in technology, the healthcare industry has always lagged somewhat behind others – and mobile applications have been no exception.  The vast majority of hospitals, health systems, and other large healthcare organizations still do not offer an mHealth app that would allow patients to schedule appointments, pay bills online, securely message their providers, or access their medical records.

But this is starting to change. At my company Universe mHealth, which offers an app platform that makes it easier and more cost-effective for healthcare organizations to develop an app, we’ve been seeing a marked increase in the number of organizations that are committed to creating an app for their patients.  There are a number of factors that may be behind this shift.

Developing an App Has Become Less Expensive

The cost to develop an app has gone down significantly over the past few years.  By using technologies such as React and Angular, apps for both iOS and Android can be developed at a lower cost than before.  React and Angular allow code to be shared between Android and iOS, which means that it’s no longer necessary to write code in different code technologies for different mobile operating systems.  The same team (or individual) can code both the Android and iOS versions, which means fewer people working on the project and fewer hours to develop.

Maintaining the apps is less costly as well, as one codebase is easier to maintain than two.  Additionally, updates are faster, as it’s not necessary to go through the app review process if the change being made is to parts of the code that aren’t native.

It’s Easier to Interface with Other Medical Software Systems

Creating a mobile app with useful functionality requires the ability to successfully interface with the organization’s other software systems – including their EMR, practice management software, RCM software, patient education and event scheduling systems, among others.  Creating these interfaces can be one of the most time-consuming parts of developing an app, and in some cases, the health system’s existing software does not allow for interfacing.  There’s been a trend in the past few years of medical software developers moving away from HL7-based capabilities and toward API-based capabilities, which makes interfacing to these software solution with an app significantly easier. APIs also perform better, so typically, fewer problems requiring maintenance will arise. Overall, this means fewer hours spent on interface development and maintenance, and thus a lower cost to the healthcare organization.

Patients Are Demanding Apps

We’ve seen a notable increase in the number of healthcare organizations who tell us that their motivation for launching an app is driven simply by increasing patient demand.  As the healthcare consumer has become more and more accustomed to using apps in other industries – such as banking or ride-sharing – they’re becoming increasingly more expectant that other service providers offer methods for them to perform basic operations with their smartphones.

Consider the recent success of more modern healthcare delivery companies, such as urgent care network CityMD®*, which offers self-check-in via kiosks at over 100 locations.  Patients love the convenience of using apps, and they’ve come to expect it in all aspects of their lives

A HIPAA-compliant mobile app gives patients the opportunity to do things like schedule appointments, pay bills, check urgent care wait times, sign up for events, access medical records, securely message their providers, and more.  Though some providers may have patient portals that allow some of those functions to be performed online, having an app significantly increases ease of access for patients – which will ultimately result in better patient retention, higher levels of patient engagement, and more growth for the organization.

*Neither Universe mHealth, nor its sister companies Medical Web Experts and Bridge Patient Portal, are affiliated with CityMD®.

John Deutsch

As the Founder and CEO of Medical Web Experts, Bridge Patient Portal, and Universe mHealth, John is a health IT entrepreneur and business owner of 16 years with extensive experience in Healthcare IT. He’s cultivated a specialized expertise in areas such as business development, medical software development, patient portals, mHealth, patient engagement, HIPAA, electronic medical records, website development, and internet marketing for healthcare businesses.