Many of you have e-mailed me asking about alternative treatments for ADHD. Take note that I really don't know a lot about them, this article is based purely on my research. I also know of no alternative treatment that is FDA approved. But here goes...
When I was first diagnosed with ADHD, I thought about the treatments available and did a small bit of research on the various treatments available. I opted to go with prescription medication and it has worked for me. I do realize that ADHD challenges different people in different ways, so what works for me may not work for you.
One treatment is no treatment at all. This is what I had until a couple of years ago because I didn't know I had ADHD. There were certain advantages to this - I learned a number of effective coping skills. I (sometimes) learned from my mistakes. There are disadvantages, too. I wonder now how well I could have done in school with the help of medication. I also wonder if I would have been a little more self-assured if I had had treatment when I was a child.
Another alternative is behavioral therapy. This can be quite effective when it is consistent. One of the problems with behavioral therapy with ADDers is that with a genetic component, parents of ADD children are just as likely to have ADD. They are therefore unable to be as consistent as effective behavioral therapy would require. (By the way, research concludes that the most effective treatment for ADHD is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy - at least of the methods tested thus far.)
Some claim that a change in diet is effective in treating ADHD. Proponents of nutrition therapy believe that ADHD is caused by a food allergy, and by avoiding certain foods, you erase the symptoms. Some say you should avoid sugar, some say wheat products, and I'm sure there are others. I have my doubts about this one, personally. Considering scientists have shown that brain chemicals are involved in ADHD, I doubt that a change in diet will do much for your ADHD. Eating a healthier diet, however, may make you feel better and sitting down to the dinner table with your family and eating a healthy meal certainly can't hurt you.
Herbal remedies have become very popular lately for everything from heart problems to depression to yes, ADHD. Different herbs and combinations of herbs have been said to help those with ADHD. I personally need to do more research about herbal remedies and homeopathic remedies. I hope to write a future article about these types of remedies. When you take an herbal remedy, however, do understand that just because it's natural, doesn't mean it doesn't have side effects. There is also some question about the strength of herbal remedies and the dosages. Look forward to hearing more about herbal remedies soon... Until next time...
Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Some Alternative Treatments to ADHD in ADHD is owned by . Permission to republish Some Alternative Treatments to ADHD in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
