Alternative Remedies for Attention Deficit Disorder

Over the years, stimulant medication therapy is considered to be the best treatment for children, and sometimes adults, diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder. Examples of this drug include Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta and Dexedrine. However, stimulant medications are seen to have a number of intolerable side effects including hallucinations, bizarre behavior, headache, increased blood pressure, decreased appetite, nervousness and sleeplessness. There are also some nonstimulant ADD treatments widely used such as Strattera and Intuniv but these drugs also possess some potential side effects including liver problems, fatigue, sedation, depression, alteration in heart rhythm, delayed growth and development for children, hypotension, priapism and serious allergic reactions.

Because of the growing number of serious adverse effects seen in children using different medications, whether stimulant or nonstimulant medications, studies and researches have develop several alternative treatments for attention deficit disorder. Special diets are proven to have a significant effect in reducing the symptoms of this condition. This behavioral disorder is commonly associated with the increase intake of food which can cause hyperactivity such as glucose and caffeine, as well as other foods containing preservatives, flavorings and colorings. Therefore, eliminating these substances in the diet is believed to have an effect in improving the diagnosed disorder.

Over the years, a number of natural remedies for ADD have been developed. These are simple strategies which can be done at home by parents, family members and caregivers of those who are diagnosed with ADD. These include the additional intake of essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, herbal supplements, essential fatty acids and glyconutrients. Herbal supplements which are known to somehow relieve ADD symptoms include hypericum, ginseng, ginkgo and other traditional Chinese medicines. It should be noted however, that its intake should not exceed the safe dosage since overdosage can lead to serious, and oftentimes, fatal conditions.

Recent studies also claim the effectiveness of yoga in the management of attention deficit disorder. Neurofeedback training, also known as electroencephalographic biofeedback, is a newly developed method by experts for ADD management. It is performed though the use of a machine which detects electrical activities in the brain. However, this treatment still requires further studies and experiments to prove its effectiveness.

Parents play an important role in the improvement of their children’s condition. They should be able to attend to the special needs of their children. This can be achieved through expression of affection and frequent communication. It is also healthy for their children to be constantly praised even after simply completing a task. Children will then be able to develop a sense of trust and confidence. Providing adequate rest and helping them accomplish something can also help them in building their self-esteem.

Caring for those who are diagnosed with ADD may be exhausting and frustrating for some.  But when parents are able to keep things in perspective, they will less likely experience disappointments and resentments when caring for their children. Children with ADD are capable of succeeding, contrary to the beliefs of many. But the key to this achievement lie on the hands of their parents.