The Many Alternative Treatments for ADHD Children

There is really a challenging task of treating ADHD in children. Aside from the unfortunate situation commonly faced by both children and their families, the pressure of finding an effective primary treatment is an added load to them.
Treatment for ADHD have nevertheless benefitted children in relation with their attention span, behavior, and other components of their disorder. However, as in other medications, they also come with built-in risks such as side effects, abuse and other unforseen long-term complications.
As our technology grows, so does the alternative therapies that have shown promise in the treatment of ADHD. These alternative treatments range from vitamin and mineral supplements, pills, to video games.

Here are some of the many therapies that have been promoted as alternatives fro the treatment of ADHD:

Changes in diet may help a small group of children who have allergy symptoms or migraine headaches. However, there is no evidence that a diet without sugar or additives will help the symptoms of ADHD.

If a child lacks a certain vitamin or mineral (such as iron, magnesium or zinc), a supplement may help. Talk to a doctor, however, about what amount is right for the child.
Essential fatty acids such as fish oil and primrose oil, as well as nootropics (also known as “smart drugs”) such as deanol, have not been shown to help children with ADHD.

Herbs can help calm a person, and they may play a role in memory and thinking. However, because herb products are not regulated, ask a pharmacist about the safety, purity abs toxicity of any product.

Also known as anti-aging remedies, antioxidants protect nerve cells. But there is no direct effect on ADHD. Melatonin can help with sleep problems, but it can cause headaches, fatigue, irritability and sleepiness. It can also trigger convulsions (seizures) and possibly suppress puberty.

Homeopathy uses combinations of plant, animal or mineral extracts. No studies have shown that homeopathy is effective in treating ADHD. It should still be considered to be “experimental.”
Biofeedback is supposed to help people control their own responses. It involves a big commitment from your whole family. Studies on its effectiveness were done with very small groups of children and were not clear. It is still considered to be an experimental treatment.

Hypnotherapy might be helpful for certain symptoms of ADHD, such as sleep problems or tics.

Although complementary and alternative therapies have shown promise in treating ADHD, the task of matching the patient to the most appropriate of these therapies remains elusive to many parents, as well as professionals, who have explored the options. Many treating physicians are waiting for better studies, and conventional standards, to help establish appropriate treatment protocols.

Regardless of the choice of treatment, it is important that a child is properly diagnosed. The role of a pediatrician is integral. However, diagnosis usually involves a team approach that also includes a psychologist, a GP, the child’s teacher, the child, and the child's parents. The exciting thing is parents now have a viable treatment alternative to medication for the treatment of ADHD.