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| |    Alternative (Non-medical) Treatments for ADHD by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. It's helpful to think of treatments for ADHD as falling into two groups. The first group includes treatments that target the problems that are central to ADHD: inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. The second group includes treatments that are separate from the ADHD itself but often trouble children who have ADHD. Examples of these problems are learning disabilities, low self-esteem or depression, anxious feelings, problems making and keeping friends, negative or angry behaviors, and conflicts with parents. This article focuses on alternative (non-medical) treatments for the first group, the core symptoms of ADHD. Diet restrictions: The Feingold diet, which cuts out artificial colors and flavors, as well as some naturally occurring substances, has been widely used and closely studied. Unfortunately, only one or two children out of a hundred, on average, really respond to the diet. Still, it probably makes sense to avoid large doses of artificial food dyes, which do seem to make some children hyper. Parents who are really motivated to try the Feingold diet need to be realistic about the chances that it will help much. Sugar avoidance: Many, many parents report that sugar makes their children hyper, but no well-done study has shown that cutting out processed sugar effectively treats ADHD. Bottom line: Common sense says children with ADHD (and everyone else) should eat sugary foods in moderation. Herbs and other dietary supplements: Various herbs, such as valerian or gingko, claim to calm the nerves or increase attention. There is no research to show that these treat ADHD. Traditional medicine: Before the 1900s, hyperactivity wasn't recognized as a problem. That explains why few traditional healing systems such as acupuncture and ayurveda (an ancient Indian healing method) have treatments for it. Self-regulation techniques: Biofeedback and self-hypnosis are effective treatments for many childhood behavioral and medical problems. For example, self-hypnosis is as effective as the most widely prescribed drugs in treating migraine headaches. But the research for ADHD is less encouraging. Biofeedback using brain waves recorded from the scalp does seem to help in some cases, but treatment usually takes a long time, and there isn't enough good research to show that the technique really treats the underlying ADHD. Summary There are many other treatments that claim to help with ADHD. These include megavitamins, magnets, sound treatment, visual training, homeopathy, yeast eradication, and others. While all of these treatments have their believers, there just aren't good, solid studies to show that they really work. Common-sense measures, such as getting a good night's sleep, eating well, and keeping unnecessary stresses to a minimum, certainly help children with ADHD to feel and function better. Non-medication therapies also are very important to treat many of the psychological, social, and family problems that often accompany ADHD. When considering an alternative therapy for ADHD or any other problem, it's vital to make sure that it is safe. Megavitamin therapy, for example, can be dangerous. Most dietary supplements are safe, but the lack of government regulation over so-called nutriceuticals means that it's hard to be confident about the purity or manufacturing standards of those substances. If you decide to use alternative therapies to treat your child's ADHD, be sure to continue to work with your child's doctor. This way, the doctor stays well informed about her patient and can offer advice about possible hazards associated with alternative therapies.
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