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Ancient Herbal ADHD Treatment Proven In Hospital Study

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009
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Researchers at Sheba Hospital in Tel Aviv, Israel, have developed a natural ADHD treatment, that has proven to be effective. The formula, popular in Israel, supplies the developing brain with essential nutrients, found to increase concentration and memory.

The herbal formula, designed for the study, contains a blend of herbs, many of which are legendary for mental concentration and development. Modern research shows that these herbs contain biochemical treasures that boost concentration and memory.

“The herbal formula nourishes, and normalizes the brain, rather than just provide temporary artificial stimulation” said A.Levine RNMH, Clinical Herbalist and researcher.

The four month “Double Blind Random Placebo” research study, tested the results of the herbal formula on both types of ADHD (Hyperactive and Inattentive). Over 120 children receiving the herbal formula showed significant improvement in concentration and behavior, compared to the placebo.

Newly diagnosed ADD/ADHD, school children ages 7-12 took either the herbal formula, or a Placebo (colored water), daily for four months. The results were clear. The the herbal formula group showed significant improvement in concentration and behavior, compared to the Placebo. The herbal formula, includes legendary “Brain Tonics”, revered for centuries in India and the Far East.

Since an estimated 2 million children in the United States, or some 3 to 5 percent of school children suffer from ADHD, the need to find a solution is urgent. That means that every classroom with more than 28 to 30 kids, usually has an ADHD sufferer in the class. This can cause disturbances for the other students in the class, as well.

The most typical ADHD treatment is drug therapy with Ritalin, often with unpleasant side effects. This is really hitting home with new warnings being issued, following a few deaths. Loss of appetite is probably, the most common side effects. To suppress appetite in children, during the formative years, critical to brain growth and development, is problematic.

The brain needs a constant supply of “essential” nutrients. “Essential” nutrients cannot be made in the body. They must be supplied through diet or supplements. The brain is over 60% Fat. “Essential” Fatty Acids (brain “building blocks”) must be supplied for brain health, and they can can only be supplied by diet. Appetite suppressing drugs can cause long term problems in kids who often show serious nutritional deficiency.

The research team found that the herbal formula, not only supplies the developing brain with many essential nutrients, known to increase concentration and memory, but actually stimulated a healthy appetite in children that refuse to eat, or were described as very picky.

Professor Miri Katz, of Sheba Hospital’s Department of Pediatric Neurology, headed the research project, started in 2003. A conference on ADHD, is being planned at Sheba Hospital.



By: Aliza Adar Levine

About the Author:

Aliza Adar Levine RN,TCM Herbalist,and Medical Researcher,was part of the hospital research team that developed “Clarity”, a safe, natural ADHD treatment, proven highly effective, in clinical trials. Watch
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Controversy In The Medical Community Concerning Medications For ADHD

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009
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The controversy of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is loaded with implications in the field of medicine. In the past, many children who were disruptive or loud were considered both difficult to discipline and undeserving of attention or they were the products of parents who did not know how to raise a child, and were pitied. Those children who were unable to focus while in school were labeled as slow learners and more often than not, looked down upon by others of the same age.

Today, we have discussed that such behavior is often diagnosed as symptoms of ADHD. ADHD children are generally forgetful, disruptive, impulsive, easily distracted and hyperactive. More adults are being diagnosed with ADHD, since this ever-present condition continues into adulthood, shown by the increasing volume of research conducted in the field of medicine. ADHD is a hereditary disorder, with nearly five percent of the cases being the result of a physical or chemical brain injury endured while in the womb.

The diagnosis of ADHD breeds the controversy surrounding the condition. Since some normal childhood, behavior that can get out of control because of poor upbringing, some psychologists and parents insist that the behavioral patterns materialize as ADHD. As a result, they recommend that children, who have been diagnosed with ADHD, not take medication, rather that they should be controlled and counseled. On the hand, regarding ADHD as a real disorder, it maintains that medication be given and continued as it can temper the symptoms of the disorder.

Those who suffer from it have to take medication all their lives, since there is no real means to treat ADHD permanently. Arrangements such as this calls for many questions, especially when concern with safety. There are different medications for ADHD, as you may know, and some of them were primarily used to treat narcolepsy by directing certain parts of the nervous system.

As we discussed in the previous chapter such medications, which include the popular Concerta and Ritalin , can actually have dreadful side effects, such as arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythm, increased heart rate or severe palpitations, increased blood pressure as well as increased risk of stroke. The USFDA or United States Food and Drug Administration, has studied the influence of ADHD drugs and have them stamped with a black box warning. To be precise, such drugs are regulated and can be prescribed, however strong caution must be exercised when such drugs are taken. Another advisory panel has evaluated evidence pointing to long-term psychiatric changes and cardiovascular risks in children who take ADHD medication, in addition to the studies of the FDA. The panel found that such drugs might possibly increase the risk of hallucinations, aggressive behavior, psychosis and mania in ADHD children.

Even though psychiatric specialists caution people about making literal interpretations of these findings, there is still a good bit of controversy surrounding the use of these drugs. According to the documents presented to the second evaluating panel, the consequence of psychiatric diseases being deteriorated because of ADHD medication was exceptionally small; and that many of the cardiovascular diseases, such as higher blood pressure, arose because of existing heart-related conditions in persons suffering from ADHD.

Since these medications have proven to be safe so far, despite the risks, doctors and psychiatrists continue to recommend ADHD medications. More than a good number of other medications that have long been approved and are currently being prescribed, in fact there is a great deal of research and literature available concerning ADHD medications. ADHD patients are regularly monitored closely, for safety while these medications are being administered. Some of these medications can stunt the growth pattern of young ADHD children; therefore, they are measured and weighed regularly, while taking their ADHD medications.

Medication for ADHD may induce hallucinations; consequently, some parents are concerned with addiction or long term effects in ADHD children. It is true that stopping the medication can stop the hallucinations. However, it is appointed to the physician to determine when medication should be discontinued, parents of ADHD children are cautioned concerning the making up of their own procedures of changing the medication on their own.

Likewise, ADHD treatment does not end with ADHD medication. A course of therapy treatment such as behavior modification, counseling and special education goes hand in hand with the use of medication. You should consult with your doctor regularly on the medication options, treatments and obligations that are available if you or your children suffer with ADHD. You should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages as well as the side effects associated with the medication procedures and treatments by doing as much research as possible, into those that interest you. You cannot go wrong as long as you are well informed about ADHD in children and adults. Learning all that you can about ADHD and its symptoms as well as the things that might bring some benefits in easing the discomforts of such a disorder are long term, however ADHD can be eased for those who suffer from this condition as well as providing a peace of mind for ADHD parents. Keep in mind however, until there is a cure for ADHD, there will always be controversy surrounding the condition.



By: Gaetane Ross

About the Author:

Gaetane Ross is a Certified Natural Health Consultant who has spent over 4 years focusing on Nutrition and Health. She also specializes in Alternative Medicine, Spiritual Healing and Healthy Lifestyle.

Please visit Gaetane’s website at:

http://ThePathToHealthyLiving.com



What You Need to Know About Adhd Treatment

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009
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Unfortunately, the truth about ADHD treatment is there is no miracle cure. In addition, there is not even a treatment plan that works for all patients who have been diagnosed with the disorder. Instead, it usually turns out to be a combination of several plans having been tested through trial and error. Thus, it can be a long and arduous process for some families, before the right combination is found that works best for your child.

What you need to know about treating ADHD is this:

1. You need to be patient

2. Medications may be necessary

3. Alternative therapies are a must

4. A dietary change may be in order

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, chances are you have already learned the true meaning of patience. After all, your child has been exhibiting the symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity for some time. In fact, you are tired of being patient. Instead, you want answers and solutions yesterday!

But, finding the right ADHD treatment for your child is going to take time. Although you know medications will probably be a part of everyday life, to help control the symptoms, deciding which one works and the dosage level is only going to be determined over time. Of course, your doctor will probably already have a pretty good idea of what will work and what will not, so hopefully it will just be a matter of adjusting the dose for maximum benefit.

However, alternative therapies must also be considered, not only for the child, but for the entire family. Since the entire household will suffer with the symptoms of the disorder, parents and siblings will also need ADHD treatment. Parents will need to have the skills to know how to handle the inevitable behavioral issues that will arise. Siblings will have to learn how to cope with a brother or sister that seems to be doing everything possible to drive them crazy.

Treating ADHD is not magical. A little pill, given at regular intervals, does not make the disorder go away. A person who has been diagnosed has a chemical imbalance in the brain often complicated by other health issues like depression. It is something the individuals and his or her loved ones have to learn to deal with for a lifetime. Therefore, any therapies that will be beneficial should be explored and implemented.

Finally, although the jury is still out of this issue, many doctors will recommend trying a dietary change as part of the overall ADHD treatment. Whether your child will benefit from eliminating fast and processed foods, from the diet, remains to be determined. But, many believe additives, sugar, caffeine, and allergy related foods may have an adverse affect of the behavior of ADHD children and adults. Therefore, it is worth a try to determine if certain foods make the symptoms more pronounced.

Let’s face it; living with ADHD on a daily basis is not picnic for you or your child. A special needs child does not choose to be different than his or her peers. Even when the behavior is not acceptable, it does not mean your child has made the decision to be out of control. It has to be difficult to live with a disorder that limits your emotional and physical control. Therefore, it is essential that you know all you can about ADHD treatment, so your child can learn to live a happy and productive life like everyone else.



By: Tina Matsunaga

About the Author:

Tina Matsunaga is a freelance writer for doctors, dentists, professionals and other work at home parents that need article marketing, website content, and help learning to write and read for professional success.

She holds a BA in English/secondary education from Regis University.



ADHD Treatment: Medication For Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Monday, April 20th, 2009
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ADHD is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The disorder shows certain symptoms such as hyperactivity, absentmindedness, impulsiveness and destructibility in the patient.

One important aspect about treatment for ADHD is you need to be constantly in touch with your doctor for taking the appropriate medicine at the right time. Remember the doctor is dealing with the most important part of human system, i.e. your brain. Any negligence on your part in reporting the actual development or delay on the part of the doctor to guide you with correct medicine may worsen the situation.

ADHD is not a very easy disease to deal with. It affects you in hundred ways, small or big. Your day to day life is adversely affected due to problems created by ADHD.

Once the disease is diagnosed by a mental health specialist you will be put on medication treatment. Such medications may give you instant relief. It will be easy for you to conduct the activities. The problem with the ADHD patients is that they have very low dopamine in the frontal part of the brain. Stimulant medications are given to rectify this defect. Via these medicines, the patient’s dopamine level is increased and the symptoms of the disorder are checked regularly.

When it comes to the choice of stimulant, mental health professionals prefer Adderall. It is a salt known as amphetamine and it is given in suitable doses once or twice a day. Next to it is the stimulant called as Ritalin which is always prescribed by the doctors. It needs to be taken more often and many times and has certain side effects. The final choice of stimulant that is recommended by the medical practitioners is Cyclert. This is however not much favored because of its capability to produce dangerous side effects like liver toxicity.

Any new drug that arrives in the market, that too for treatment of any serious type of disease, is hailed as a wonder drug. Same thing can be said about Stratters when it was introduced in the market. It was believed that certain cure for ADHD is found. People who did not wish to take stimulants liked this drug. It is mainly an antidepressant drug and within a few days of its taking, it had the capacity to reduce the level of norepinephrine in your brain. That is to say it treats both, the ADHD problem as well as depression and anxiety.

Thus it is very important to be careful while taking ADHD medications. For long term relief, alternative methods like yoga along with other stress busters and prescribed medications are the best bet.



By: Ashish Jain

About the Author:
The author writes about a number of different topics. For more information on stress management visit http://www.aboutstressmanagement.com/stressrelief/ and also visit the article page: http://www.aboutstressmanagement.com/stressrelief/blogs/stress-management-techniques.htm



Taking a Different Path - Alternative Treatment For ADD/ADHD

Monday, March 23rd, 2009
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Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food -Hippocrates

In the US, other than prescribed medications, there are no other federally-approved treatments for ADD/ADHD. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is still supporting drug therapy as the treatment for this disorder. Findings of many studies point to availability of “natural” treatments; therefore, a rising number of health professionals are proposing behavioral and dietary interventions to supplement.

What can be said about prescription medication is that it is still new to the practice of medicine but plant extracts and other holistic remedies have existed before our time. Modern medicine possesses the wondrous capability to alter natural substances to form a chemical derivative that has absolutely nothing to do with the original material in its final form.

It is, however, very interesting that it was the advent of chemically-based foods, sweeteners, additives, and, yes, medications that signaled the advent of the ADD/ADHD “epidemic”.

Are there any possible connections?

ADD/ADHD is a result of the appearance of chemical substance which has the ability to produce biochemical reactions within the body. It is then capable of altering the body’s functioning to elicit unnatural symptoms. All this of course is the result of changes in the environment change the natural bodily function.

The rise in cases of ADD/ADHD have risen in concurrence with the widespread usage of chemical additives, preservatives, and substances. This further testifies that natural malfunction of the human body is cannot the major cause of ADD/ADHD most cases. The toxin environment created by unnatural substances is what causes failure in for the body to function properly.

As the use of chemicals has increased, so have the rates of ADD/ADHD diagnoses.

The reality is that some individuals are more sensitive to extraneous toxins than others. Just as some people are more prone to reacting to allergens whereas others are not affected by them at all, some people are simply biologically programmed to have a more severe reaction to toxins than others.

The body of a highly sensitive individuals can react in a way such as developing symptoms like fidgeting, distractibility, impulsivity, hyperactivity, forgetfulness, and behavioral problems when placed in a toxin environment but if these individuals are removed form the environment then the symptom can be reduced or even disappear completely.

The issue of ADD/ADHD treatment is that many people knows that the toxin effecting sufferer of ADD/ADHD must be removed from them and this goes for removing the individuals from the toxic environment too but the vast number of us are still unclear about how to go about doing that. With the many non-medication method available today, prescribed medication should be the last choice in anyone seeking out ways to deal with this disorder.

These are the issues that needs to be addressed and have proven to help control a great number of ADD/ADHD cases:

- the nutritional needs of the individual

- any existing behavioral issues

- toxins present within the individual’s environment

Not many have found the need for medications, even if it is during emergencies.

Many researchers suspect, and are now investigating, the correlation between food allergies and behavioral problems. These researchers have gone so far as to suggest that more than 60% of individuals suspected of having ADD/ADHD might be “cured” by eliminating such toxins as sugar, artificial colors and preservatives, soy, milk, chocolate, wheat, some citrus fruits, and eggs from their diets.

Elimination diet is one of the most recommended method of stabilizing ADD/ADHD like behavior. Here is a short guide for implementing elimination diet.

1. Begin by eliminating foods, or food groups, that might be responsible for the symptoms. If dairy products are suspected, eliminate all dairy products. Should the symptoms improve, dairy can be added back into the diet, one food at a time. When and if symptoms return, the food, or foods, that were most recently introduced are the probable culprits.

2. You can start eliminating food such as diary, wheat products, sugar, eggs, nuts, soy products, corn, and citrus fruits and juices because they are usually the type that are responsible for these symptoms.

3. Try to carry out food elimination for two weeks and during that time, breathing, and general health should be closely monitored.

4. Foods should then be introduced one at a time and for the period of three days minimum. Introducing food should be done at three days interval until a reaction appears.

5.Make sure to read food labels! Some products contain the offending foods as an ingredient and will produce a reaction.

Food diary is another method that can be used to detect food allergies. This method is done by recording all foods, beverages, snacks, candies, etc. that are consumed. This is also extended to inoffensive substances as gum, medications (even over the counter meds), and candies. Don’t forget to record down breathing, and general health in the diary as well as sleeping patterns, activity levels, and attitude. Patterns should be detectable according to what was ingested at the end of the month.

Elimination diets and food diaries are now being used to uncover toxins that may be responsible for such conditions as Autism, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, general food allergies, Fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, and even depression!



By: Jimmy Brownen

About the Author:
Jimmy Brownen is a leading expert in the field of ADD/ADHD and has years of experience in the treatment of it. For more information on the disorder or for alternative means of curing ADHD, please visit his site.



ADHD Treatments And Medications

Monday, March 9th, 2009
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The full form of ADHD is Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a psychological disorder which is related to the hypersensitive psychological state of mind.

The most common symptoms in an infant are extreme restlessness, crying, they also show a very poor sleep patterns. The older children have poor concentration they posses week memory, impulsiveness they are in a hurry to do everything, generally lacks self esteem.

Weak short term memory and they suffer from some abnormal sleep and appetite problems. There are also different degrees of severity. To overcome this disease usually the relaxant drugs are provided to the children. There are many drugs available in the market for this disorder which is prescribed by the psychologists.

What are the medications available against this disorder?

There are mainly two types of treatment which is generally used to cure the ADHD types of treatment for ADHD; pharmacological and non-pharmacological. It is been found out in various studies that 70% to 80% children are benefited by the stimulant drugs.

In the ADHD normally the psycho stimulants drugs are used; they are prescribed for both children and adults with severe ADHD but the dose of the psycho stimulants is different. The psycho stimulant drugs which are generally used are Ritalin. Concereta some non-stimulant drugs are also used with these stimulant drugs such as Starterra as well as amphetamines, such as Dexedrine and Adderall.

Your doctor can advise a daily dosage which can be short or long acting. After this initial dosage your doctor may feel a need to increase or reduce the dosage for the drug to give you the desired effect.

The side effects which generally occur due to this medication:

Some adverse effects have been seen in the children after these medications. The most common side effect of these medications is change in the appetite, sleeplessness and anxiousness.

The younger children may loose some weight from these therapies Other side effects of these psycho stimulants drugs includes irritability, stomach pain, hair loss, headache, depression, hallucinations, and lack of spontaneity.

What are the drugs prescribed by psychologist for this disorder:

There are mainly two types of treatment which is generally used to cure the ADHD types of treatment for ADHD; pharmacological and non-pharmacological. In the ADHD normally the psycho stimulants drugs are used; they are prescribed for both children and adults with severe ADHD but the dose of the psycho stimulants is different.

These drugs have been intensively studied and used by the psychologists but there are serious concerns with long-term use of these drugs. The psycho stimulant drugs which are generally used are Ritalin.

Concereta some non-stimulant drugs are also used with these stimulant drugs such as Starterra as well as amphetamines, such as Dexedrine and Adderall. Your doctor can advise a daily dosage which can be short or long acting. After this initial dosage your doctor may feel a need to increase or reduce the dosage for the drug to give you the desired effect.

The possible side effects of the ADHD drugs

All stimulants have a number of side effects: The most common side effect of these therapies maybe the change in the appetite, sleeplessness and anxiousness. The younger children may loose some weight from these therapies Other side effects of these psycho stimulants drugs includes irritability, stomach pain, hair loss, headache, depression, hallucinations, , and lack of spontaneity.



By: Paul Hata

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Finding Natural Alternatives Adhd Children Can Use.

Sunday, March 8th, 2009
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Most doctors, when they encounter a case of ADHD, turn to stimulant or anti-depressant drugs to counteract most of the disorders symptoms. However, in taking these drugs the effects are short lived and the medication needs to be constant. There is also the possibility of various side effects to contend with too. Because of this, it is only natural that parents try to find alternatives. Most parents are attracted by natural alternatives ADHD children can take as opposed to prescribed drugs mainly because they are considered to have less side effects. Here are some natural alternatives for ADHD that have shown promise:

1) Caffeine - Caffeine is a stimulant, just like the prescription drugs are. This means that caffeine perks up a person who is feeling a bit drowsy. It is ironic that stimulants seem to have a reverse effect on people with ADHD. People who have used caffeine as a natural alternative to ADHD report being able to calm down and think clearly and yet have no trouble with hyperactivity.

Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, soda and some chewing gums. However, with everything moderation is key. Children should be okay to have 2.5mg of caffeine for every kilo they weigh a day. Just like stimulant drugs, this treatment is not for everyone and be aware of the sugars and other ingredients in soda that can have detrimental effects on health.

2) DMAE - This is a compound that occurs naturally in the body and in some fish. Making use of DMAE as a natural alternative or complement to ADHD prescription medicines has been shown to be effective. Studies carried out in the 1970’s looking at the effects of DMAE on people with ADHD showed results that where comparable to taking Ritalin. You will find DMAE supplements available, however there is a risk of some side effects, notably headaches, insomnia, depression, irritability and restlessness. So it pays to be careful with dosages.

3) Essential Fatty Acids - These are also found in fish and some plants. Essential fatty acids have been linked with improved mental capability and even cardiac health. Essential fatty acids can be obtained by eating deep-sea fish regularly. However, you should be careful because deep-sea fish can also have high levels of mercury in their meat. An option you can consider is cod liver oil and other fish oil supplements, although be sure the source of the fish is stated and that its mercury free. Fish oils have long been marketed as a great supplement for improving focus before people thought of using it as a natural alternative to ADHD medication.

4) B vitamins - Research shows that treatment with the B-group vitamins, especially Vitamin B6 & B12, helps a child with ADHD remain focused. There are a lot of food sources of this vitamin. However, you should keep in mind that you may not get enough of these vitamins from food alone and so taking a B-complex supplement can help.

For more tips and advice on choosing natural alternative ADHD treatments sign up for the free newsletter below

The natural alternative ADHD sufferers can make can make a difference to ADHD behaviors. However, it may take some experimentation to find the ones that are most suitable. Discussing these options with your doctor is essential before starting on any new regime and never stop taking prescription medication without first seeking medical approval.



By: Sue Perkins

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Sign up for Sue Perkins’ free ADHD newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about natural alternatives adhd.



Adhd Treatment Through Behavior Therapy

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
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ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a common psychological disorder that often becomes perceptible once a child starts preschool. Millions of children are diagnosed with ADHD each year, many of them before the age of six. The most prevalent form of treatment is typically prescription medication, which may help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD so the child can function normally in a school setting. Unfortunately, drug medications are not without side effects and can be addictive. For these reasons, many parents seek treatment for ADHD through behavior therapy.

Behavioral therapy, also known as behavior management, is shown to have positive results on ADHD children. The goal of behavior therapy in ADHD children is to increase the desired behaviors. This is typically achieved through using positive reinforcements when the child acts appropriately. The first step of therapy is typically to improve the relationship between the child and the parents. This is coupled with providing negative consequences and positive reinforcements to help the child increase his or her interest in pleasing the parents.

Part of the success of behavior therapy for ADHD children lies in the active interest and support of the child’s parents. Parents need to take an active role in making the therapy work for their child. This includes making and following a game plan to which both parents need to use to help guide the child to success. Parents should discuss the ongoing therapy with the doctor to ensure that the program is working for their child.

One of the most important factors in using behavioral therapy is to identify the problem early and start treatment as soon as possible. Even very young ADHD children will benefit from some form of behavioral therapy. One problem has always been early detection of ADHD in children. In the past small children that had disciplinary problems may have been expelled and told to wait until they matured slightly to enter pre-school.

Recent studies have found that when behavior therapy is started very young it can be quite successful as an alternative treatment for ADHD. In a 5-year study conducted by researchers at Lehigh University, Pennsylvania, 135 preschoolers with ADHD were treated with a variety of behavior-only therapies. After a year, researchers found that the children’s behavior and learning had improved by about 30 percent. The most effective techniques are based on consistency in rules and routine when dealing with good and bad behaviors.

In many cases, ADHD children can be treated successfully without the use of medications or through the use of reduced medication coupled with behavior therapy. ADHD children respond well the younger they are when they are diagnosed and treated. If you have concerns about whether or not your child is exhibiting symptoms of ADHD you should consult with a doctor. A qualified specialist can perform simple tests to determine if the child has ADHD and if so the severity of the condition.



By: Alvin Toh

About the Author:

Drug medications are the most prevalent form of treatment for ADHD. The side effects are often unpleasant and can be serious. There are alternative treatments for ADHD that are safer and yet effective. Check out the all natural and drug free treatment for ADHD at www.guidetoadhd.com/products/adhdremedies.html



Alternative Attention Deficit Disorder Treatment - is There a Natural Adhd Remedy?

Thursday, November 20th, 2008
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Parents with ADHD children know all about the difficulty of trying to raise their child properly and having to cope with the extreme behavioral problems that come with the disorder. In response to this new modern epidemic mainstream medical companies have of course made products that can help solve the child’s problem (and their parent’s frustration!) by the use of drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall. To compliment this many also send their children to behavioral therapy which is expensive and time consuming; a perfect combination for an industry trying to make money out of a serious problem. Recently however studies have shown that ADHD drugs do not cure the problem but simply put off the problem without curing it. Add to this that the studies show the drugs may stunt growth and may also cause long term problems that have not been totally confirmed and we can see drugs may not be the answer. So what alternative attention deficit disorder treatments are there and can there be a totally natural adhd treatment so that parents can be assured of a healthy and happy child, and do they work? Let’s look at a few examples:

Diet

One approach to changing a child’s behavior that has become popular is to control, their diet to cut out certain foods and additives that promote hyperactive behavior and increase or decrease nutrients that help with focusing and calmness. This approach is often very healthy as the diets are usually quite good if not exciting. The biggest problem usually lies in sugar and caffeine but there are also many other surprising foods that may make more of an impact than you think. The downsides are that it is hard to get an ADHD kid to eat all the things you prepare as they are used to a different more exiting diet. If you can get them to stick to the changes there are many children who may benefit from this but not everyone has had immediate success with just this approach depending on the severity of their disorder.

Behavior modification programs

This is a system of changing the way a child acts by rewarding them for good behavior and not giving in and giving them what they want for bad behavior. While most parents do this to a degree anyway many have taken this to a new level by making it into a game by scoring the child and promoting active tasks. While this may not eliminate ADHD it can modify some more antisocial and aggressive behaviors if you can channel that energy into useful things. Not all children take to this however and it can end up being a battle to get them to participate but still a large number of people have managed to turn the whirlwind energy of the child into a force for good!

Biofeedback

This is a newer treatment that revolves around the brainwave patterns that an ADHD sufferer experiences. By measuring brainwaves through a machine it is possible to adjust these patterns by rewarding the right brainwaves via a computer game or some other learning tool, when the person does the right thing mentally they are rewarded and the brain responds by adjusting the way it behaves. This is less invasive than it sounds as sensors are placed on the scalp to measure the brainwaves but no other equipment is actually touching the child. This requires some significant resources however and is not readily available.

Auditory Integration Training

There is evidence to support then notion that some learning disabilities ADHD included are a result of a problem with a child’s hearing. Problems like this can cause a child to “tune out” or cover their ears or become aggressive when particular sounds or frequencies are heard. The treatment that goes with this focuses on using sounds that stimulate the possible problem areas of the inner ear and the way it interacts with the brain. By modulating and adjusting these frequencies it is possible to gain long term benefit to their hearing and also short term increases to attention span and social behaviors.

As we can see there are many alternative attention deficit disorder treatments that do not require mind altering drugs but work holistically and naturally. Some even focus on simply redirecting the ADHD sufferers energy into beneficial things implying that it can be a blessing not a curse if refocused. In any event there are options for natural ADHD remedies that have had proven success!



By: Hengster

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Supplements And Vitamins Adhd Treatment - The Benefits Of Nutrition For Adhd Patients

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008
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If you are parent of an ADHD child or you have ADHD yourself it is likely that you have already tried a number of ADHD therapies. Medications may have been your first option and although these tend to work, the benefits are short lived and there are number of controversies surrounding them in relation to side effects. There are other alternative solutions to ADHD such as biofeedback, sensory integrative therapy, behavioral therapy, individual therapy, herbal remedies and nutritional intervention. The latter advocates that with the proper consumption of supplements and vitamins, ADHD symptoms can be improved.

All of these methods are effective and while they may be used as stand alone treatments, many health professionals believe that combining the different modes of treatment simultaneously create far better results than using only medications or behavioral therapy or any one of the others.

One treatment that is gaining in popularity is nutritional intervention through the adoption of a diet and vitamin supplements that supplies all the essential nutrients required for optimal brain functioning.

Researches agree that ensuring the recommended daily intake of vitamins is reached could help both in the general health of an ADHD patient and in moderating some symptoms of ADHD. While there are plenty of vitamins available in food, we don’t always get enough. This can be due to making the wrong food choices and relying on fast or processed foods or only having a limited diet with little fresh fruits and vegetables.

The theory behind vitamin treatment is that replenishing or supplying vitamins that are deficient in the body could help improve the symptoms of ADHD.

Among the handful vitamins that are thought to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD are those that promote neurochemical development in the brain that control behavior. These neurochemicals are serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.

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Vitamin B6 for example is among the vitamins that help the brain develop. It is vital to ensure the nervous system functions correctly and controls excitable behavior. Therefore a deficiency in B6 may lead to hyperactive behavior. In a clinical study researchers took 52 hyperexcitable children and gave them vitamin B6, along with magnesium for 3 - 24 weeks. The results showed a reduction of excitable behavior in all the children after 1 - 6 months treatment.

Sticking with the B vitamins, methyl-B12 (a form of vitamin B 12) has shown to improve attention and focus.

Moving onto supplements, magnesium is a mineral that some children with ADHD lack. Magnesium deficiencies can be accompanied by light or restless sleep and can lead to hyperactivity. Magnesium acts as a relaxant for nerve impulses as well as muscle contractions. It also encourages a reduction in hyperactivity and could induce deeper sleep.

Zinc is another mineral where a number of children with ADHD have a deficiency. According to a study carried out in 1996 ADHD children’s level of zinc are 2/3 the level of children without ADHD. Zinc is essential for memory and the ability to think clearly. Supplementing with zinc has also shown to improve IQ.

Although a ‘cure’ for ADHD does not exist, there are many anecdotal reports of children being able to stop or reduce medication after following a program of receiving proper nutrition, which includes vitamins and minerals along with diet modifications and behavioral therapy. Introducing supplement and vitamins ADHD treatment should be safe to do alongside medications, however, it is best to speak to your doctor to ensure there will be no adverse reactions.



By: Sue Perkins

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