Categories
Search

Archive for the ‘ADHD Treatment’ Category

An Overview Of Homeopathy Adhd Treatments

Friday, August 24th, 2007
adhd treatment
Through a number of trials Homeopathy ADHD treatments have shown to be effective in reducing the ADHD symptoms of restlessness, inattentiveness and impulsiveness.

The main treatments that most people know about and that most people with ADHD are using are stimulant medications. These act by changing chemicals in the brain to reduce symptoms. Homeopathy takes a different.

Unlike the stimulant drugs homeopathy does not try to suppress elements of an individuals behavior, rather it aims to redress any imbalance in the body naturally without altering the body with drugs. This has the outcome of reducing the symptoms of ADHD without changing or altering the personality or physical elements, one of the main side effects of stimulants.

Homeopathy reviews a person in their entirety, so practitioners will take detailed medical histories so they can address all the ailments that maybe effecting a person.

So, rather than focusing only on the ADHD, they might look at why a child always has a cold or reoccurring ear infections etc. Treatments are always individualized and the risk of side effects is low if the treatment has been accurately chosen and the dosages are correct.

Homeopathic remedies are prepared by deriving substances from plants, animals, and minerals. The most common form of this homeopathic medicine is in the form of small sweet-tasting tab that you let dissolve in your mouth. Since the taste tends to be sweet, parents treating their ADHD children generally don’t have difficulty getting them to take it.

What are the specific benefits for someone with ADHD if treated with homeopathy medicine?

Children with ADHD who take homeopathy medicine appear to show significant positive results. The following are benefits that your child may have once given with such treatment:

• improved attention

• improved grades

• improved ability to concentrate more on school work

• improved social skills

• more co-operative

• improved self-esteem

• decreased physical exhaustion

• decreased mental and emotional problems

• decreased restlessness, aggressiveness, impulsivity, and other inappropriate behavioral problems

If you were interested in trying a course of homeopathic treatment for your child it would be a good idea to consult your doctor and ask if they can refer you to a homeopathic practitioner.

Homeopathic medicine should be fine to take alongside stimulant drugs, however ensure you keep your doctor informed of any additional treatments you plan to implement.

If you want to discover other natural ADHD treatment options sign up for the free newsletter below.

Homeopathy ADHD treatment can be a complementary treatment to other more traditional treatments. You may find that prescription medications can be reduced, under guidance by your doctor, once results are see from the homeopathic medicine.



By: Sue Perkins

About the Author:
Sign up for Sue Perkins’ free ADHD newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about homeopathy ADHD.



Treating Adhd - What Treatment Choices are Available to Parents?

Thursday, August 2nd, 2007
adhd treatment
When my 8 year old son was almost 5 years old, he was diagnosed with ADHD.  We then set out on a long, arduous task of working thru many different ADHD treatment programs, doctors, and school programs to address his issues.

If you are embarking on that same journey, my best piece of advice is to trust your instincts as a parent and learn everything you can about this condition.  If you are reading this article, you are probably somewhat familiar with ADHD but just to set a common background, this is how most of the medical community describe ADHD.

Characterized by “pervasive inattention” and/or “hyperactivity-impulsivity”, ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder results in significant behavioral and cognitive impairment. ADHD is frequently tied to an imbalance in the chemicals used to regulate behavior, mood and energy levels in the body.

Symptoms can include excessive worry, fearfullness, agressiveness, or panic, which can also lead to physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, cramps, and diarrhea. Symptoms of ADHD will probably appear over the course of many months and can usually be diagnosed before a child is 10 years old.

Many children with ADHD show inattention symptoms and are not impulsive or hyperactive. However, most show signs of both. Since Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is accepted as a neurologically based disorder, we should conclude that, besides a possible head injury, the patient with ADHD would have been born with the disorder.

Our son fits virtually all of the ADHD symptoms to a “T”.  So in order to understand and to help as best we can, we set out on a mission to learn about the various tretment options available for ADHD children.  And to our mutual joy our dismay, there are many, many options that you can explore.

In most cases, ADHD is most sucessfully treated with an even mix of medication and behavior therapy. When determining the correct treatment for your child, the care giver might try several different medications in various doses, especially if your child is being treated for ADHD along with another disorder. 

Behavioral councelors, classroom accommodations, and family and community support are other necessary components of ADHD treatment but the “best” treatment options for ADHD are a matter of opinion.  But nevertheless, children who are successfully treated for ADHD are better able to attain success in their educational and career goals, and lead better, less stressful lives.

A number of alternative treatments are studied and attempted by parents including: megavitamins, body treatments, diet manipulation, allergy treatment, chiropractic treatment, attention training, visual training, and traditional one-on-one “talking” psychotherapy.

The variations range from mainstream synthetic medications to a mixture of regular medicine and holistic medicine , or a choice could be to simply implement an alternative treatment approach for ADHD using herbs.

The good news is, with proper treatment, children with ADHD can manage their symptoms and learn to successfully live with them. If your child has ADHD and a coexisting disorder, your physician will take that into account when designing a treatment program.

Whatever you decide, without a doubt, talk with your physician to decide on the best option for you or your child’s particular circumstances.  Just always remember that this is your child and you probably know them best and never be too afraid to trust your instincts.

So don’t be embarrased or put off even 1 more minute by a lack of understanding of ADHD. Get the help you need and your child deserves. Get specific help regarding ADHD Treatments along with loads of other ADHD information, articles, videos, and resources at ADHD-digest.com, a website with articles, guidance, and resources for parents of children with ADHD.



By: Roger Douglass

About the Author:

About the author: Roger Douglass is a parent of 2 children with ADHD, one 20 years old and one 8 years old, and maintains ADHD-digest.com, a website with articles, guidance, and resources for parents of children with ADHD and adults with ADHD.



Adhd Assessment and Diagnosis: Getting it Right

Thursday, June 28th, 2007
adhd treatment
Your absolute first step with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) before considering medication and ADHD treatment is to ensure a proper assessment and diagnosis.

Why is this so important?

There are a number of variances within ADHD and other medical conditions that share symptoms. It is extremely important to know exactly what you’re dealing with before you seek treatment. It’s like treating the common cold with antibiotics - they don’t have any effect and the cold won’t go away, likewise you’ll be putting things in your body that you simply don’t need. However, with ADHD an inaccurate diagnosis and mistreatment has much more significant risks because ADHD doesn’t go away like the common cold. It affects every aspect of your life.

So your absolute first step is to ensure a proper assessment and diagnosis.

Where do you go for your assessment and diagnosis?

Ideally you want to get a proper assessment and diagnosis performed by an expert in ADD/ADHD. For children and teens with ADD this is often easier simply because there are more pediatricians and child psychiatrists comfortable with ADD than there are adult psychiatrists comfortable with adult ADD.

If you’re an adult looking for a specialist who is an expert in ADD, then the best place to start is with your family doctor, or primary care physician. The next step (if your doctor doesn’t know who to send you to) is to contact your local medical school, or the biggest medical school close to where you live. Speak to the secretary of the department of psychiatry and ask about who is working with adult ADD.

I also recommend asking around your community. You might be surprised to find out who you already know that has dealt with ADHD, they may know of some local experts.

What to expect from the assessment and diagnosis:

Whoever you go to, you want to make sure a thorough history and a physical examination is conducted. Generally speaking you will want to spend at least 45 minutes to an hour on the thorough history. Some doctors may break this up into several appointments, but just know that diagnosing ADHD in about five minutes is generally poor medical care. The doctor will likely give you some questionnaires, ask about background information, and schedule another visit.

The physical examination itself is very important. If you’re seeing a psychiatrist for an ADHD diagnosis, it is also important to see a physician for the physical exam portion. Psychiatrists generally do not do the physical exams.

The physical exam is important because it helps to rule out other conditions. For example, if somebody has a hearing problem, and they are not paying attention - it’s because they can’t hear properly. So the proper treatment is a hearing aid, not an ADHD medicine. Right? There are many background conditions that can cause people to believe there is an ADHD condition when there really isn’t.

To begin treating ADHD without a proper diagnosis simply results in treating the wrong thing. The problem doesn’t get resolved, in fact things can become worse, and you’re left with a medicine cabinet full of medications for improper diagnosis. Take the time to find a qualified ADHD specialist and obtain a proper diagnosis and assessment. It will mean all the difference with your treatment experience and success.



By: Dr Kenny Handelman

About the Author:

Dr. Kenny Handelman is a Board Certified Psychiatrist in Canada and the USA. He is an expert in ADD & ADHD and helps kids, teens and adults to improve their lives, and build up their strengths. For a free special report on medication for ADD/ADHD, please visit: Medication for ADD and ADHD.



What Type Of ADHD Treatment Is The Best?

Saturday, June 9th, 2007
adhd treatment
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and it is a chronic condition that can have a great impact on a child if a child does not get help, or if the right ADHD treatment is not prescribed. Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD are impulsivity, inappropriate behavior, and hyperactivity. These children have difficulty staying on task and completing projects, which if not identified and treated early can be a huge barrier throughout the school years and eventually on the job. Before there was a diagnosis, these children were just seen as having lots of energy, or were just wild and always getting into trouble. Now that ADHD treatments are available, parents have the option of getting their child help so that they can be more productive in school and have fewer disruptions at home.

Not all parents and professionals agree on what type of ADHD treatment is the best, or if it should be used at all. Some parents feel that it is unnatural to treat a child with prescription medication that could have significant side effects, or otherwise harm the child. Side effects are dose dependent and can be lessened by reducing the dosage or switching to a different medication. Many times behavior modification therapy is not effective on its own, which is why ADHD treatment usually requires use of a stimulant drug. Stimulants have a paradoxical effect on children; these drugs do not increase hyperactivity, which is a normal response in adults, but help the child focus, control behaviors, and improve self-esteem. Stimulants used in ADHD treatment help children to complete tasks, learn more efficiently, and interact more positively with their peers.

Physicians and psychiatrists develop individualized ADHD treatments for each child, because not all experience the same symptoms or have the same level of severity. There can also be other conditions that are present as well, such as mental or physical disorders that need to be addressed in addition to ADHD treatment. Such conditions may have a great impact on how the child responds to therapy, and if not treated simultaneously will tend to slow down progress. There are a number of sites on the internet that discuss ADHD, the symptoms, and how to go about getting help for your child. ADHD treatments and the controversies surrounding them are also discussed in depth. If you suspect your child has ADHD have him or her evaluated by a professional as soon as possible, so that your child can get the treatment he or she needs.



By: Roosevelt Simmons

About the Author:
Roosevelt Simmons has lived with ADHD for over 40years. He feels it’s important to educate the public about this condition through his articles. Find out how children and adults can expand their knowledge on this subject at http://www.learnaboutadhd.com/.



Investigating Supplements Adhd Treatment Options

Tuesday, May 8th, 2007
adhd treatment
ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is increasing alarmingly with statistic suggesting that about 1 in 25 children diagnosed as having ADHD. The common ADHD symptoms are lack of attention and impulsive, hyperactive behavior. The disorder is normally treated using medications and other therapies and with the use of supplements; ADHD symptoms may be reduced. ADHD is normally diagnosed in children under 7 and can effect individuals throughout their life.

At present there is no agreement on the actual causes of ADHD. Individuals with this condition do not have any physical differences to people without ADHD, it just appears that their brains work slightly differently. A number of environmental reasons, as well as biological theories have been suggested and scientists are continuing to work on understanding the condition.

Traditionally ADHD has been treated using stimulant medications that although sound contradictory, can lesson symptoms and improve concentration and attention span. However, there are a number of side effects that can occur when taking these medications and some parents and individuals would rather look to other ways of managing symptoms. This is where supplements can help.

Essential fatty acids

Essential fatty acids that are found in fish oils are supplements have shown to relieve some ADHD symptoms. A trial carried out in Durham, England on 120 children showed that those taking fish oils reduced hyperactivity, inattention and impulsive behavior, which had positive effect on learning and concentration in school. Essential fatty acids can also help to improve eczema, dry skin, reduce excessive thirst and frequent urination, control asthma and allergies. All of which are common to children with ADHD.

Amino acids

The brain used neurotransmitters to control learning and behavior. Without adequate neurotransmitters these elements become impaired. Neurotransmitters are formed using amino acids and from protein. Research has shown that children with ADHD tend to be born with less neurotransmitters, suggesting a genetic link. Therefore, by supplementing with amino acids behavior, memory and mood may all be improved.

Zinc

Zinc deficiency is another factor linked to symptoms of ADHD. Studies have been carried out where children are given a zinc supplement alongside conventional treatment or a placebo. The children taking the zinc supplements showed significant improvement over the children following the conventional treatment alone.

For more information about recognizing and treating ADHD naturally continue reading and sign up for the Free newsletter below.

Other supplements for ADHD that could prove helpful:

• Iron

• Magnesium

• Colloidal minerals

• L-carnitine

• Vitamin C

Although these supplements ADHD treatments are natural treatments that may effectively provide relief for ADHD symptoms, parents are advised to consult their child’s doctor before starting on a supplementation regime.



By: Sue Perkins

About the Author:
Sign up for Sue Perkins’ free ADHD newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about Supplements ADHD.



Discover The Best Resources For Adhd

Sunday, May 6th, 2007
adhd treatment
From medical options to alternative solutions, resources for ADHD vary in their availability, variety, and mode of use and extent of effects after treatment and therapy.

The Internet is one of the best resources for ADHD. There are many articles and references to the latest research that you can find. We’ll explore some of the options in this article.

Medications - This tends to be the first line of defense when one seeks for ADHD treatment through the use of medical intervention. Once a person is diagnosed with ADHD, the physician normally provides an initial treatment plan to alleviate the behaviors that are causing concern. The most popular medicines for ADHD are:

• Ritalin

• Straterra

• Concerta

• Aderall

These are stimulant medications that are designed to reduce the common ADHD behaviors and slow down thinking to allow time for thought before action.

Biofeedback and Neurofeedback- These methods use the principle that the mind can learn to take control of unconscious actions within the body through using scientific interventions. For example, once an individual with ADHD learns the factors affecting his behaviors, he could learn to change the response and therefore alter the behavior.

Alternative Options - Therapies under the alternative options are continuously growing in number and many people who would not want the side effects of drugs opt for more natural treatments.

Herbal Remedies - Proponents of herbal remedies believe that some herbs contain the necessary components that help correct the abnormal stimulation of the brain’s neurotransmitters, thereby reducing ADHD behaviors.

Continue reading to discover more treatment options and to sign up for the free ADHD newsletter below, which offers up to date insights into recognizing and treating ADHD naturally.

Nutritional Supplements - Supplements work on the principle that with modern mass farming methods, foods grown today are deficient in the necessary and essential nutrients the body needs. Thus, the best possible way of getting the most nutrients are to have balanced diet and regular supplements if required.

Behavioral Therapy- This therapy takes a more psychological approach to treating ADHD. It aims to modify the behavior of the individual through rewards and punishment in a way that it works towards eliminating unwanted behaviors while encouraging positive ones.

We have mentioned several treatment resources for ADHD patients. Each one of them has the potential to work for the individual. To optimize the effects, it is often best to combine two or three programs into an integrative approach.



By: Sue Perkins

About the Author:
Sign up for Sue Perkins’ free ADHD newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about Resources for ADHD.



Understanding The Science Behind Behavior Therapy Adhd Treatments

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2007
adhd treatment
As a non-medical treatment approach, behavior therapy ADHD treatment is a well-recognized therapy for children who have been diagnosed with ADHD. The process is also sometimes referred to as behavior management.

Although medications can manage the symptoms of ADHD, they may not be suitable for every child. For some children medication has little or no effect on behaviors, for others the side effects can be just as bad in different ways than the ADHD symptoms. Also for some children the medications may not address all the symptoms and others may just refuse to take it. This can sometimes happen in older children and teenagers.

Behavior therapy for ADHD aims to reduce ADHD behaviors by focusing on three main factors. Children, especially young children, generally want to please their parents and may change behaviors to gain parental approval. Behavior therapy can also work by using positive reward as a motivational tool and also by the avoidance of negative consequences (punishments).

So, the idea is to increase the emphasis on the child achieving parental approval with rewards for positive behavior and discouraging inappropriate behavior with consistent punishments.

Having a child with ADHD can be like living in a war zone with constant tension, arguments and fights due to the frustrations felt on all sides over ADHD behaviors. Parents are constantly having to nag, berate and cajole to get anything done and children get fed up always being in trouble and labeled as ‘bad’ or naughty. The relationship can quickly break down.

So going back to behavioral therapy and focusing on aiming to increase the child’s desire to please their parents there needs to be some time out from all this aggression where parent and child can enjoy an activity together. The best way to increase some goodwill between parent and child is for the child to choose an activity and then work with the parent to complete it. Parents need to ensure that they use motivational language and not try and take over or correct the child. This doesn’t have to go on for hours, about 30 - 40 minutes should to be enough.

By spending quality time together that’s fun, your child will start to enjoy Mom or Dad’s time and will hopefully become more willing to please.

The use of the positive reinforcement can be a powerful tool in behavior therapy. ADHD kids generally spend much of their time doing something they shouldn’t and getting reprimanded for their actions. It’s not very often that they get told they’ve done something right. It is generally much easier to criticize than to praise but if you make the effort to thank them or compliment on the behaviors you want to see more of the likelihood is that they’ll be repeated.

As well as verbal rewards you can also use other rewards. For example: for every good behavior your child earns a point that they can then accumulate for either a toy or a special treat of some kind. Try to avoid food treats though as these can encourage bad eating habits.

Negative consequences work in a similar way. Once you have explained to your child what is expected in a certain situation and they have understood you can use predetermined punishments if their behavior is not acceptable.

By punishments I don’t mean physically hitting your child, rather the removal of some privileges. In order for this approach to truly be effective you must be consistent or your child will soon realize that there is a difference between what you say and what you do.

For more natural treatments for ADHD sign up for the free newsletter below.

For behavior therapy treatments to work parents must be very clear about what their expectations are for their child’s behavior. The children need to understand both the actions they are expected to do and also the consequences for not carrying out those actions. Parents must be consistent with both reward and punishments and take care not to over react to situations.

If you are interested in designing a behavior therapy ADHD plan for your child then speak to your doctor who should be able to give you a referral to a qualified professional.



By: Sue Perkins

About the Author:
Sign up for Sue Perkins’ free ADHD newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about behavior therapy adhd.



Natural Remedies For Attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder (adhd).

Friday, March 9th, 2007
adhd treatment
In the past, rowdy, disruptive children were often ******* or scolded, while their parents were looked upon with disdain. With increasing research in child behavior, as well as with more studies in how molecular imbalances can trigger certain kinds of behavior and movements, physicians and psychiatrists have found that such unfortunate parents and noisy children should be treated with consideration.

In fact, as you know from reading thus far, they have in fact given a name to such a phenomenon: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

ADHD, now considered as a developmental disorder, is caused by changes in brain molecule levels, which in turn can be caused by head trauma in the womb. This head or brain trauma may be physical in nature, or chemical, say, if the expectant mother ingested certain toxins.

Children with ADHD tend to be impulsive and forgetful. They are also hyperactive and easily distracted. Because the disorder persists into adulthood, more and more adults are finding that their distractibility is due to ADHD.

ADHD also has a strong genetic component, and can thus be inherited. ADHD can’t be cured, and its symptoms can be eased only with a combination of behavioral modification, special education, parental support, lifestyle changes in the person suffering from the disorder, and special medications meant to target the central nervous system. Popular ADHD medications have been used to treat blood pressure disorders and narcolepsy, and they can include the popular Ritalin, Cylert, and Strattera.

After reading about these medications and reviewing opposing points of view amongst the medical and psychiatric communities, you must consider the consequences of taking ADHD medications in the long term even though it hasn’t been thoroughly studied.

Many ADHD medications also have dangerous side effects. In general, they can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pains, constipation, cramps, insomnia, and depression. In extreme cases, some ADHD medications have exacerbated existing cardiovascular disorders, such as high blood pressure and heart conditions; or have worsened certain psychiatric disorders such as mania and psychosis.

There is another component to consider. That is ADHD medications work by increasing alertness and attention, and by decreasing restlessness. Because of these properties, people who don’t suffer from ADHD can and do abuse the drug. For instance, some students believe that ADHD medications can make them perform better in school by focusing their attention.

The disorder itself is subject to controversy. Some psychiatrists and parents contend that the symptoms of ADHD can be surmounted and obliterated by the proper discipline; in some extremes, some people don’t consider ADHD a disorder at all. Backed by scientific proof, however, other scientists and physicians believe that ADHD is a real disorder that can be eased, thanks to long-term medication.

Long-term medication, however, doesn’t sit well with many people. In fact, some psychiatrists, physicians, and even parents of ADHD-affected children cite their positive experiences with holistic medicine and natural ADHD medications. Before using such medications or even recommending them, however, you must read as much as you can on what advantages and disadvantages they carry. Moreover, you should always consult with your physician on what options are available to you before plunging into any natural or holistic treatments.

There are many natural treatment regimens available for ADHD, but the most common so far is a change in diet. ADHD-friendly diets are generally free from stimulants, such as sugars and preservatives, all of which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms and even interfere with the effectiveness of ADHD medications. There are many names for such diets, but in summary, they recommend that junk foods be taken out totally. Some junk foods contain a chemical called tartrazine, which is used to color foods, and can increase hyperactivity.

Holistic medicine practitioners also recommend certain drinks to help calm adults suffering from ADHD. Instead of taking ADHD medications, adults are asked to take yoga classes, which can help them concentrate, as well as monitor their breathing patterns. Adults suffering from ADHD are also requested to drink calming beverages, such as chamomile tea, instead of relying on ADHD medications to calm them down.

Holistic medicine practitioners also recommend certain herbs that can be integrated into an ADHD-friendly diet. For instance, fresh lemon balm can induce calm; while ginkgo biloba tablets can increase concentration. Melatonin can also regulate the body’s sleep cycles and induce relaxation while Saint John’s Wort can ease depression without pushing the body into hyperactivity. People with ADHD are also encouraged to take vitamins to increase concentration. Such vitamins can include Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, and Zinc.

Other techniques, such as massage, magnet therapy, and even acupuncture have been used to calm people with ADHD and regulate their body cycles. These are only a few natural techniques that you may want to consider if you are looking for ways to cure ADHD. Always be on the alert for new research in the field of ADHD treatment, and be sure that you thoroughly and truly understand the underlying principles governing the use of your natural treatment of choice before you or your child use it to combat ADHD.



By: Ainuddin Mohamad

About the Author:
Ainuddin Mohamad is the Webmaster of
Healthy Pages



Adhd And Treatments That Offer An Alternative To Medication

Friday, February 23rd, 2007
adhd treatment
Current estimates put between 4 and 12 % of school children, as having ADHD and treatment plans for this chronic condition will generally include the use of medication to modify behavior. However, these do come with side effects are not all children will respond to them, which is why some parents prefer to adopt an alternative method to replace or work alongside medications to minimize the dose.

Most parents would like to see their child drug-free if possible, as some of the side effects of ADHD stimulant medication are decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, withdrawal from social activities and friends and jitteriness.

The treatment options that can be adopted that don’t rely on medication include behavior therapy, neurofeedback therapy, and education intervention. The ultimate goal of all these three approaches is to encourage the frequency of positive behaviors, while minimizing the symptoms of ADHD - inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

However unlike medications, these treatments don’t come out of a bottle, but require work on behalf of parents, teachers, professionals and the child. For example, these ADHD treatments require an experienced educator or therapist to devise an individual program for the child and the techniques will be taught to family members and the child to ensure they follow through at home.

These forms of treatments for ADHD are devised to improve symptoms while increasing the chance of preventing further problems associated with the disorder in the future.

These methods are not like drugs, they are not a ‘quick fixes’ and results won’t be seen overnight. They aim to be long-term solutions that truly make a difference to a child with ADHD, teaching them to recognize their behaviors and learning ways to adjust them. They try to accommodate the child and make it easier for them to conform to accepted behaviors without using drugs to mask behaviors or personality.

And unlike medications, these modes of treatment require patience on behalf of the people administering the therapy and additional assistance from people who are likely to come in contact with the child on a constant basis.

Consistency is key when adopting behavioral therapy otherwise confusion can set in. Once the ground rules have been set and the rewards and punishments are clearly defined they should be followed by all parties with no exceptions.

Continue reading for more tips on alternative treatments and to sign up for the free recognizing and treating ADHD newsletter.

Don’t forget to offer emotional support to your child. Children with ADHD get used to hearing how they are always doing things they shouldn’t and being reprimanded for their behavior. They can also struggle to make friends as a result of their behaviors. This can lead to a low self-esteem and in some cases, depression. So it’s important to give praise where you can and encourage them to use any skills they have whether it’s in sports or another creative outlet.

As you have probably realized, ADHD and treatments that don’t rely on medications are not a quick fix alternative. These are long-term treatments that you will have to continue to work with. You should discuss these alternatives with your child’s doctor and teachers. Never stop medication unless it has been discussed with your doctor.



By: Sue Perkins

About the Author:
Sign up for Sue Perkins’ free ADHD newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about ADHD and Treatments.



New Study on Adhd Treatment: Can Pine Bark Reduce Adhd Symptoms in Children?

Wednesday, February 21st, 2007
adhd treatment
ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is commonly diagnosed among children, particularly those in the United States. Drug medications such as Ritalin, Adderall and Trileptal are often prescribed to help alleviate ADHD symptoms. Most of these medications have mild to severe side-effects and can become habit-forming.

A new research study has found that pine bark extract, marketed as Pycnogenol, may be an effective ADHD treatment. Pycnogenol has been shown to reduce hyperactivity in children. It also helped to improve focus and attention span and aided motor skills coordination in the children tested.

Pycnogenol is a natural herbal supplement which has long been used to reduce stress. It is known for its strong antioxidant properties. It actually serves to extend the antioxidant properties that are found in other sources such as vitamin C. It has also been used to help treat inflammation as well as to improve circulation. The latest findings showed that Pycnogenol can be a natural supplement to improve ADHD symptoms.

Pycnogenol has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment for children with ADHD. What’s more, the treatment is natural and therefore produces none of the harmful or annoying side effects that other medical treatments often do. This is a tremendous finding for parents who are uncomfortable giving their children traditional prescription medications for ADHD. Many of the current medications are stimulants that can be addictive. For this reason some parents have concerns about giving them to their children for the long term.

The new study which will be published in the Journal of Nutritional Neuroscience, is a continuation of a recent study done by scientists in Slovakia. The new study takes the research even further to measure the hormone levels in children using blood samples. Stress hormone levels dropped in children who took Pycnogenol, which accounted for improved attention span and other ADHD symptoms. Pycnogenol naturally lowers adrenaline levels as well as dopamine levels, thus reducing ADHD symptoms.

Research testing found that children with ADHD have higher levels of stress hormones that can increase heart rate and blood pressure. This can cause irritability, lack of focus and increased excitability. The study shows that children who took Pycnolgenol had decreased levels of the stress hormone and therefore exhibited reduction in ADHD symptoms. The study also shows that the children’s ADHD symptoms returned a month after they stopped taking Pycnolgenol. This confirms the scientific evidence that Pycnolgenol works to actually change hormone levels in the body.

These findings are particularly important for those who have children with ADHD. It gives parents an alternative treatment for ADHD

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