It’s a list that would make any health-food storegoer proud: Vitamins. Fish oil. Giving up processed foods, sugars, or food additives. Herbal therapy with St. John’s Wort, echinacea, gingko biloba, or ginseng. Biofeedback. Massage. Yoga.
All healthful pursuits, for sure, but are any of these alternative therapies effective for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (A.D.H.D.)? Don’t bet the rent, says an article in today’s New York Times. According to author Tara Parker-Pope,
About 2.5 million children in the United States take stimulant drugs for attention and hyperactivity problems. But concerns about side effects have prompted many parents to look elsewhere: as many as two-thirds of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or A.D.H.D., have used some form of alternative treatment.
Possible side effects of common A.D.H.D. medications can include “decreased appetite and weight loss, insomnia, abdominal pain and personality changes”; a 2001 Canadian Medical Association Journal report found severe effects such as these in more than 10 percent of child patients. And parents found new reason to worry in 2006, when the F.D.A. ordered that “stimulants like Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta carry warnings of risk for sudden death, heart attacks and hallucinations in some patients.”
No wonder alternative therapies are looking increasingly attractive to concerned moms and dads. Dietary changes, the most common treatment strategy for those seeking to avoid prescription drugs, may be at least somewhat effective. “A growing body of evidence,” according to the journal Pediatric Clinics of North America, points to the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flax seed, and some nuts) as dietary supplements for children with A.D.H.D.
In a 2007 study in U.K. medical journal The Lancet, researchers looked at “the effect of artificial coloring and preservatives on hyperactive behavior in children.” Subjects consumed an additive-free diet for six weeks and were then split into two groups, one of which received a placebo beverage at two-week intervals, the other, one containing a mix of additives. Hyperactive behaviors increased in the additive group.
Studies on sugar avoidance, however, suggest that any link between sugar and hyperactivity comes from parental perception, not reality:
In one study, mothers who were told the child received sugar reported more hyperactive behavior, even when the food was in fact artificially sweetened. Mothers who were told the child received a low-sugar snack were less likely to report worse behavior.
Biofeedback therapy, in which children “wear electrodes on their head and learn to control video games by exercising the parts of the brain related to attention and focus,” has been found as effective as medication, without the harmful side effects. Even better, kids say they enjoy it!
As for herbal supplements, little to no reliable data are available. The studies in existence are often poorly designed, with no control groups and short trial periods. Proponents of natural medicine argue that more research needs to happen on herbal treatments, taking into account the more holistic nature of naturopathy, where treatments are often used in combination.
The take-home messages? If you’re interested in alternative treatments for A.D.H.D., take the time to research emerging therapies before trying them. Maintain a healthy skepticism, and remember that natural medicines aren’t any more of a magic cure-all than traditional treatments; conversely, realize that many alternative therapies don’t have enough research to back them up yet, and could well be found effective in the future. Consult with a physician who will work with you to integrate allopathic and holistic treatments; the Integrative Pediatrics Council at www.integrativepeds.org is named as a resource in the Times article. Finally, if you decide to give multiple treatments a go, try them one at a time so you know definitively which ones are working for you.
(4 votes, average: 4.25 out of 5)
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11 Responses to “Evaluating Drug-Free Alternatives for A.D.H.D.” (Pingbacks/trackbacks not shown below)
It is encouraging to read about alternatives to pharmaceuticals for ADHD; pills are not, after all, magic.
I know anecdotes aren’t exactly reliable research, but I will be reckless and share one anyway…
A family member with several children swore up and down that sugary foods led to bad behavior — but only in her oldest. He was later diagnosed with childhood bipolar illness. She has since found that sugar has no effect on him at all; it’s the food dyes and other additives that are in most sugary foods that affect him. We even had an accidental “single-blind test” one day, when he had some pepperoni without her knowledge. She knew from his behavior, asking him “What did you have?” Like I said, only single-blind, since HE knew he ate it (and he knows he isn’t supposed to, and why). Still, I found this really compelling.
Matt Brodhead at 11:54 am on
June 18th, 2008
So, no mention of applied behavioral therapy? Shame, shame, shame
The article mentions biofeedback, meaning neurofeedback, brain training. There are a couple of dozen studies and lots of supporting evidence that brainwave training is a highly effective way to heal the underlying disorder permanently. Some studies document that brain wave training is as good as ritalin. Others that neurofeedback can replace ritalin. Another line of research shows real changes are being made in the brain as seen on fMRIs. But most of the studies simply show improved attention and reduction of ADHD symptoms. This is the consistent finding.
There certainly are a lot more neurofeedback practitioners as seen on isnr.org, eeginfo.com aapb.org and bcia.org that on the pediatritian list. Fix the brain, heal the life.
Wolfster at 11:14 pm on
June 18th, 2008
So let me get this straight. They took out the sugar, but added artificial sweeteners? And how is that an improvement or a good experiment? People have reported problems from these chemical fake sugars at least as much as sugar itself. It’s like substituting a hammer for a shovel - you hurt if someone bonks you on the head with either.
As a teacher in a residential psychiatric treatment facility for children, I see children all the time who are havily medicated for ADHD. One fo the first goals of the program is to get the children off as much medication as is safe as quickly as possible to see what we are really dealing with. So many times, ADHD ends up not even being a diagnosis for the child who is on medication for this disorder. People are so quick to give prescriptions for stimulants to kids who appear hyperactive. Many times, behavioral interventions are effective! The problem with these interventions often lies in the way they are implemented. In other words, human error is often responsible for their failure. Websites such as http://www.goodtherapy.org often have wonderful blogs by therapists who have had outstanding success with behavioral interventions for ADHD. If you are seeking some sort of alternative treatment, I would recommend looking there. Of course, your doctor needs to know of anything you may be planning to try. But, it is worth it in the end! Having a child obtunded by medication is definitely not the solution to ADHD.
OneVeryGoodMan at 9:32 am on
June 24th, 2008
ADD Natural Cure
OneVeryGoodMan
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Greetings.
I would like to share my own experience with ADD and how I discovered a natural cure. I had all of the classic symptoms of ADD and I would consider my case to be severe. I was held back in the first grade due to my ADD and during that time period ADD was unknown or at least not labeled. Today, I am completely cured and hope my information could help someone else.
Through research via libraries, bookstores and, the Internet I have discovered a natural cure that consists of the following vitamins and supplements:
In the morning I take the following:
Note: Avoid all sugars.
1. One (high quality) Daily Multi-Vitamin
2. One Twin-Lab 100mg DMAE capsule (Only take during the morning hours)
At noon I take the following:
Note: Drink plenty of water for good absorption
1. Three 1000mg Salmon Oil capsules
2. One Twin Lab B Super Complex capsule
3. One 1000mg of vitamin C
4. One 1000mg Calcium-Magnesium
5. One 50mg Zinc
6. One 100mg Alpha Lapoic Acid
At night I take the following:
1. One (high quality) Daily Multi-Vitamin
These vitamins and supplements have changed my life as I am able to focus, concentrate, have less anxiety and, I am able to sleep much better. I have experienced no adverse side effects from taking these vitamins and supplements. I would recommend to anyone to try this natural cure first before taking ANY drugs.
I hope this helps.
OneVeryGoodMan@Gmail.com
(From Kansas City, MO.)
Jane Hersey at 11:39 pm on
June 25th, 2008
Symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by many things, including some of the synthetic chemicals routinely added to food. The Feingold diet is a test to enable you to determine if certain additives are to blame. Since most of the additives addressed (food dyes, artificial flavorings and 3 preservatives) are made from petroleum, there’s really nothing to lose by ditching them. And for every product that is removed, there’s a natural alternative available. This is the sort of information provided by the non-profit Feingold Association of the US. See www.ADHDdiet.org.
J Davidson at 2:42 am on
July 27th, 2008
I have had ADHD for over 40 years and was subjected to all these theories as a young child. The truth is that with such a large number of people having the disorder there will always be a % that respond to things like diet etc. What upsets me is seeing people push these things as the only way to help or the new batch of snake oil salesman who only care about making $$ while complaining about Big Pharma doing the same. As for biofeedback, all the credible research I have read to date on that shows that the effects do not endure over time.
I also get upset when certain children are in need of medication and are scared away from using it by people and the child suffers for it. As a child I had to endure all these crazy things as my parents searched for an alternative. Behavioral mod, diet mod, biofeedback, and on and on. The finally realized that it was absusive to not give me the medication.
Want a good site to check on alleged “new therapies” for anything? Try Quackwatch
I wrote what happenned to me in a blog that mentions adhd treatment leading to drug abuse. On This very site! A true story… I found that in the long term you can end up in worse condition, (symptom wise) than when you started. You can rely on it for energy and concentration and build a tolerance to the other benefits. Thats how people end up dependant on it. Now I wish I had the attention span I used to (before I started it) My personality changed completely when I ran out (and slept it off for a few days) I felt happy and relaxed and when I was on it again I was obsessive and wired. Sadly, other people pointed out that “They hated to be around me when I took it” I was too irritable and socially inept” Give it time to see how it long-term effects your life and then weigh the pros and cons (when your dependant on it just to clean your house or stay awake at times) Its effects can be brutally life altering, especially when your friends notice it first! I needed to exercise and take nothing. Your energy will keep you attentive enuff to get by happy!! Its not easy… I kept my old email address to remind me because years later I still crave them…
Be a Part of the Conversation! Comment on this Entry Now:
It is encouraging to read about alternatives to pharmaceuticals for ADHD; pills are not, after all, magic.
I know anecdotes aren’t exactly reliable research, but I will be reckless and share one anyway…
A family member with several children swore up and down that sugary foods led to bad behavior — but only in her oldest. He was later diagnosed with childhood bipolar illness. She has since found that sugar has no effect on him at all; it’s the food dyes and other additives that are in most sugary foods that affect him. We even had an accidental “single-blind test” one day, when he had some pepperoni without her knowledge. She knew from his behavior, asking him “What did you have?” Like I said, only single-blind, since HE knew he ate it (and he knows he isn’t supposed to, and why). Still, I found this really compelling.
So, no mention of applied behavioral therapy? Shame, shame, shame
The article mentions biofeedback, meaning neurofeedback, brain training. There are a couple of dozen studies and lots of supporting evidence that brainwave training is a highly effective way to heal the underlying disorder permanently. Some studies document that brain wave training is as good as ritalin. Others that neurofeedback can replace ritalin. Another line of research shows real changes are being made in the brain as seen on fMRIs. But most of the studies simply show improved attention and reduction of ADHD symptoms. This is the consistent finding.
There certainly are a lot more neurofeedback practitioners as seen on isnr.org, eeginfo.com aapb.org and bcia.org that on the pediatritian list. Fix the brain, heal the life.
So let me get this straight. They took out the sugar, but added artificial sweeteners? And how is that an improvement or a good experiment? People have reported problems from these chemical fake sugars at least as much as sugar itself. It’s like substituting a hammer for a shovel - you hurt if someone bonks you on the head with either.
As a teacher in a residential psychiatric treatment facility for children, I see children all the time who are havily medicated for ADHD. One fo the first goals of the program is to get the children off as much medication as is safe as quickly as possible to see what we are really dealing with. So many times, ADHD ends up not even being a diagnosis for the child who is on medication for this disorder. People are so quick to give prescriptions for stimulants to kids who appear hyperactive. Many times, behavioral interventions are effective! The problem with these interventions often lies in the way they are implemented. In other words, human error is often responsible for their failure. Websites such as http://www.goodtherapy.org often have wonderful blogs by therapists who have had outstanding success with behavioral interventions for ADHD. If you are seeking some sort of alternative treatment, I would recommend looking there. Of course, your doctor needs to know of anything you may be planning to try. But, it is worth it in the end! Having a child obtunded by medication is definitely not the solution to ADHD.
ADD Natural Cure
OneVeryGoodMan
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Greetings.
I would like to share my own experience with ADD and how I discovered a natural cure. I had all of the classic symptoms of ADD and I would consider my case to be severe. I was held back in the first grade due to my ADD and during that time period ADD was unknown or at least not labeled. Today, I am completely cured and hope my information could help someone else.
Through research via libraries, bookstores and, the Internet I have discovered a natural cure that consists of the following vitamins and supplements:
In the morning I take the following:
Note: Avoid all sugars.
1. One (high quality) Daily Multi-Vitamin
2. One Twin-Lab 100mg DMAE capsule (Only take during the morning hours)
At noon I take the following:
Note: Drink plenty of water for good absorption
1. Three 1000mg Salmon Oil capsules
2. One Twin Lab B Super Complex capsule
3. One 1000mg of vitamin C
4. One 1000mg Calcium-Magnesium
5. One 50mg Zinc
6. One 100mg Alpha Lapoic Acid
At night I take the following:
1. One (high quality) Daily Multi-Vitamin
These vitamins and supplements have changed my life as I am able to focus, concentrate, have less anxiety and, I am able to sleep much better. I have experienced no adverse side effects from taking these vitamins and supplements. I would recommend to anyone to try this natural cure first before taking ANY drugs.
I hope this helps.
OneVeryGoodMan@Gmail.com
(From Kansas City, MO.)
Symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by many things, including some of the synthetic chemicals routinely added to food. The Feingold diet is a test to enable you to determine if certain additives are to blame. Since most of the additives addressed (food dyes, artificial flavorings and 3 preservatives) are made from petroleum, there’s really nothing to lose by ditching them. And for every product that is removed, there’s a natural alternative available. This is the sort of information provided by the non-profit Feingold Association of the US. See www.ADHDdiet.org.
I have had ADHD for over 40 years and was subjected to all these theories as a young child. The truth is that with such a large number of people having the disorder there will always be a % that respond to things like diet etc. What upsets me is seeing people push these things as the only way to help or the new batch of snake oil salesman who only care about making $$ while complaining about Big Pharma doing the same. As for biofeedback, all the credible research I have read to date on that shows that the effects do not endure over time.
I also get upset when certain children are in need of medication and are scared away from using it by people and the child suffers for it. As a child I had to endure all these crazy things as my parents searched for an alternative. Behavioral mod, diet mod, biofeedback, and on and on. The finally realized that it was absusive to not give me the medication.
Want a good site to check on alleged “new therapies” for anything? Try Quackwatch
I wrote what happenned to me in a blog that mentions adhd treatment leading to drug abuse. On This very site! A true story… I found that in the long term you can end up in worse condition, (symptom wise) than when you started. You can rely on it for energy and concentration and build a tolerance to the other benefits. Thats how people end up dependant on it. Now I wish I had the attention span I used to (before I started it) My personality changed completely when I ran out (and slept it off for a few days) I felt happy and relaxed and when I was on it again I was obsessive and wired. Sadly, other people pointed out that “They hated to be around me when I took it” I was too irritable and socially inept” Give it time to see how it long-term effects your life and then weigh the pros and cons (when your dependant on it just to clean your house or stay awake at times) Its effects can be brutally life altering, especially when your friends notice it first! I needed to exercise and take nothing. Your energy will keep you attentive enuff to get by happy!! Its not easy… I kept my old email address to remind me because years later I still crave them…
