Alternative Medicine and ADHD

One of the most common uses for alternative medicine is in the management of chronic illness. Many of the alternative medical systems work hand in hand with conventional treatments for illnesses like cancer, heart disease, asthma, arthritis and diabetes. Most of the chronic conditions are considered incurable, and treatment is aimed at slowing the progress of the disease and alleviating symptoms.

Parents dealing with ADHD in their children, and adults trying to control it in themselves often seek out alternative therapies in preference to dependence on stimulant medication and psychoactive drugs with harmful side effects. Some of the therapies suggested for treating ADHD include biofeedback, nutritional supplements, special diets and martial arts and meditation training.

Nutritional Therapies
Nutritional based therapies are the most commonly used alternative treatments for ADHD. These include restrictions on sugar and additives, gluten free diets, diets that avoid suspected allergens, and avoidance of artificial sweeteners. The most famous of these diets is the Feingold diet, which restricts diet to all natural foods with no artificial colors, preservatives of flavors. Despite the fact that studies have shown that less than one percent of children on the Feingold diet show any consistent benefit, parents continue to use it.

Supplementation
Megavitamin supplementation has been suggested as a possible treatment for ADHD, however most doctors warn that supplementing the diet with extremely large doses of vitamins can be toxic. There is some evidence that children with ADHD may suffer from subclinical deficiencies of magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc, melatonin or essential fatty acids. Consult a doctor before adding supplements to your or a child’s diet.

Herbal Medicine
There are a number of ‘all natural’ herbal treatments sold in the United States for the control of ADHD. None have been shown to be effective. In addition, there are dangers to herbs, particularly since there are no regulations on herbal medicines or treatments. The herbs themselves may have side effects or interact with other medications. Some of the herbs that are used in those medications include gingko biloba, valerian root and American ginseng.

Mind/Body Therapies
Hypnotherapy and biofeedback are to therapies that are often used to treat children with ADHD. The theory is that these therapies can help children with ADHD learn coping skills that give them a sense of control and mastery. This reduces stress and anger that can accompany ADHD.

Tai Chi, I Dong, and other Physical disciplines
Physical disciplines that emphasize the mind body connection may be especially useful with children who have ADHD. They teach controlled movement, focus, attention and control of impulses. Often, the discipline required can spill over into other areas of life.

Homeopathy
In one study, 43 children who received individualized treatment with homeopathy showed significant improvement over children who received a placebo.

ADHD can be a difficult disorder to treat and to live with. Massage therapies, relaxation therapies and other therapies that promote body awareness and relaxation can be helpful in dealing with the stress.