ADD Is A Gift

Neurofeedback: Another

Treatment for ADHD

In just the last 20 years, Attention Deficit & Hyperactive Disorder, (ADHD) has

become America’s “leading childhood psychiatric disorder. Approximately 2% to 6% of school-age children are diagnosed with ADHD (Raz 2004).   According to Barkley (1998) the number of children affected by ADHD can vary from 1% to 20 %, depending on how one chooses to define it, the population studies, the geographic locale of the survey, etc. ADHD is characterized by the inability to self-regulate focused attention. Children with hyperactivity are impulsive and behaviorally disinherited. The condition is developmentally disabling which, if left uncontrolled persists into adolescence and adulthood (Edwards, 1995).

Frontal Lobe and ADHD

Research indicates a neurological basis for ADHD, specifically, frontal lobe dysfunction. Frontal lobe functions are executive in nature and are involved in developing plans and organizing resources. They also are critical in mediating inhibitory behaviors such as controlling motor behavior and inhibiting attentional focus on distracter or irrelevant stimuli. The evidence suggesting right frontal lobe dysfunction as the basis of attention deficit disorders is considerable (Chelune, Ferguson, Koon & Dickey, 1986; Gualteri & Hicks, 1985; Hynd, et.al 1990; Lou,et.al., 1989).

There has been increasing interest in the relationship between prefrontal cortex functioning and the ADHD. Children with frontal lobe lesions show impulsive hyperactive behavior (Grattan and Eslinger, 1991), and adolescents with ADHD show decreased anterior frontal lobe activity on positron emission tomography (Zametkin et al., 1993). Performance on neuropsychological tests purported to test frontal cortex functioning is deficient in children with ADHD (Barkley et al., 1992). In study examined frontal lobe functioning in adolescents with ADHD Schandler (2001) found a presence and magnitude reflect frontal lobe dysfunction in children with ADHD ages between 12 and 17. The results of the study conducted by Fredericksen et. al. (2002) was consistent with previous reports of reduced frontal lobe volumes associated with ADHD.  Schmidt’s study (1999) shows that boys with ADHD exhibited a less right-lateralized frontal activation pattern than normal control boys. Halperin (2006) found that the brain activation gradients in ventrolateral prefrontal cortex of ADHD adolescents. Recent research using advanced neuroimaging morphological procedures has shown that ADHD children fail to show the normal right-greater-than-left asymmetry in the mass of the frontal lobes (Hynd, Hem, Voeller & Marshall, 1991). Consistent with this finding, computerized quantitative electroencephalographic (EEG) analysis shows significantly greater slow wave (theta) activity and significantly less fast wave (beta) activity predominantly in the frontal regions for ADHD boys and girls when compared to age-and-sex-matched normal (Mann, et.al.,1992).

Neurofeedback Training for ADHD

The neurofeedback Training, also known as EEG Biofeedback or Neurotherapy, uses an electroencephalograph (EEG), a device that detects and records the electrical activity in the brain, called brainwaves. An EEG can detect brainwaves and discern whether they are strong or weak (amplitude) or fast or slow (frequency). Scientists commonly identify brainwaves in four categories:-

Beta, the fastest brainwaves, 14-32 hertz, focused on day-to-day activities and on attentiveness & thinking activities.

Alpha, a slower brainwave, ranging from 8 to 12 hertz.  This rhythm is characteristic of a relaxed yet alert state of awareness.

Theta, the next slower waves range from 4 to 8 hertz. This rhythm is often associated with dreamlike imagery, sleepiness and deep relaxation.

Delta, the slowest waves, from 0 to 4 hertz, predominates during dreamless sleep.

EEG accepts the neurological basis of the ADHD (i.e. frontal lobe dysfunction).  Recognizing that the ADHD patients produce more theta waves activity and less beta waves activity, compared to non ADHD patients (Barabasz et al, 1993; Mann et al, 1992). The goal of EEG training is to alter these abnormal brain waves by decreasing theta waves, while simultaneously increasing beta waves. Proponents of this technique believe that bringing theta and beta brainwave closer to healthier patterns leads to a reduction of ADHD symptoms.The EEG monitors and records the different brainwaves of the patient, who learns how to increase or reduce certain types of brainwaves.  EEG training is intended to teach patients to normalize their brainwave responses to stimuli.

In EEG neurofeedback training, the therapist explains to the patient the connection between what is happening in his/her cortex and what is recorded on the EEG. Then, the therapist helps the patient to learn how to gain control over his/her brain waves. The therapist places the EEG electrodes on the head detect the different types of brainwaves produced by the patient and send the information to a data recorder. Every time the desired brainwave is identified, the neurofeedback apparatus sends a signal to the patient - auditory or visual feedback - to encourage the production of similar brainwaves. The auditory or visual feedbacks vary from simple sounds to elaborate computer graphics made to resemble video games where generating the wanted brainwave adds excitement to the action and brings some kind of rewards. Neurofeedback training typically takes 30-40 sessions depending on the severity of the disorder and other comorbid symptoms present. The first six sessions are completed as quickly as possible and then the frequency of training reduces to two or three times per week. With regular attendance, total training can be completed in four to six months. Each training session lasts approximately 30-45 minutes.

The procedure is based on an early study by Sterman and Friar (1972), who discovered that brainwave feedback made it possible to learn to inhibit epileptic seizures by enhancing low beta (12-16) which is referred to as sensory motor rhythm (SMR). As in current neurofeedback protocols for ADHD, Sterman and Friar’s patients were also trained to simultaneously minimize theta. The first preliminary case study application of this procedure to hyperkinetic children was by Lubar and Shouse (1977). The effects of neurofeedback appear to provide a change in performance without continual external intervention. Chartier and Kelly (1991) reviewed the effects of neurofeedback for ADHD on over 200 children treated by Dr. Joel Lubar at the University of Tennessee, Dr. John Carter at the University of Texas and Dr. Michael Tansey of Sommerville, New Jersey. Chartier and Kelly found neurofeedback training to provide significant and sometimes “dramatic” clinical improvements in children with attention deficit disorder. Parents and teachers of children who receive EEG neurofeedback training have reported dramatic behavioral improvements such as:  finishing tasks, listening better, less impulsivity, greater motivation and focus, and higher self esteem. In some cases, medications are completely discontinued and in others they have been considerably reduced.

Although the review suggests that EEG neurofeedback approach is an effective intervention for addressing behavioral, listening, impulsivity, and attention problems in patients with ADHD, more research are needed to delineate optimal information for training sessions and follow up procedures Presently, limitations of neurofeedback include: 1) the need for additional controlled experimental studies demonstrating effects which are independent of developmental maturation and the potentially confounding effect of the therapists and parents’ attention during the course of treatments; and 2) the large number of sessions (up to 80; 6-8 months) required for permanent clinical and academic changes to occur.  While the field awaits additional research, however, the current EEG training  could be used either separately or can be combined with one or more than one of other traditional treatment approaches in order to eliminate or reduce some the possible drawbacks.

References

• Barabasz, A. (1993). Presidential Address: Antarctic isolation and attentional processes: Research implications for practitioners. Presented at the Fifth International Conference on REST, Seattle, WA, Feb. 26-28.
• Barkley, R. A., Anastopoulos, A. D., Guevremont, D. G., & Fletcher, K. F. (1992). Adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Mother–adolescent interactions, family beliefs and conflicts, and maternal psychopathology. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 20, 263–288
• Barkley, R. A. (1998). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:  A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment (2nd ed.).  New York: Guilford.
• Chartier, D., & Kelly, N. (1991). Neurofeedback treatment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. Grand Rounds Presentation, Rex Hospital, Raleigh, N.C.
• Chelune, G. J., Ferguson, W., Koon, R., & Dickey, T. 0. (1986). Frontal lobe disinhibition in attention deficit disorder. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 16, 221-232.
• Edwards, R. (1995). Is the hyperactivity label applied too frequently? American Psychological Association Monitor, 26, 44-45.

• Fredericksen, K. A., Cutting, L. E., Kates, W. R., Mostofsky, S. H., Singer, H.S.,

Cooper, K. L., et al. (2002). Disproportionate increases of white mattering right

frontal lobe in Tourette  Syndrome. Neurology, 58, 85–89.

• Grattan LM, Eslinger PJ. (1991). Frontal lobe damage in children and adults: a

comparative review. Dev Neuropsychol; 7: 283–326.

• Gualteri, C. T., & Hicks, R. E. (1985). Neuropharmacology of methylphenidate and a neural substitute for childhood hyperactivity. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 8, 875-892.
• Halperin, J. M & Schulz, K. P. (2006). Revisiting the Role of the Prefrontal Cortex in the

Pathophysiology of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Psychological

Bulletin, 132, 560-581.

• Hynd, G. W. Hem, K. L., Voeller, K_ K_ & Marshall, R. M. (1991). Neurobiological basis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). School Psychological Review, 20,174-186.
• Hynd, G. W., Semrud-Clikeman, M., Lorys, A., Novey, E. S., & Eliopulos, D. (1990). Brain morphology in developmental dyslexia and attention deficit disorder/hyperactivity. Archives of Neurology, 47, 919-926.
• Lou, H. C., Henriksen, L., Bruhn, P., Bomer, H., & Nielsen, J. (1989). Striatal. dysfunction in attention deficit and hyperkinetic disorder. Archives of Neurology, 46, 48-52.
• Lubar, J. F. & Shouse~, M. N. (1977). Use of biofeedback and the treatment of seizure disorders and hyperactivity, Advances in Child Clinical Psychology. N.Y: Plenum, 1, 204-251.
• Mann,C. A., Lubar, J. F., Zimmerman, A. W. Miller, C. A., & Muenchen, R. A. (1992). Quantitative analysis of EEG in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder:Controlled study with clinical implications.Pediatric Neurology, 8, 30-36.
• Raz, A.  (August, 2004). Brain Imaging Data of ADHD. Psychiatric Times.  Vol. XXI Issue 9.
• Schandler, S.  (2001). Frontal lobe functioning in adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - Statistical Data Included. Adolescence
• Schaughency, E. A., & Hynd, G. W. (1989). Attention and impulse control in attention deficit disorders (ADD). Learning and Individual Differences, 1, 423-449.
• Sterman, M. B., & Friar, L. (1972). Suppression of seizures in an epileptic following sensorimotor EEG feedback training. Electroencephalography & Clinical Neurophysiology, 33, 89-95.
• Zametkin AJ, Liebenauer LL, Fitzgerald GA, King AC, Minkunas DV, Herscovitch P, Yamada EM, Cohen RM (1993). Brain metabolism in teenagers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Arch Gen Psychiatry 50:333-340.

Dr. Kamal SeSalem
http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/electroencephalographic-eeg-neurofeedback-another-approach-to-treat-adhd-751914.html

If you are reading this article it means you’re not really sold on prescription drugs for your child. Just like you, I also did some research on alternative treatments for ADHD. I needed to know what treatment for ADHD was going to work and also be safe for my son.

Here is a brief summary on the alternative treatments for ADHD. Just remember though, that a combination of the following therapies will increase the success rate in treatment for ADHD.

Dietary Control:

A number of diets have been suggested for people with ADHD. Various studies have reported behavioral improvement with diets that restrict possible allergens in the diet.

There are many diets available for an ADHD child. Which one is chosen should be decided by discussing it with your child’s health care professional. That is because each child is different and foods affect children differently. I will tell you this though. Absolutely restrict junk food because of all the additives, food dyes, MSG, and Lord knows what else. Refined carbs is another one, such as white bread.

Behavioral Therapy:

This is one of the most popular methods for alternative treatments for ADHD. With the help of a trained health care professional, such as a child psychologist, behavior and thoughts can be modified so that a child can learn to relate well to others. My son went for therapy for two years and and very much benefited from this treatment for ADHD.

Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies:

I tried my son on a prescription drug at first but soon turned to herbal remedies as a treatment for ADHD. I just didn’t like having a zombie in the house! Besides that, herbal remedies can be just as effective as “Ritalin”, but way safer. Some of the effective herbs readily available are Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng and melatonin. They are all good, safe alternative treatments for ADHD.

There are homeopathic remedies which will decrease some, if not most, of the negative symptoms of ADHD and allow the child to focus more easily. Now that I have tried both with my son, natural remedies should be considered first instead of prescription drugs. When combined with dietary control/restrictions and behavior therapy, natural remedies have been show to be effective in helping to decrease the symptoms of ADHD.

As a Mom, I only want what is best for my son’s health in the long run. No one knows the long-term effects from prescription medication, so to be on the safe side I decided that alternative treatments for ADHD would be the route we would take. Do your research and make an informed decision because it’s your child’s health at risk.

Diana Ketchen
http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/are-alternative-treatments-for-adhd-right-for-your-child-725392.html

Is Effexor effective for patients with ADD/ ADHD? Is their any side effects or withdrawal effects?

Effexor is a medication used to treat depression. Sometimes, a Person whom displays symptoms of ADD will also have depression. Effexor can be taken in conjunction with Adderol- which is a mediation used to treat ADD. If you do not have health insurance, these meds get expensive, especially because there is so much abuse of the ADD medication for recreational purposes. You should go to a local clinic to get diagnosed. If you walk in and ask for Adderol of ritalin, of course, you will not be taken seriously. If you do have ADD, it is Worth pursing this- you owe it to yourself to see how much more effective you may be if properly treated. Also, watch your diet- if you are eating fast food and not getting all of your vitamins, you will have more trouble. ADD meds also take a lot out of you- talk to your doctor about this. Good Luck!!!

My boyfriend has these disorders, and, although he is managing them well, they create problems in his life. I don’t want that for my child, but I don’t know if the disorders are genetic and whether they are guaranteed to be inherited. :C

This is a really tough question with, unfortunately, tough answers. Let me start at the beginning. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD, often abbreviated as ADHD) is usually considered to be a neurobehavioral developmental disorder. It affects about 3 - 5% of children with symptoms starting before seven years of age. Unfortunately ADHD has a strong genetic component.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adhd#Genetic_factors

Bipolar disorder also unfortunately has a strong genetic component. Please read up on both of these sites as I have always found them very accurate. Make healthy decisions for yourself and your future children, and remember that these afflictions are very treatable. Hope this helped.

I’ve been on Vyvanse for almost 3 months now, 50 mg a day. It’s my first time on ADHD medicine, but I’ve been on Wellbutrin XL 300mg for 18 months. When I began taking the Wellbutrin I weighed about 155 lbs, in Dec of 07. Since then I got down to about 137-140 consistently, but since I started taking Vyvanse my appetite is completely dead. I can’t force myself to eat, because if I do then I get so sick that I have to go to the bathroom and try to throw up. I am NOT bulimic or anorexic. It’s just miserable being at work every day and feeling so nauseated, so sometimes I just sit in the bathroom and hope that I can throw up - I don’t make myself by gagging or anything.
For the first time in my life I feel 110% confident in my body and am loving the way I look, but I know that if I continue not eating I’m not going to be healthy. When I started Vyvanse I was average 137-140 lbs.
Today I weighed in at 122.8 lbs. Those 14 lbs were all lost within the last month, and it seems to be coming off even faster now. I’ve lost 7 pounds since last week. I’m 5′7" and 23 years old, and now my family (they don’t know I’m on anything) is telling me that I look skinny, but I love how I look now.
My point is - sorry I took so long to get there - that I want to know what I can consume each day to keep my nutrition from crashing, but without eating whole meals? I take vitamins, but is there something that I can put in my stomach so that at least I know I’m getting some sort of healthy substance? Like any specific sources of protein or something? Even when I did have an appetite I rarely ate meat, so lack of that is nothing new. I just need to find something to put me at ease about my body and make me feel like I’m not deteriorating. When I say "something I can eat without eating whole meals", I really do mean that I can’t eat meals. An example of what I eat per day is a latte in the morning, and sometimes - if I act as soon as I feel the hunger - something such as a bowl of cereal for dinner. That is how my health is now, and I know the obvious answer would be "eat multiple small meals a day" etc etc, but I can’t force myself to do that. That’s why I’m asking if there’s something small but has lots of nutrients?
Please help with any suggestions…
Thanks!

If you want nutrient dense, I would suggest hard boiled (or raw or softboiled whatever you prefer) egg yolks. You can survive without vegetables, fruits, grains and stuff, but you got to have protein and fat. Eggs really are a perfect food and just eating the yolks gives you a better fat ratio without adding fat. If you have lil appetite, I’d rather see you eat 2-3 egg yolks (or whatever you can get down) than one whole egg (the white of an egg is not perfect but it’s dense) Try to eat as many yolks as you possibly can before taking a multi vitamin.

You will lose more body fat eating protein and fat (don’t eat protein alone) than not eating AT ALL. To lose weight fast eat all you want but nothing but meat, eggs, healthy oils, mayo, butter and half an avocado a day (you’ll need added potassium). Keep your fat percentage high. Adding in green vegetables & some cheese will continue weight loss but at a slower pace.

If you starve yourself, your body will freak out and will want to store every ounce in case it doesn’t get nourished again. You need to give it adequate nourishment so it doesn’t slow your metabolism down to adjust for lower calories.

Simple carbohydrates (sugar, flour, bread, cereal, pasta, potatoes, rice) triggers insulin which can store the calories you eat into fat. The more protein you eat the more the fat burning hormone glucagon is released. The more carbohydrate you eat the more the fat storage hormone insulin is released.

High insulin levels unbalance other hormones. Controlling your insulin level will balance out other hormones & allow human growth hormone (HGH) to be produced naturally so you will gain lean muscle even without exercise. Any exercise will greatly increase your muscle mass with high HGH levels.

Reducing body fat and increasing muscle mass will have you in awesome shape in no time. Good luck!

My 13yr old son was diagnosed with ADHD. He has all the characteristics of ADHD, and I am not disputing that. However, I am extrememly particular about what kind of medications I allow my children to take, and I KNOW that there are natural remedies and diet changes we can make to control it without the medicine. I was very unimpressed with his doctor, and a little concerned about how simple it was to get the medicine. If anyone has DETAILED information about how to NATURALLY control this, I would appreciate it. God designed our bodies to heal and work naturally, and that is what I want to build his treatment on. However, I am limited in my knowledge of how to do so. Any advice, tips, suggestions or information on where to get them will be greatly appreciated.

there are a lot of ways. i’m not sure if some suggestions he might not be up for, but i can promise they do work.

first, meditation is incredible in creating a sense of calm altertness, being able to see the world as it is, and accepting your surroundings, and just kind of rewiring your brain to be a calmer, happier person who isn’t bothered so much by anger or nervousness, trivial things, etc.

there are diet changes, too. you would have to cut out caffeine and simple sugars, like most anything processed. this includes but is not limited to breakfast cereals, chocolate, carbonated drinks, cakes, candy, etc. try to go natural in terms of food. eat whole wheat pastas/breads, fresh fruit & vegetables, fish, good fats. try having him drink certain teas like chammomile or valerian, which have been proven to be very calming and relaxing herbs.

also, exercise would be beneficial. it might seem counterintuitive, but exercising has a number of incredible benefits and will allow your son to work off the extra energy, and be happier as a result.

try googling "natural remedies for ADHD".

Do they just ask questions? Wouldn’t that make it a whole lot easier for anyone to get their hands on that med? What proof would they need?

A proper ADHD diagnosis begins with an initial clinician visit. This visit entails multiple assessments, mostly dealing with behavioral and personality questions. A TOVA test is also given to ascertain a child’s or adult’s attention level. Most clinicians require a thorough physical examination in order to rule out ancillary factors

A second visit is more comprehensive. Clinicians require a significant other join the patient for verification of symptom existence and strengths. Report cards and other evidence is also utilized by clinicians before rendering a conclusion.

An ADHD diagnosis does not utilize brain scans. The diagnosis is purely subjective, based on anecdotes, tests and paper trails, The ADHD diagnosis process has come under intense scrutiny because of the subjectivity, and the fact that a 700% increase has occurred with ADHD being diagnosed in children. Because of this, some ADHD experts suggest seeking second and third opinions before settling on a clinicians decision, especially if ADHD medications are prescribed for childre.

My 9 year old neighbor was diagnosed with ADHD after extensive testing when he was 5. He starts fires in the house at 2 AM when everyone’s asleep. He’s all scarred up from setting himself on fire. He’s mouthy, mean, violent and repeatedly calls the cops on his parents when they try to discipline him. He’s been on all the ADHD medications and behavioral therapy even now. Nothing helps. The police suggested reform school since the regular school can’t cope with him. His parents are seriously considering this.

I understand that he’s mentally ill, but there has to be a solution to his parent’s living hell. Any suggestions or thoughts are appreciated.

The cops helpfully suggested something that does not exist: "reform school". There are boarding schools for children with severe behavioral issues, but they are tremendously expensive and in most cases are not covered by insurance. He does, however, sound like he is "a danger to himself or others", which is one criterion for admittance to a psychiatric hospital. In my state (Colorado) police can place a person of any age on a 72-hour "mental health hold" so the person can be assessed.

ADHD research is essential for responsible parents searching for the best treatments for their children. Prescription drugs? Natural remedies? You need to be informed before making a decision. So make sure you take the time to do your research first.

I am a natural health consultant with an ADHD son, and I’m convinced that natural remedies are your safest treatment. Treating your child with drugs not only has side effects, but it doesn’t even address the root of the problem.

Ritalin is the drug of choice for most psychiatrists but it only treats the symptoms of the problem and not the underlying cause. Studies have shown that when children are taken off the drug, symptoms of ADHD return. Also long term effects of prescription drugs, such as Ritalin, have not been determined and there is considerable controversy.

The following statements should convince you that natural remedies for ADHD should be considered first:

* ADHD facts state that common side effects for an ADHD drug such as Ritalin include sleep disturbances, insomnia, decreased appetite, depression, headaches, stomachaches, and high blood pressure. Do you want your child to experience these? That’s why I used natural ADHD remedies. It alleviates the symptoms without the side effects and without compromising your child’s health.

* According to ADHD research , prescription drugs for ADHD may stop some of symptoms of ADHD but did you know they also alter the way your child thinks? The drugs can suppress your child’s ideas, impulses, and creativity that are natural to your child.

John F. Kennedy, Jim Carey, and Nolan Ryan are just a few of famous people who coped with ADHD without prescription drugs. Natural remedies for ADHD will not take away the creativity of your child, but instead will restore balance to his overall health.

* Adhd facts also show that there is a much higher frequency of substance abuse for adults who took ADHD prescription drugs as kids. That is because some of the prescriptions are very addictive. No so with natural ADHD remedies, as they are not addictive and very safe to take with no side effects.

* ADHD research has revealed that billions of dollars are spent on ADHD prescription drugs. That can put a heavy burden on a family even if you do have good insurance. It’s also an indication that ADHD is being over-diagnosed. Natural remedies for ADHD are not only better health-wise, but much more cost efficient.

* ADHD facts have shown that the long-term effects of prescription drugs remain a mystery. Recent studies have shown higher incidents of depression and other psychological problems with people who took those drugs as children. Do you want to take that chance with your children? I didn’t, and my grown son is very well adjusted now. By using natural ADHD remedies when he was young, I’m not worried about any long term effects he may have developed later on in life.

So where do you go from here? If you’ve done your ADHD research you now know there is controversy with prescription drugs. Do you want to just cover up their symptoms with possible side effects? Or do you want to go to the root of the problem with no side effects.

If you’re like me, a concerned Mom, you’ll choose natural ADHD remedies and feel good about it because you’ve made an informed decision. Find a good natural ADHD remedy for your child and know you’re doing the responsible thing. After all, it’s your child’s health!

Diana Ketchen
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/prescription-drugs-for-adhd-better-do-your-adhd-research-first-718526.html

If my child takes herbal supplements for ADHD, it is natural so it must be good! This is a fictional belief in that it is superficial, to say the least. Herbal supplements for treating adhd must be approached with the same caution as that in using ADHD conventional medication.

FDA Warnings

When the FDA in 2006 told pharmaceutical companies to put warning labels on ADHD medicines, alarm bells started sounding in many parents’ heads. There ARE potential health risks and these can range from stunted growth, insomnia, mood swings and even cardiac arrest. It is a fact and if you do not believe me, try visiting the FDA site for a horror trip through the psychostimulant drugs jungle. Another alarming fact is that US doctors are three times as likely to prescribe these drugs than their European counterparts. A sad fact is that young people joining the Military in the US may not be accepted if they have been on ADHD medication up to a year before their application. They are regarded as second class drug users.

Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements for ADHD are one of the alternatives that worried parents are now taking much more seriously than before. They are no longer content to dose their children with powerful mind altering drugs. Herbal supplements have had a very long history - as old as man himself who sought relief from various ailments by extracting healing substances from the plant world around him. All the ancient civilisations from Egypt, China, Ancient Rome used herbs extensively in medication. Ayurvedic, Chinese and Native American medical systems all use herbs for medication purposes. Examples are valerian extract for insomnia, turmeric as an anti-inflammatory agent for arthritis and stinging nettle for enlarged prostate.

World Health Organisation

Even to-day, the fact that the majority of the world’s population are poor and have to survive on less than $2 a day means that up to 80% STILL use herbal medicine. This is a WHO estimate. What are the herbal supplements for treating ADHD? Skullcap, Ginkgo Biloba, Avena, Chamomile and Valerian have all been used to successful help children alleviate ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity, restlessness, fidgeting, inattention and limited concentration span.

Homeopathic ADHD Remedies

Homeopathic ADHD remedies are becoming enormously popular in that they are not addictive. When looking at the product ( and the small print!), you should be able to check if the actual ingredients are listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States. Is the product a registered OTC homeopathic remedy? You should also check the reputation of the company. You may be looking for guarantees and assurances that the products have not been rested on animals and also if they are gluten and lactose free. All these questions are answered in the link below which will reassure you that ADHD herbal supplements/homeopathic remedies are by far the best option around.

 
 

Robert William Locke
http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/herbal-supplements-for-adhd-fact-or-fiction–713007.html