Drug-Free Treatments for ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the primary behavioral problem diagnosed in children and sometimes remains active into adulthood. It is most commonly treated with Ritalin and other mood-altering drugs, which are the focus of an increasing number of complaints from ADHD sufferers or their families, who desire to find equally effective drug-free treatments to combat the disorder.
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Effects
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Individuals with ADHD have difficulty focusing mentally; indulge in excessive daydreaming; appear to not listen; are easily distracted and forgetful; have difficulty sitting or standing still for extended periods; are talkative, often interrupting others; and regularly act and speak without thinking.
Identification
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Drug-free treatments for ADHD can include the use of herbs, Chinese herbs specifically; neurogistics programs designed to balance the brain's chemistry and combat hyperactivity and deficiencies in attention span; exercise; and/or extreme dietary changes.
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Types
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Favorable results have been obtained in treating ADHD with Chinese herbs such as tiaoshen liquor, yizhi (wit-increasing) syrup and formulas like Calm Dragon, which is used by doctors of naturopathy. These treatments have been found to improve attention spans, calm nervousness and reduce anxiety, all symptoms of ADHD.
Benefits
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Beneficial results are also obtained when using herbs like ginkgo biloba to increase blood flow to the brain and oxygenation of tissues, brahmi to enhance cognitive abilities, Siberian ginseng to stimulate brain activity and gotu kola to control blood pressure levels during stress. Bacopa, an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine, has been found to boost brain functioning and reduce anxiety levels in sufferers of ADHD.
Theories/Speculation
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Medical professionals are divided over the effectiveness of caffeine as a treatment for ADHD. As a stimulant, studies have shown it to be successful in improving attentiveness and focus in some cases; however, it has been shown completely ineffective in other studies. Still other studies have shown caffeine to be most effective when combined with Ritalin as an ADHD treatment.
Prevention/Solution
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Per a 2009 "Journal of Attention Disorders" study, children focus better after a walk in a park as opposed to one through a neighborhood or downtown setting. Researchers, therefore, suggest that adding natural elements, such as ornamental trees or shrubs, vegetable or flower gardens, aquariums and indoor plants, to school environments will improve the attention spans of ADHD students.
Expert Insight
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Based on a 2008 study, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a "preservative-free, food coloring-free diet" for children suffering mild cases of ADHD.
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