| Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has | | | | the supervision of their parents and doctors are more |
| become the fastest growing diagnosed disorder | | | | likely to misuse and become addicted to the drugs. |
| among children under the age of 18. Many children in | | | | There are other types of treatment for ADHD, |
| countries such as the US, New Zealand and Australia | | | | especially for less severe cases. One alternative |
| are being prescribed medications at an alarming rate. | | | | treatment is to make dietary changes. There are |
| As the FDA requires ADHD drugs to carry warning | | | | specific allergy causing foods that can trigger or add |
| labels, the over medication of children with ADHD is | | | | to hyperactivity such as wheat, dairy products, sugar, |
| becoming a real concern. | | | | soy and eggs. Avoid refined carbohydrates and |
| Most ADHD drugs are stimulant that contain | | | | processed foods. The latter tend to contain |
| amphetamine. Various side effects have been | | | | preservatives, coloring and artificial flavoring which can |
| reported from taking these drugs. Some of them tend | | | | cause further behavioral problems. A dietician can help |
| to suppress feelings of any kind, making children | | | | determine a proper diet plan for children with ADHD. |
| unhappy. Some are addictive and prone to substance | | | | Herbal remedies are also available to treat ADHD and |
| abuse. In some cases, depression can lead to suicidal | | | | are effective for mild to moderate cases. These |
| thoughts or actions. | | | | remedies do not come with the side effects and |
| Ritalin is a common prescription medication for ADHD | | | | possible addiction that conventional prescription |
| in children to help them concentrate better. The side | | | | medications do. Behavior therapy is beneficial as it |
| effects of Ritalin include headaches, stomach ache, | | | | teaches children to cope in various situations. Children |
| insomnia, dizziness, nervousness, weight loss and even | | | | that understand how to react when they are |
| cardiac arrhythmia. The effects of long-term use are | | | | frustrated, angry or misunderstood can learn to better |
| not fully known however it has been linked to | | | | control their behavior. |
| abnormal brain development and stunted growth in | | | | While there is no one treatment that works for every |
| small children. | | | | child, the right combination of treatment options can |
| Adderall is another ADHD drug that combines various | | | | keep the symptoms of ADHD under control. Parents |
| amphetamines. The common side effects of taking | | | | should be less accepting of conventional prescription |
| Adderall include dizziness, restlessness, insomnia, | | | | treatments and should discuss ADHD alternative |
| headache, dry mouth and weight loss. | | | | treatment options with their doctor. ADHD children who |
| The potential for addiction and abuse is the biggest | | | | are prescribed medications must be monitored to |
| cause for alarm in ADHD medications. Children, | | | | prevent addiction and substance abuse. |
| particularly teens, who take these medications without | | | | |