Alternative Approaches For Attention Deficit And Hyperactivity Disorders

Approximately two million American children areboth adults in children; gotu kola which has been found
affected with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorderto improve memory and concentration in rats; lemon
(ADHD), which is about one child per classroom, withbalm which is used as a tea to soothe agitated and
boys being 3-5 times more likely to have ADHD.hyperactive children; oats (avena sativa) which
Symptoms of this disorder begin before the age oftraditionally is believed to have a calming effect on the
seven and often continue into adulthood. ADHD hasnervous system.
nothing to do with intelligence, and the precise cause ofThere are two well known studies that directly
it is unknown, but it is known that it evolves from anevaluate herbs in ADHD. In an open trial, the herbal
interaction between genetic, biological, andformula (AD-FX) which contains American ginseng
environmental factors. Since the symptoms varyand ginkgo, was given to children ranging from age
between children, ADHD is commonly over-diagnosed.three to age seventeen who were already on
Additionally, many psychiatric disorders interfere with amedication for ADHD. The dosage of herbs was 200
child's ability to pay attention and can confuse amg of American ginseng extract and 50 mg of ginkgo
diagnosis. Similarly, anxiety, depression, drug abuse, andextract, twice a day at least thirty minutes before
stress can interfere with attention and causemeals. After four weeks, 74% of the children had
hyperactivity which can be misdiagnosed as ADHD.improved. In another study, the use of Mexican valerian
Adults who have extreme expectations aboutwas tested by giving five boys that had ADHD a
behavior can also mislabel a child as having ADHD.placebo for two weeks, nothing for seven days, then
Children who actually have ADHD and are not500 mg of dried valerian root for two weeks. The
appropriately treated may experience academic andvalerian improved sleep and particularly helped the
social failure, low self-esteem, drug addiction, andboys with hyperactive behavior. Children with ADHD
trouble with the law.may also be deficient in essential fatty acids, therefore
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive withoutsupplementation of EPA and DHA or eating more fish,
much hyperactive behavior; hyperactive and impulsiveleafy vegetables, chia seeds, canola oil, pumpkin seeds,
without attention problems; and both inattentive andBrazilian nuts, and walnuts can also help this disorder.
hyperactive/impulsive. There is no test for ADHD,Supplementing drug treatment with magnesium and
therefore, diagnosis takes time and expertise. A childzinc can improve behavior more than standard
psychologist or psychiatrist should be used because oftherapy alone by severely reducing hyperactive and
this. Recent studies have found that 54% of parentsimpulsive behavior as children with ADHD symptoms
used alternative therapies such as vitamins and dietaryoften have low blood levels. Other ADHD treatments
changes to treat ADHD problems. A calm and orderlyinclude deep breathing, mediation, massage, yoga,
home, good diet, sleep, and exercise can often help tobiofeedback-assisted relaxation and progressive
treat this disorder. A diet that is high in protein may alsomuscle relaxation, and acupuncture. There is not one
help. Twenty percent of adult caregivers give childrencure-all for ADHD. Those cases that are mild can be
with ADHD herbs which enhance mental function orcontrolled through alternative therapies, while more
provide a sedative effect. Many parents use ginkgosevere cases may need alternative therapies to
bilboa which increases circulation to the brain andaugment treatment. Most importantly, it is most
protects the nerves; Asian and American ginsengimportant to get the proper diagnosis and treatment
which help to improve the body's ability to cope withfor a child that has ADHD.
stress; bacopa which helps memory and learning in