Treatment Options for Son with ADHD

I have ADHD as does my son who is now 22. I take adderall for my ADHD but my son doesnt take any meds now. When he was in 8th grade my husband finally relented & we got him tested. The FIRST day he was on adderall he was amazed at how well he could focus. That was all I needed. I do believe diet has a big influence on how a child behaves & as far as Im concerned 5 is way to young to be medicating. Watch out for anything thathas red dye #40 in it. That drove my son up the walls as a kid literally. As well as anything processed or artificial. When I was a kid the doctor told mom that if I missed a dose ( I was on Ritalin, NEVER use this med its horrible), to giv eme coffee. Now I know that sounds crazy because a child with ADHD is already hyper but it works just the opposite with ADHD. I would have my son drink a cup of coffee before big tests in school before he was on adderall & it worked. I dont recommend it for everyday use though for obvious reasons. Now if he truly isnt ADHD it will have the effect it does on a "normal" person so I would try it on a day you can take him outside so he can release the energy if it goes that way.Good luck.

My 4.5 was diagnosed with ADHD just after she turned 4. It seems that there is a new wave of "anti-medicating hype" regarding ADHD and I'm not sure why. It's true, some medications have side-effects--and if one does have a side effect that is terrible, you should switch. Every medication affects every child differently. One thing that changed how I feel about medication was talking to ADHD adults. Even one doctor friend of mine (ADHD) said thank god his parents had medicated him as a child. He wouldn't be where he is today had they not. I also talked to adults with ADHD who said they wish their parents had medicated them because school was so hard and they probably would have been much better students. Just keep that in mind. Giving your child medication for a medical condition is not a bad thing. **My daughter is not on meds yet. We too are trying other things first because she is young--but honestly we haven't seen any change from the "natural approaches" we've tried thus far. We are very open to trying meds later when she is older.

And I realize that is not your answering your question. There are lots of things you can try...eliminating dairy, wheat, supplementing with omegas and magnesium etc. Studies have shown that these things make very minimal difference, if any, yet some parents swear by them. You really won't know until you try them.

Good luck!

There is little evidence that anything other than standard medical care, educational, theraputic, and behavioral intervention have any effect whatsoever. None, really. There is plenty of anecdote, and plenty of people who are selling books, supliements, detox treatments and the like. Placebo effect is hightened when a parent spends money too.

Treatment for the medical condition of ADHD is effective. It takes hard work from you, the school, his therapists, and your son. Good, sound medical therapy will allow all that hard work to be more effective. Do some true research, and any story you hear that is about one kid means nothing to you or your son, but it could mean a great loss to your wallet.

Consult a board certified child psychiatrist and get the facts about this disorder. It really is not "do it yourself".

M.

There is a new study out, that is true, but it does not endorse any kind of natural treatment, nor does it even really draw the conlusion that pesticides are the actual etiological cause. Nothing in this study negates the effective nature of standard medical treatment for a medical problem, and nothing in it makes any "natural" tretment have a single positive study to suggest they are safe and effective. ADHD is not a DYI medical problem any more than kidney desease or MS. It is a medical issue, see a medical doctor.

I think all parents dealing with ADHD start off this way. However, keep in mind there is nothing "natural" out there that has been shown to have a huge impact on ADHD. Even fish oil, which can have some benefits, takes an extremely long time to work and provides moderate benefit, at best (check out ADDitude magazine's recent overview of alternative treatments). Also recognize that natural options such as vitamins are NOT regulated; the medications designed for this condition are.

We didn't want to put our son on medication, but let me tell you, it's what works. It targets just the right area of the brain and can be life-changing. My only regret is that we didn't use medication sooner. It's like giving a child who can't see well glasses. Our son went from being the hyperactive, uncontrollable, unfocused, aggressive child to one who fit in with his classmates, thrived in school and at home and was just plain pleasant to be around. He still is full of energy and spirit -- same personality -- but the problem behaviors are gone. Concerta has been like a miracle for our son. Parents with children with diabetes don't hesitate to give their kids insulin; don't hesitate to try what works for ADHD.

M.

ETA: Consider joining CHADD. It's a group for families dealing with ADHD. They provide factual information about this condition and can help you avoid scams and ineffective natural treatments. ADDitude magazine is another great resource for the facts. You want to find message boards devoted to ADHD where you can reach people with first-hand knowledge and expertise (when you reach the general public through sites such as this one, you'll get misinformation from non-experts) -- try BabyCenter, iVillage and ADDitude.

I would hold off on giving him meds right away. Your son is still very young and his brain is still developing, meds should be the last thing to considered after you have tried other non-invasive routes like behavior modification, changing his diet and supplementation. Honestly, any doctor who recommends meds first, from the get-go, for a child who is so young, is questionable to me. If it were me, I would probably try to find another doctor.

I know that there are a lot of naysayers out there but, in my experience with my son who does have high-functioning autism with ADHD-like behaviors, when we revised his diet and gave him certain supplements like magnesium and Omega 3, it seemed to calm my son's system down so he was able to focus and stay on task a bit better. There are a number of books out on the market about this subject. The ones I like are:

Healing the New Childhood Epidemics by Dr. Kenneth Bock
The Autism & ADHD Diet by Barry Silberberg

Something that you can start doing today is get all of the processed food out of your son's diet, if you haven't already. Eat like your grandparents or great-parents used to eat before food came in these nice little boxes and cans. All of those artificial colors in food are known to exacerbate hyperactivity. Also, limit his sugar intake. From my experience, with my son, sugar effects him differently than his little sister. She may be on a sugar high for an hour after eating some ice cream; my son will be on a sugar high for hours to the point where he may still be awake 11:30 at night (bedtime is at 8:30).

As for behavior modification, you can keep it simple by targeting 1 behavior that you would like to see your son do, like staying seated during circle time. Prepare a chart that he can put a sticker on for each day that he does what he is supposed to do. If he earns 21 stickers (21 days), he earns this special grand prize that he has chosen. To keep him motivated, I would also give him some mini grand prizes along the way (like going to the park of Friday after school or watching his favorite video at the end of the day) if he stays seated during cirlcle time. When you introduce the chart to him, really talk to him about what is expected of him and keep on reminding him several times a day about the rules of your new game. Also, if the teacher is willing, give her a copy of the chart as well so that she can remind your son of what he needs to do and what he will earn with his new behavior.

I just want to make one last comment. It always disturbs me when a doctor recommends meds right away for a child so young. To me, at least, it indicates that the doctor is very old school and indifferent to what your child's needs really and the fact that your child is still very young. Meds can be a good thing but there are always side effects that come with them. IMO, they should be seen as a last resort.

Wishing you and your son all the best.

B., our son is now almost 20 years old. I wish I knew then what I know now!
We did medicate our son for several years. I do think that it may be necessary for kids so they can maximize their learning potential. Once our son was old enough (middle school) and HE understood the simple things he could do to help himself in the class room, we made a family decision to take him off meds.
Now having said that, I've done a lot more reading and research and I know understand how foods play a huge part in the behavior of children, adults too for that matter. Go to www.feingold.com (I think that's it, you may have to google Dr. Feingold) AND www.askdrsears.com for more info.
But the biggest culprits beyond sugar, are artificial colors/flavors and a very common preservative called sodium benzoate. There are documented scientific studies that prove these chemical effect learning and behavior.
It will be a hard transition for the whole family, if you are used to eating certain things full of chemicals but it will be so worth the health of everyone to try to get the chemicals out of your diet.

Good Luck,

Lori Krause, RN.
Certified Dr. Sears L.E.A.N. Coach

I don't have any experience with it as far my kids go, but I have been around others that have ADHD.

My 9 year old cousin has it and her grandma, who is raising her, has chosen to medicate her. I believe that is the easiest route. I babysat my cousin for a week and would take her to school during the day. Every morning she was supposed to take her medicine. One day I forgot to give it to her and boy, was she talkative and super wild when she got home!

I have a friend with a daughter in elementary school. She was diagnosed and her parents chose not to medicate her. They have a whole list of things they can do to help her like certain activities they do at home, etc. Her mom said she has seen a major improvement and so have her teachers (in the beginning they couldn't figure out why she was in the gifted and talented class). It has been a lot of work but I think it has paid off.

So, I think if you are willing to really work hard to help him without medicating him then I say go for it.

;

Hi- With all due respect to Martha, a new study just showed a link between pesticides and ADHD. If it were my child I would try EVERYTHING before resorting to medication. Putting your child on drugs should always be the last resort, it's there if you need it but I feel strongly that there are lots of kids on meds that could treat their issues in a more healthy way. Start with some reasearch and then find a doctor that comes from the healing side not immediately medicating. Good luck!

I love this book: "Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies: The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders" by Kenneth Bock, M.D. and Cameron Stauth.

Dr. Bock is not against RX meds per se - however he does take an integrative approach to these problems. In other words - look at all the potential underlying issues rather than just treat the symptoms.

Good luck to you and your little guy!

Thrilled to hear you don't want to put your 5 year old on medication! Dietary change is key. You need to get him off all processed foods, no gluten, sugar or dairy. Dairy??? yes, dairy! Worried about calcium? Give him lots of yummy fresh, organic greens and if he won't eat them, make a tahini dip. you can add a drop of lemon juice and brown rice syrup to jazz it up too. Make him some hummus with fresh beans (any kind, don't need to only use chickpeas) and put that over greens too. Fresh organic veg and small amounts of fruit (high sugar even in that), fresh whole grains (not talking bread, that's not a grain, that's processed food), quinoa is awesome, chock full of nutrients. Get some hemp seeds from the health food store, they have all sorts of essential fatty acids and tastes great. You can give him almond milk, rice milk (check for sugar in ingredients).
Within 2-3 months you will see a different child.

Mostly the problem is that these kids don't have deep core muscle. They have superficial muscle that gives them quick spurts of energy to go but they don't have the endurance or balance to sit for any period of time. Get him into a sensory motor based OT. He needs tons of heavy work and vestibular work. You can set him a sensory diet at home before school and during the day to keep his brain at optimal level of processing. The other big thing is allergy elimination. Foods make these kids nuts! Go to NAET.com and find a practitioner near you.

B.,

Please go with your motherly instincts and avoid medicating him at all costs! You are right to feel that way!! Treatments have come so far in discovering natural everyday things we can control as parents that help them. Don't ever let anyone tell you there is no hope, when you love your child there is always HOPE.

Look in to artificial colors and flavors in food causing hyper-activity. Food is a big component. Look into melatonin which is all natural and is great to give to them about 20mins before bed.
Look at this site it may be helpful.....

http://www.manecenter.com/

Check out the site I created for my daughter Alexis, there may be some helpful information and links. http://www.leximarket.com Good luck, you sound like a very intelligent mother and your son will get better with your love and caring.

God Bless,

A. H.

There are many natural ways to address ADHD - ADHD is really a set of behavioral symptoms that can be triggered by many factors. A natural diet that provides sufficient amino acids, minerals, essential fatty acids, vitamins, etc. is good. Some supplements you can find at health food stores put together several of these nutrients that help support brain function - most of them will be effective if nutrition is a main factor in the ADHD symptoms. However, emotional factors and subtle energy imbalances are also a major factor in ADHD symptoms, so energy therapies like acupuncture/acupressure and reiki can help, counseling and family therapy to reduce psychological stresses, and therapies using light or sound or neurofeedback to help balance the nervous system can also be beneficial. Medications are just a way of trying to hide/suppress whatever is going on and they promote drug dependency rather than helping foster genuine balance or resolving underlying stresses. Medications do temporarily affect behavior and give the illusion of "working," but they all work by disrupting our natural chemical balancing mechanisms using chemicals that don't belong in the body. Having worked with kids as a mental health counselor for about 15 years I can say that most professionals have a poor understanding of this topic and don't even know about some of the most effective therapeutic interventions. It's great that you are looking for alternatives. You can contact me with a direct message to get more details about dealing with ADHD.

My son was diagnosed at the age of 6.

We started meds and it didn't help him. Rather than changing meds left and right, adjusting doses up and down; we pulled him off under dr advisement and gave him more one on one attention to help him learn.

2 years later, turns out my son is actually having absence seizures and we have a great team on drs and school personnel working on diagnosis and support plans.

It has required my diligence in not just taking any one persons word for it and trusting both my son and my gut.

Don't be too hasty, do research and talk to lots of people.

http://bringingupfamily.blogspot.com

I tried natural remedies and didnt have any success.. SORRY i can not help you much! I did just recently write an article on my son's add/adhd if you would like to read it you are very welcome to . Here is the linke to it! http://internetceomoms.com/westfamily/article/journey-wit...

Check your son and see if he has a fatty acid deficiency. Doctors can run tests, signs are frequent urination, dry skin, dry hair, small hard bumps on arms thighs or elbows. If he does, increase essential fatty acids in his diet. Give him more canola oil, flaxseed oil, and most important more omega 3 fish oil from salmon, tuna fish, mackerel and sardines. Make sure you consult your doctor if he is already on medications if you plan to take him off. Some doctors have found that kids that are defiecient in omega 3 oils are more apt to have behavioural and learning problems. - Hope this helps

Besides looking into foods and natural supplements, check out RDI connect (rdiconnect.com). They have a lot of great advice that is geared towards equipping parents with strong teaching and discipline tools that focus on building relationships and empowering kids and parents with skills and improvements.

I have 2 grown sons with ADHD, and a grown daughter who is borderline ADHD as well as being ADHD myself.
My sons were on meds, my daughter wasn't. I don't know of any "natural supplements. There is behavior modifications that you can work on. Find a counselor or therapist who deals with this. It will involve you and everyone who supervises your child. He needs a schedule, a routine, and coping mechanisms. It won't be easy, but it can help. Medication isn't a "magic pill", and even with meds kids need the behavior modification skills.

I use a natural supplement for my kids. It has helped tremendously. Write me at ____@____.com

I would have him tested for food sensitivities with and IgG blood test and eliminate the foods from his diet that he has sensitivities to. That helps so much! Most people don't realize what they eat has a huge impact on the mind and body function but it does!! It is the basis of MANY diseases and disorders. There is also a product called Cellfood. You can do a search on line for it for information and purchase at Whole Foods. Also, omega 3's can really helps as well but if you go with fish oils be sure they are high quality. The best over the counter is either Nordic Naturals or Carlson. Going natural is the best option you have and it is generally very effective if you do it and stick to it!

way to go mom! that is so awesome that you arent just falling into the slump of going straight to medication. I really recommend checking out http://www.HealthySafeAndClean.com they are a team that works with naturally based products and have a lot to offer in terms of natural relief for ADD/ADHD just by limiting chemical exposure and also with natural vitamin supplements. just fill out and information request and include in it that you are wanting options for ADD/ADHD so they know exactly how to help!

My son was diagnoised at 8. We tried herbs- Focus and Bright Start, we tried several diets, we even broke down and tried Vvanyse, Strattera, and Ritalin. Nothing with great success. My son was failing the 3rd grade and I was seriously considering homeschooling when I discover Learn to Learn Brain Development Center in Orlando. They do a three step program- based on cognitive, sensory motor and ocular vision. My son has major ocular issues- not 20/20 but his eyes were not working well together! Check out the Learntolearn.com website or have your son checked by an opthathmologist that will look at how his eyes track up and down and side to side. This advice would have saved me months of looking for answers!!!