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 that some parents claim caused the deaths of their children after long-term use. Due to the increasing number of complaints about the powerful drugs typically prescribed for ADHD, alternative treatments are being sought by guardians of children afflicted with ADHD.
Effects
Children afflicted 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 of time, are talkative (often interrupting others) and regularly act and speak without thinking.
Identification
Alternative treatments for ADHD include making extreme dietary changes, the use of herbs (specifically Chinese herbs specifically) and neurologistic programs designed to balance the brain's chemistry and combat hyperactivity and deficiencies in attention span.
Types
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 are used by doctors of naturopathy. These treatments have been found to improve attention spans, calm nervousness and reduce anxiety, all symptoms of ADHD.
Benefits
Beneficial results are also obtained when using herbs like Ginkgo Biloba to increase blood flow to the brain and oxygenation of tissues. Brahmi may enhance cognitive abilities; Siberian Ginseng may stimulate brain activity; and Gotu Kola may control blood pressure levels during stress. Bacopa, an herb used in Ayurveda medicine, has been found to boost brain functioning and reduce anxiety levels in sufferers of ADHD.
Theories/Speculation
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, in "The Everything Parents Guide to Children with ADD/ADHD," author Linda Sonna, Ph.D., explains that caffeine has been completely ineffective in other studies. Yet other studies have shown caffeine to be most effective in combination with Ritalin to combat ADHD.
Prevention/Solution
A 2009 Journal of Attention Disorders study found that children focused better after a walk in a park as opposed to one through a neighborhood or downtown setting. They recommend natural elements, such as ornamental trees or shrubs, vegetable or flower gardens, aquariums and indoor plants be added to school environments to improve the attention span of ADHD students.
Expert Insight
In 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) found increased hyperactivity in children who regularly consumed drinks containing sodium benzoate, a chemical added to many soft drinks. The study also showed reason for concern related to certain food colorings which are ingredients found in sweets and candies. AAP's recommendation for less severe cases of ADHD was that, instead of drugs, a "reasonable intervention" was to place affected children on a "preservative-free, food coloring-free diet."
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