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Alternative Medicines for Add

The Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) diagnosis has been plaguing children with startling numbers. The behavior issues and lack of concentration prove to be difficult for parents and children alike. There are pressures from many sources to opt for the "quick fix" of administering medications, but some parents are seeking other alternatives, steering away from the risks that come with some medications, side effects and other unknown long term effects. Helping a child cope with ADD via natural treatments can also help with their learning capacity, strengthen social skills, form stronger bonds between parents, and help the child feel less isolated.

  1. Herbal Treatments

    • Herbal treatments have been considered in place of Western medications, especially the use of stimulants that are used to treat ADD. Herbal treatments have fewer side effects and help work with the body to balance out imbalances. Herbal remedies have been proven effective in improving blood flow to the brain, thus increasing one's learning capacity and abilities. Ginkgo Biloba, Brahmi, Siberian Ginseng, Gotu Kola, St. John's Wart, Kava Kava, Oats, Chamomile, Skullcap, and the Chinese medicinal formula Calm Dragon have been used as herbal treatments to help with ADD symptoms.

    Other Alternative Treatments

    • Dietary regulation has also been incorporated into treatment for ADD. Diet can be adjusted as a form of treatment by reducing or eliminating sugar intake, reducing caffeine intake and foods with artificial colors. Massage therapy can be used as a treatment by improving the behavior and mood of the children by affecting the muscles with touch and increasing blood flow. Music therapy can be useful if the tempo is slower or even using white noise can help. Avoid fast tempo music that may aggravate their condition. Biofeedback is another natural approach. This approach uses an Electromyogram (EMG) to measure brain waves, such as the theta and alpha waves associated with ADD. By allowing the children to recognize that these waves are involved in their condition and noticing the automatic responses that are associated with these wave states, it allows for a child to be actively participating in their condition and treatment. It brings awareness in and assists in consciously reducing muscle tension and focusing capacity by being aware of their cortical functioning.

    Stimulants

    • Stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall are Schedule II Controlled Substances and have a high likelihood of abuse and dependency. Stimulants tend to help correct the higher amounts of alpha and theta brain waves that are found in ADD patients, helping them focus and concentrate. By lowering these brain waves, which are mostly associated with peaceful, dreamlike states, it produces more beta waves, which are associated with a more awake and aware state. The effects of stimulants are powerful, but the positive and negative of any form of treatment needs to be addressed and assessed before committing to one form of treatment for the child.

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