Alternatives to ADD Medications

ADD, or attention deficit disorder, is a condition of the brain that causes a child to portray symptoms of inattention and being distracted. This can cause children to do poorly at school and in social situations. For them, concentrating on something is almost impossible. A common method of treating ADD is with stimulant medication, but for those who do not wish this form of treatment there are alternatives available.
  1. Diet

    • Eliminating certain foods from a child's diet could improve his ADD symptoms. In the mid '70s Benjamin Feingold found that some foods containing artificial flavors, colorings and preservatives might be bearing a negative effect on these children. It is recommended that artificial colorings--especially the red and yellow dyes--be removed from a child's diet. This, along with sugar, food additives and caffeine were thought to be detrimental in being removed or at least limited in the diet of an ADD child or any child. Eliminating food products one by one for a couple of weeks could also determine if there are any food allergies that could be contributing to the ADD behaviors. A child with ADD should have a diet higher in protein, complex carbohydrates and Omega-3 fatty acids. Simple carbohydrates should be minimal.

    Physical Activity

    • It is imperative that children with ADD have a good amount of physical activity each day. Approximately 30 to 45 minutes of physical exertion will help them by using some of their excess energy. The physical exertion will also help them by raising their levels of dopamine and serotonin. These are two chemicals in the brain. The medication that is used to treat children for ADD does the same. When these chemical levels increase, children are better able to concentrate much easier. Focus, memory and improvement in impulsive behavior are also much better. Either structured classes of something that is of interest to the child, such as a sport or dance or helping to do things around the yard, will help to use up this energy. Walking, running, biking or just about anything as long as it involves movement will work to suffice this need for the ADD child.

    Counseling

    • Counseling is also known to help improve the behavior of the child with ADD. If a child knows what is expected of him and what goals are set before him, he is better apt to deal with things. Discussions of behaviors that are not appropriate and what is appropriate are something that is focused on. The ADD child needs structure and clear-cut instructions in order to help him cope with his ADD. Any frustrations that the child is having are also brought to the surface at this time. The counselor will give the child some suggestions on how to deal with his problems in an acceptable manner. Parents are also educated on how best to deal with their ADD child. Counseling intensity will be based on an individual's needs and could be as infrequent as twice a month or as often as several times each week.

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