Can Children With ADD Be Treated Without Medication?

Children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are often treated with medication. The most commonly used drug is Ritalin or a similar stimulant, but there are also non-stimulant options like Strattera. However, some parents don't want to use medication for a variety of reasons. Children with ADD can be treated without medication in a variety of ways, including diet, exercise, supplements and therapy.

Symptoms

• Any ADD treatment, whether drug-related or not, is aimed at reducing ADD symptoms that can cause problems in a child's life. For example, a child with ADD might have problems sitting still and focusing and be easily distracted. This can interfere with schooling and with performance of tasks at home. An effective non-drug treatment must improve the child's functioning by reducing or eliminating these symptoms.

Diet

• According to ADDitude Magazine, reducing sugary foods in a child's diet can help control ADD symptoms. Studies conducted at Yale University and the University of South Carolina showed that when children with ADD consume sugar, their attention is reduced and they become more restless, hyperactive and destructive. Sugary treats can be replaced with other snacks like fruits, vegetables and nuts. Limit the amount of candy the child consumes, replacing it with sugar-free gum and candies.

Exercise

• Exercise, particularly when it is done outdoors, can reduce a child's ADD symptoms. If the child has difficulty interacting with peers, you can start with outdoor activities that he can do individually, such as bicycling, running, jumping on a trampoline or swimming. Later, you may be able to get him involved in team sports that will combine exercise with letting him practice skills like focusing, following directions and interacting with peers appropriately.

Supplements

• Certain dietary supplements can be used to treat ADD in children. Studies published in the "Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine" and "Pediatric Neurology" suggest that iron supplements or feeding a child a more iron-rich diet might relieve ADD symptoms. A study in "Pediatrics" says that fish oil may also be an effective treatment, and some parents use B vitamins to lessen their children's ADD symptoms.

Therapy

• Cognitive therapy is often successful in treating ADD. A therapist can teach the child how to take control of her symptoms and channel them into acceptable outlets. Her family can learn how to help her by implementing structure and consistency. Therapists can create specific goals based on the most problematic behaviors and help the child focus specifically on alleviating those behaviors.