Treatment for ADHD

Treatment for ADHD is not often successful. Most people are familiar with medications as one of the treatments for ADHD, such as Concerta, Ritalin, Adderall, and Strattera. However, since the side effects associated with ADHD drugs have become better known, most parents who have children with ADHD are seeking treatment for ADHD without medications.

 

 

Treatment for ADHD does not rely solely on medication management. Thankfully, there are natural remedies for ADHD that have been proven effective without any side effects. Other treatments are available for controlling ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.

Conventional and Holistic Options for Treatment of ADHD

 

• Most people are familiar with medications as one of the treatments for ADHD, such as Concerta, Ritalin, Adderall, and Strattera. However, since the side effects associated with ADHD drugs have become better known, most parents who have children with ADHD are seeking treatment for ADHD without medication.
• Treatment for ADHD does not rely solely on medication management. Thankfully, there are natural remedies for ADHD that have been proven effective without any side effects. Other treatments are available for controlling ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
• Most people are familiar with medications as one of the treatments for ADHD, such as Concerta, Ritalin, Adderall, and Strattera. However, since the side effects associated with ADHD drugs have become better known, most parents who have children with ADHD are seeking treatment for ADHD without medication.
• Treatment for ADHD does not rely solely on medication management. Other treatments are available for controlling ADHD symptoms and improving functioning. Thankfully, there are natural remedies for ADHD that have been proven effective without any side effects.

Most people have heard the term ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, but fewer people know what it means. Just because an individual is hyper doesn’t mean he or she has ADHD.

What is ADHD?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a developmental disorder that results in inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a combination of all of the above.

 

Children or adults can have ADHD, though symptoms start to be seen during childhood. Those who have ADHD usually have a difficult time staying on task or concentrating. They may have difficulty following directions and are usually much more impulsive than their peers. As patients with ADHD age, they usually have more problems with organization, time management, goal setting, and even employment. These troubles can make it difficult to have fulfilling relationships and may also be prone to addiction and low self-esteem.

Symptoms of ADHD

There are three groups of symptoms of ADHD

Inattention

• Inattention is one of the symptoms of ADHD. How severe the inattention is, varies from person to person, but some of the most common symptoms are being easily distracted and finding it difficult to follow directions. The individual may have a difficult time keeping things organized, they may not listen when someone is speaking, and they may have a hard time finishing tasks that have been started. An individual with ADHD may also lose many things and be described as a daydreamer.

Hyperactivity

• Hyperactivity is usually seen in children with ADHD. Hyperactivity also varies from person to person, but the individual will usually have difficulty sitting. Still, they cannot stay seated when told to do so, and they usually have a difficult time doing anything in a quiet, focused manner. Hyperactivity may also be unable to stop running and climbing on things, and generally, they talk much more than their peers without ADHD.

Impulse Control

• Impulse control is another symptom of ADHD. This can be seen in people of all ages, starting with difficulty waiting for their turn to do just about anything and interrupting others while talking. Impulse control may also mean that even when there is a plan to do one thing, the patient does something completely different. This makes it challenging to get good grades, hold down a job, make friends, and maintain relationships because impulsive behavior sometimes makes getting along with others difficult.

Symptoms of ADHD in adults

Untreated ADHD can cause numerous mental and physical problems that can strain relationships and cause difficulties in everyday life. It’s essential to recognize the symptoms of ADHD in adults so you can get proper treatment.

Listed below are symptoms of ADHD in adults

• Lack of focus
• Hyperfocus
• Disorganization
• Time management problems
• Impulsivity
• Forgetfulness
• Poor self-image
• Fatigue
• Lack of motivation
• Health problems

Symptoms of ADHD in Kids

The symptoms of ADHD in kids are inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity in specific ways.

Inattention symptoms of ADHD in children

• Have trouble staying focused; be easily distracted or get bored with a task before completion.
• Appear not to listen when spoken to.
• They have difficulty remembering things and following instructions; they do not notice details or make careless mistakes.
• Have trouble staying organized, planning, and finishing projects.
• Frequently lose or misplace homework, books, toys, or other items.

Impulsivity symptoms of ADHD in children

• Act without thinking.
• Rather than taking time to solve a problem, blurt out answers in class without waiting to be called on or hear the whole question.
• Intrude on other people’s conversations or games.
• Often interrupt, others say the wrong thing at the wrong time.
• Be unable to keep powerful emotions in check, resulting in angry outbursts or temper tantrums.

Hyperactivity symptoms of ADHD in children

• Constantly fidget and squirm.
• Have difficulty sitting still, playing quietly, or relaxing.
• Move around constantly, often running or climbing inappropriately.
• Talk excessively.

What causes ADHD?

Whenever something goes wrong, mainly concerning personal health issues, some of the first questions asked are “Why?” and “What caused it?” Amazingly, what causes ADHD is unknown. The best science can tell us at this point is that several contributing factors may lead to the development of ADHD.  These include genetics, diet, and certain environmental factors.

 

Listed below are the causes of ADHD

Genetics:

Over the past several years, psychologists have conducted a lot of research on the genetic factors that help us to understand the source of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Family studies and twin studies have produced good evidence that specific genes (DRD4) and (DRD5) are linked to the development of the disorder. In other words, ADHD is highly inheritable. Because more of the studies have focused on a class of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, in this case, dopamine-producing neurotransmitters, they have been able to connect the deficits to the functioning of several brain areas. The prefrontal cortex, the basal ganglia, the cerebellum, and the temporal and parietal cortex are all involved in response inhibition, planning, organization, motivation, memory, processing speed, inattention, and impulsivity.

What does this mean for you and your family? It means if you or someone in your family has ADHD, they most likely inherited the disorder from a parent who also had ADHD. The disorder is not gender-specific in heritability, so a daughter can inherit the disorder from her father, for example.

Diet:

Diet is one of the leading causes of ADHD. There is a school of thought that children diagnosed with ADHD are experiencing a hypersensitivity to food. There is a long-standing myth that sugar causes or exacerbates symptoms of the disorder, especially hyperactivity. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), most studies discount this claim. Neither sugar nor sugar substitutes have shown an increase in the symptoms. Similar findings have been found in food additives. There is no evidence that food additives increase the symptoms. However, recent research shows there is some evidence that certain food colorings and preservatives may increase hyperactive behavior. They include Sodium benzoate, FD&C Yellow No. 6, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Yellow No. 5, and FD&C Red No. 40.

Environmental Factors:

The NIMH reports a potential link between cigarette smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy that may contribute to the development of ADHD. Interestingly, exposure to second-hand smoke has also been linked to the disorder. Unfortunately, a vicious cycle of environmental factors is associated with the disorder’s symptoms. Not only is there a causal factor, but children diagnosed with the disorder are at higher risk for self-medicating by smoking cigarettes and using alcohol and marijuana as they transition to their teen years.

Effects of ADHD on Children

The most severe effect of ADHD on children is their ability to perform in school. Overall, children with more symptoms of ADHD, such as being impulsive or restless, have significantly lower math and reading scores on standardized tests several years later. These children also have an increased probability of grade repetition, enrollment in special education, and delinquency. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that many teachers are unprepared to work with this population of children. Their presence in the classroom can be disruptive and frustrating for the teacher and other students. This is the primary reason this population of children gets labeled and moved toward special education services. In many cases, the disorder is not recognized or acknowledged, and the children receive more harmful and damaging titles such as troublemaker, lazy, juvenile delinquent, etc.

Natural treatment for ADHD

Natural treatment of ADHD is one of the most effective treatments for ADHD without medication. It has been proven to help kids overcome their symptoms without side effects.

When a child is diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), parents often have concerns about which treatment is suitable for their child. Natural treatment for a child with ADHD is the ideal treatment for ADHD without causing any side effects.

When it comes to natural treatment for children with ADHD, parents prefer to go the natural way and exclude from the treatment regimen of pharmaceutical drugs.

Listed below are different forms of natural treatment for ADHD

Nutrition – an essential part of any natural treatment for ADHD

Vitamins and minerals play an important role in natural remedies for ADHD. Nutrition is also one of the best natural treatments for children with ADHD.

 

Listed below are vitamins and minerals that are helpful for people with ADHD:

Vitamin B6 and magnesium:

• Vitamin B is essential for a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B6 is a natural treatment for ADHD children, producing neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. Vitamin B6 and magnesium metabolism are connected. Low magnesium levels can cause problems like ADHD, such as reduced attention span and irritability. A deficiency in B6 might result in poor memory, trouble concentrating, and increased activity. Taking magnesium and B6 together may help manage ADHD symptoms.2

Vitamin C:

• Vitamin C is involved in various functions and is needed for the brain to make neurotransmitters.

Zinc:

• Zinc is a mineral that regulates dopamine. If you have low levels, it may contribute to attentional issues.

Iron:

• Iron is needed to make dopamine. Low iron levels have been associated with ADHD symptoms. Your doctor can check your iron levels and prescribe a supplement if you need one. It is not advisable to take an iron supplement without medical advice.

Meditation – home-based natural treatment for ADHD

Meditation for ADHD is a natural remedy for ADHD that is thought to help with ADHD because it thickens your prefrontal cortex, a part of your brain involved in focus, planning, and impulse control. It also raises your brain’s level of dopamine, which is in short supply in ADHD brains. Listed below are types of meditation for ADHD and their effectiveness

Mindful meditation

• Mindful meditation is a type of meditation for ADHD that strengthens your ability to control your attention. It teaches you how to observe yourself and focus on something. And it trains you to bring your wandering mind back into the moment you get distracted. It can also make you more aware of your emotions, making you less likely to act impulsively.

Yoga for ADHD – ancient Indian natural treatment for ADHD

Yoga for ADHD is another type of meditation for ADHD that is very effective in treating ADHD. A recent study found that kids who practiced yoga for ADHD for 20 minutes twice a week for eight weeks improved on tests that measure attention and focus.

 

Listed below are the benefits of yoga for ADHD in kids

• Confidence
• Calmness- The yoga routine can be calming to kids, primarily when they practice the same postures and become confident.
• Concentration- Yoga for ADHD improves concentration and attention span while teaching focus. Children learn body awareness when concentrating on their breath or feeling a stretch in their arms.
• Control- Breath control can help children feel more in control of their brains and bodies, which is huge for a kid with ADHD.

Hypnosis for ADHD –  one of the most effective natural treatments for ADHD

Hypnosis for ADHD is a natural treatment for ADHD that helps in the treatment strategies, especially if you experience anxiety and sleep problems, as many others with ADHD do.

Hypnosis for ADHD produces a relaxed state of heightened focus that increases receptivity to suggestions. Hypnosis for ADHD can give a person with ADHD the feeling of being in charge of his behavior.

Homeopathy for ADHD – #1 natural treatment for ADHD

Homeopathy for ADHD is a treatment of ADHD without medication and is also one of the most effective natural treatments for children with ADHD.

Listed below are homeopathic remedies for ADHD

Coffea Cruda

• Made from unroasted coffee beans, this homeopathic remedy for ADHD helps to unwind the mind instead of revving it up and is most often used to combat sleeplessness and racing thoughts in children and adults with ADHD.

Synaptol

• Synaptol is a homeopathic liquid specially formulated for treating ADHD in children.

Veratrum Album

• Veratrum Album is a homeopathic remedy for ADHD derived from a plant in the lily family; Veratrum Album is used to “soothe the nerves” and is often used for children with ADHD and comorbid anxiety. It has also been claimed to reduce the potential for temper tantrums in children who struggle to control their emotions.

Acupuncture – ancient oriental natural treatment for ADHD

Acupuncture for ADD is so popular because this is probably the most common issue children worldwide suffer from. ADD and ADHD Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Many parents have been given the option of treating the condition with the use of pharmaceutical drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall, which are meant to help kids to lower their level of hyperactivity and their lack of focus, but this is not an ideal approach as it has been known to cause damaging side-effects on the children that take the drug.

The use of prescription drugs for treating ADD has been quite common. Still, the problem with this is that there are thousands of situations where the cure can be more damaging than helpful, which is why an alternative natural cure is essential.

The alternative use of acupuncture for ADD

There is no question that parents want the best for their kids, and being able to help a child to overcome this condition is an essential thing to accomplish. Many people have seen incredible results in their children’s behavior thanks to acupuncture for ADD. People have been using acupuncture for ADD in Asia to treat many different medical conditions, and the treatment of ADD has been highly successful.

 

Many parents in the Western world have started to see acupuncture for ADD as the perfect solution because there are no chemical drugs involved, and it’s also very affordable.

Auricular acupuncture for ADD

The most successful method of acupuncture for ADD kids is auricular acupuncture. This has been the most effective point of focus for treating ADD in children, and it will not cause any discomfort. The critical thing to remember is that acupuncture for ADD requires a certain number of sessions for results to be noticeable. Still, the number of successful cases has been quite promising, which is why many parents worldwide are considering acupuncture for ADD as an excellent treatment option.

There is extensive research regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture for ADD in treating this medical disorder in children’s clinics. Still, parents need to understand that this is not the kind of treatment that will make their child change their behavior immediately. Parents can expect to start seeing gradual results, and the professionalism of the practitioner providing the acupuncture for ADD will make a huge difference.

Look for a professional with experience in Acupuncture for ADD.

One thing is to experience acupuncture for ADD in adults; another is to have experience treating ADD in kids’ clinics. This is why it is crucial to look for a professional who has been working in this field for a while. This is the best way to ensure that the most efficient treatment is given to your child, and this way, you will know if acupuncture for ADD is the right way to do things.

The good news is that the incidence of recurrence post-treatment has been very low, making this process even more promising for children who cannot focus their attention, making things difficult for them in school and their daily lives.

Get a proper diagnosis before acupuncture for ADD.

Before you get your child treated with acupuncture for ADD or ADHD, you should make sure that proper evaluation is given. This will allow you to handle the problem correctly, and you won’t be giving your kid acupuncture for ADD treatment for a condition that is not what you thought it was. Some children seem to have common behavioral characteristics that ADD could cause, but this might not be true.

Conclusion:

You will find that acupuncture for ADD might be the solution you have been looking for, and the best thing is that there are no side effects to worry about when you decide to use this method. The use of drugs should always be the last resort for you, and your child won’t have to experience any problems with their mental and physical health.

At Philadelphia Acupuncture Clinic, Victor Tsan, MD using acupuncture in his everyday practice for almost 40 years and has experience working with adults and kids. His youngest patient was a two-month-old boy who recently is 35 years old. He is living in Orlando, FL.  The oldest of Dr. Tsan’s patients is a 100-year-old female, and she lives in Philadelphia and is still using Dr. Tsan’s services. Her name is Lucy, and she believes she has lived so long just because of the acupuncture treatment and maintenance performed by Victor Tsan, MD.

Contact our clinic at (267) 284-3085 to schedule an appointment for ADHD treatment.