Because an ADHD diagnosis is sometimes a subjective analysis by teachers, parents and doctors, drug-free treatment is a successful ADHD therapy for many. The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. Children as young as toddlers who are diagnosed with ADHD are often prescribed drugs like Ritalin, Prozac, Tofranil, Dexedrine, Adderall, Clonadine, Paxil and other major psychiatric drugs.
While drug therapy has positive results in about 75 percent of ADHD cases, some experts say it doesn't treat the causes of ADHD. Drugs like the much-prescribed Ritalin have side effects that affect appetite, sleep, mood and physical systems. Kids hoping to get relief from ADHD symptoms find that the side effects of their medication only present new problems.
If you're interested in pursuing a drug-free ADHD therapy for your child, start with a psychologist who is known for treating disorders without using psychiatric drugs.
Start Drug-Free ADHD Therapy With an Assessment
To properly treat ADHD without drugs, a child must be thoroughly assessed on intellectual, emotional and scholastic functioning. A medical professional should be aware of the child's detailed history of behavior, school performance, diet, sleep, relationships with friends and family, allergies and general health.
A drug-free ADHD alternative treatment requires detailed and careful tracking of changes in behavior and symptoms, which starts with gathering and recording as much information as possible.
Treating ADHD with Diet
Many ADHD sufferers see drastic improvement with changes in diet. An ADHD diet treatment can include taking natural nutritional supplements, removing or reducing artificial ingredients and preservatives and other changes in diet.
Some children can show signs of ADHD because of food allergies or reactions. An ADHD diet plan usually starts with removing foods from the diet one by one, while noting changes in behavior and symptoms.
Homeopathic Remedies for ADHD
Homeopathic treatment of ADHD involves natural, non-addictive medicines administered by a homeopathic professional. Homeopathic treatment is usually accompanied by therapy and changes in diet.
Homeopathic remedies do not suppress ADHD symptoms, but are designed to strengthen the patient's own defense mechanisms to fight ADHD symptoms.
Published Methods of Drug-Free ADHD Treatment
To fill the demand for drug-free ADHD treatments, doctors, psychologists and other experts have put together treatment programs, books and packages that help parents and teachers treat ADHD with behavior modification.
 | You may wonder what is the difference between ADD and ADHD? ADHD is a childhood condition that affects the brain's impulse control and forward planning ability. ADHD is treatable, but an evaluation is needed to rule out other potential causes. |
 | ADHD medications for children has traditionally been stimulants such as Ritalin. Doctors are now finding that some patients respond to non-stimulants, antidepressants and combinations of drug treatments and therapy. |
Don't accept an ADHD diagnosis as a certainty, because the symptoms of ADHD could also indicate other conditions. |
If your child has had an ADHD diagnosis and is struggling in school, he might not be getting the treatment he needs. |
Check out these basic activities for teaching self control to kids. |
