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Article ID: 8665
Title: Drug-Free ADHD Therapy
By: Diane Fitzpatrick

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Drug-Free ADHD Therapy

adhd

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.