ADHD Tips

I don\’t know about you but there are so many warnings about ADHD psychostimulants now that I have stopped being surprised or shocked. We never hear any negative reviews on natural products for ADHD. The natural remedies for ADHD critics will sneer that very few conclusive tests have been done to show that natural products for ADHD actually are effective. They also raise questions about the long term effects of these remedies – this is laughable as there are no studies done on the long term risks and effects of ADHD psychostimulants. At least they have not been published.

Everybody seems to be getting on the ADHD bandwagon. I am not talking just about doctors and pediatricians here but also parents and teachers. Some unscrupulous parents actually WANT an ADHD diagnosis so that they can claim government funds or even special facilities at school such as one-to-one tuition or very small classes. Teachers are setting themselves up as doctors and recommending parents to put the ADHD child on Ritalin so there is no disruptive behaviour in their classes. When the psychostimulants (Adderall, Metadate, Dexedrine and Cylert) do not work with some ADHD children, they are put on anti-depressants.

There are no negative reviews on natural products for ADHD as regards possible side effects because there aren\’t any. Compare that to :- insomnia, weight loss, stunted growth, \’zombie\’ behaviour, mood swings, loss of appetite, heart problems, nervous tics and the latest one is hallucinations. These are some of the side effects of amphetamine drugs (remember \’speed\’? – it\’s the same !).

There are positive reviews on natural products for ADHD but they are rarely published because they have no financial backing. Basically there are no side effects and they are perfectly safe. There is no risk of drug abuse. There is no need for medical monitoring. The most popular natural products are homeopathic remedies.

Look at the work done by Stephen Hinshaw of UC Berkeley who is an ADHD expert. He studied attention deficit disorders in children who were prescribed Ritalin for a period of two years. These unfortunate children were an inch shorter in height and weighed 8 pounds less than the children who were not on medication ! That is what they mean by \’stunted growth\’. The FDA says more research needs to be done but that study was published five years ago, so the stunted growth issue has been brushed under the carpet.

Most experts now recommend medication in conjunction with psychotherapy, counselling or behaviour therapy. There is an issue here with the insurance companies so the cost of these treatments may be prohibitive. All the reviews of natural products for ADHD report that a homeopathic remedy is ideal in that it can be used in combination therapy and is perfectly safe, effective and free of side effects. Make sure you study the remedies and the manufacturing process and also if the facility is FDA approved. The link below will take you to one of the most reputable companies in this field and they offer iron clad guarantees.

Technorati Tags: ADHD, Controversial, Issue, natural, Products, Reviews

When we think of ADHD children we usually think that they are a ‘problem’! I remember one counsellor telling parents to enjoy their ADHD children and tell them every day how they value them. They can be funny , creative and intelligent. Children with ADHD are sometimes extremely talented and the number of actors and sportspersons who have had this disorder are too numerous to mention, but they have led happy and successful lives.

It is very often the parents of ADHD children who are the problem although I am sure they do not intend that to be the case. First problem is the actual diagnosis of ADHD children. Very often, this is left to chance in that they will seek a diagnosis from a doctor who has not had much experience with the disorder. Parents need to talk to other parents and find out which doctors in their areas are ADHD specialists. It can make an enormous difference.

Many doctors are just not interested and will not take time out to TALK and explain things to the parents – indeed, many have been accused of acting like a vet with their pet cat ! This may simply be because they are not wised up on ADHD. Your child’s teacher can help though in recommending a doctor – she knows the kids in her class who are responding to treatment.

Combination therapy with ADHD medication is usually the best path to follow. But which medication ? Psychostimulant drugs used for ADHD are full of unknown risks. So much so that the security forces and military will put restrictions on recruiting young people who have been on these drugs as they are regarded as a risk. There are now risks of “psychosis and mania in some patients” taking these drugs although obviously these cases are rare. It is disturbing though to read of the drug companies’ reluctance to put black box warnings on the packaging for these drugs. There is too much at stake!

But why risk all that – why place a further handicap on our ADHD children? And why are we medicating a disorder ? A pill anyway is NOT going to help ADHD children learn coping and self-management skills. Looking at ADHD natural treatments is going to help your ADHD child much more and are free from suspicious side effects. You can be sure that such a cure will not haunt him for the rest of his life and he will be able to cope a lot better with this disorder through wise parenting and behavioural therapy. The best decision for many wise parents is not to go down the psychostimulants road at all. There are details of a natural ADDH cure in the link below.

Technorati Tags: ADHD, Best, Children, Them, This

Guess which drug is the most popular among college students for cheating? ADHD medication! That is the hot choice at the moment, beating steroids into second place. The supply comes from the millions of kids who are or have been on Adderall, Ritalin or Concerta. That, for me, is the main argument for choosing natural remedies for ADHD which will never lead to drug abuse.

Before we look more closely at ADHD natural remedies let us try and concentrate (if we don\’t suffer from ADHD ourselves!) on what causes all these problems in the child\’s and adult\’s brains.
Basically there is a fault in the neurotransmitters in the brain and these control how we pay attention, concentrate and make decisions. It is as if the phone signal in our brains is breaking up all the time. So, naturally communication breaks down. In the case of ADHD, there is a lack of focus, resulting in inattention, poor concentration, impulsiveness and erratic behaviour. Very often, due to frustration, aggression and depression develop.

The drug companies claim that in medicating children with ADHD, psychostimulant drugs can be effective in 70% -80% of cases. This may be true, in part, but we also know that after a time, these drugs are no longer effective. Frustration and anger can surface and in some cases, listlessness and depression are added to the child\’s long list of problems. This is where natural remedies for ADHD have a distinct advantage.

The herbs and homeopathic remedies which make up the ADHD natural remedies are :- Lemon balm, St. John\’s Wort, Gingko Biloba, Skullcap, Passionflower , Gotu Kola and Hawthorn. These have been shown to be effective in improving concentration and general brain function. There are no side effects and parents have reported vast improvements in behavioural problems, attention and concentration.

As well as natural remedies for ADHD, parents also have to consider diet and how to avoid foods which contain damaging food colourings and dyes which have been shown to have a negative effect on behaviour and attention. There is a very good website organised by the IATP (Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy). If you visit their site you will find the very handy \’Brain Food Selector\’ which identifies all the candies, sweets and snacks which contain preservatives, additives and food colourings (mostly petroleum derived). The European Union and the UK have already banned these and the FDA in the USA has issued guidelines about highlighting natural colour without ever having to use synthetic food dyes.

Avoiding synthetic food dyes may help but it is only part of a combined treatment strategy for ADHD. Natural remedies for ADHD are now getting a lot of attention from the media and parents themselves who are becoming more and more wary of ADHD medications. You can check the site below and find out more about these ADHD natural remedies , without putting your child\’s health at risk.

Technorati Tags: ADHD, Facts, Intelligent, natural, parents, Remedies

I have just read about a mother who started a search for a natural supplement for ADHD after she read about a boy who was on three different prescriptions for ADHD and died of an overdose. Her own child who was on psychostimulants was extremely underweight and he was fading away before her eyes. So, did this mother find the natural supplements for ADHD she was looking for ? She persisted and her son was given Kava Kava, St. John’s Wort, Vitamin B complex, Melatonin for sleep problems, Gabba and Vitamin C. Within three years, her son was greatly improved and the ADHD symptoms of hyperactivity, restlessness and lack of focus had all greatly improved. In this particular case, it was a miracle because she was able to stop ADHD medication which she was so worried about.

Frankly there has not been enough research done on these natural supplements for ADHD and the jury is out on a lot of them. In this case it is a mirage because the magic natural supplement for ADHD has not yet been found ! However let us have a look at the ones which have been backed by more research and/or have given promising results. In many cases, it is sufficient to feed a child a healthy balanced diet and the supplements I outline below will be an added benefit because in many cases, they alleviate ADHD symptoms.

My favourite natural supplement for ADHD is Valerian which is great for helping children to sleep and there has been enough research to show that it is safe enough. I use it myself to sleep. Valerian has done well on some trials showing that children on it were able to get to sleep much quicker. It is sometimes given when children are on medication as they have problems in falling asleep. I would not use Melatonin which has been found to be risky for sexual development in children.

The Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are called essential because our bodies cannot make this substance and ADHD children have lower levels of these. Fish oils, flaxseed oil and olive oil are all sources of Omega3 and Omega 6 , which are the main components. The jury is still out on these but there were good results form an experiment with Vitamin C and flaxseed oil which did reduce fidgeting, impulsiveness and erratic behaviour.

Wise parents may add Vitamin C and fish oils to their children’s diet if they are not getting the full amount of fruit and vegetables every day. That is probably the best and safest thing to do. The best solution of all is to opt for a natural ADHD homeopathic remedy which is free from side effects and is non-addictive which no conventional ADHD medication can claim to-day. You may want to know what ingredients are selected and why they are selected. Also, what guidelines and practices are being followed. You should be wary of any natural supplement for ADHD which is not backed by guarantees of safety and purity. The link below will take you to one of the most renowned companies in the USA for natural remedies.

Technorati Tags: ADHD, Miracle, Mirage, natural, Supplement

Do you think ADHD is overdiagnosed? Perhaps now that much more information is available about ADHD, it is becoming easier to diagnose. So, what are the tests to diagnose ADD and ADHD First of all, the doctor will want to eliminate other possible conditions which may mimic to a certain extent ADD and ADHD symptoms. There is also the possibility of a co-morbid disorder which means that two or more disorders may be affecting the child. This is why it is so important to have a reliable test for ADHD done.

The most common co-morbid disorders are ODD which stands for Oppositional Defiant Disorder. It is estimated that up to 35% of kids with ADHD may also have ODD and as its name suggests, temper tantrums and rule breaking are to the forefront. Anxiety may also co-exist and the percentage here too is high as it accounts for about a quarter of ADHD children. Excessive worry, fear and even panic attacks may be present.

Before actually organizing the tests to diagnose ADD and ADHD, the doctor will want to rule out other possible conditions. These could be lead poisoning which tends to occur in less advantaged families as they live in older derelict homes where old leaded paint can be chewed or even swallowed. A simple blood test can exclude this possibility. There may be problems with eyesight or hearing. It could be a low red cell blood amount (anemia) which will make the child listless or it could be a thyroid problem although this latter condition is much more common in adults than in children.

Apart from the medical examination, checking the child’s medical history and also the parents, a range of tests are given. These are known as rating scales. The basic idea is that they can be compared to other children who are the same age. There are two scales for parents which try to find out what exactly the child’s symptoms are (this is called Conners’ Parent Rating Scale) and also a sort of checklist for behavioural problems known as the Child behaviour Checklist. The same checklists and rating scales are also given to the teachers to record how the child behaves in the classroom. As you can see a test for ADHD is quite complex.

Then the SNAP checklist (called after its inventors, Swanson, Nolan and Pelham) is used to assess all the answers as set down in the manual DSM IV. These rating scales and tests are not totally reliable and indeed the The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that rating scales are used in conjunction with other means as they are not the only tests to diagnose ADD and ADHD.

Once an ADHD diagnosis has been made you may wish to do some research on the ADHD medications which your doctor may prescribe. As you know, the side effects of these drugs (they are mind altering drugs after all) may cause more problems that they resolve as the side effects can sometimes be alarming to say the least. You will also want to do research on ADHD natural cures which are free of side effects and absolutely safe.

Technorati Tags: About, ADHD, Diagnose, Every, Know, Needs, Parent, Tests

Facts about ADHD are not hard to find! There is a wealth of information on the Internet and that ranges from websites sponsored by the drug companies to ADHD forums and blogs. The main problem is that certain facts on ADHD are not published because of vested interests. Take two recent news items for example.

Big Pharm has been suffering a few setbacks recently as regards ADHD medications which have gained them millions and millions of dollars over the years. The first setback has come from Congress where certain investigations have revealed that top scientists have accepted payments from the drug companies in exchange for favourable reports on their drugs for ADHD children.

Maybe you are wondering why these facts about ADHD did not get on the front page ?

The second one comes from a report that the effects of ADHD medications in the long term were beneficial and even outweighed behaviour therapy. That was a report in 1999 and got great publicity from the drug companies. But the latest research shows that this is just not the case as ADHD medication in the long term will not solve any of the problems of hyperactivity, distractability or lack of focus.

Let us be charitable and say that certain facts about ADHD are not given as much prominence as they should ! The drug companies will never admit that they do not know exactly how the ADHD meds work on children’s brains. All we know is that certain elements in the brain such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine are essential in carrying messages to the brain and if there are faults in this process, then the ADHD symptoms such as inattention, restlessness and lack of focus will interfere with the child’s development.

ADHD is one of the most mysterious conditions which is now diagnosed in millions of children and adults every year. Facts about ADHD are legion but nobody knows exactly what causes it, the methods for diagnosis are often subjective and there is no reliable clinical test. Treatment is just a minefield and the drug companies spend millions in doing a PR job which is both awesome and scary. Why not try to look at the facts on ADHD through a different perspective ? The site below will tell you a few facts which will surprise you.

Technorati Tags: About, ADHD, Facts, Know, Much, Really

It’s unbelievable but the most widely used drug for ADHD therapy (known as Ritalin) has increased by 9,000% over a ten year period in the UK! Many parents are asking this question :- Does this mean that the number of children needing ADHD therapy has increased by that figure or is this drug being prescribed en masse for children with problems? ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is widely misdiagnosed as well. They also frequently ask if ADHD alternative therapy is available and above all, if it is free from side effects.

First Fact – Many parents are beginning to question the standard medication (psychostimulants) for ADHD therapy and are worried about the side effects. Another very popular drug (Adderall) has been withdrawn in Canada because there were legitimate concerns and some evidence to show that children with heart problems were suffering from alarming side effects. In any case, children on these psychostimulant drugs have to be monitored for heart and blood pressure which also sets alarm bells ringing for worried parents.

Second Fact :- Weight gain and metabolic disorders have been reported in children using psychostimulant drugs for ADHD. The University of Florida reported in 2007 around 50% of all children (from 5 -12 year olds) diagnosed with ADHD were prescribed these drugs. The FDA is worried that warnings issued to doctors are not sufficient and that these drugs are not being correctly prescribed.

Third Fact :- Just this week, The Times reported that Risperdal which is tranquilizer with some awful side effects

is being prescribed for children with ADHD. The alarming fact is that this drug is suitable only for children suffering from bipolar disorder, NOT for children with ADHD! The FDA is asking why up to 16% of pediatric patients were given this drug when they only had ADHD. This figure was for a three year period.

Fourth Fact : There are many ways of treating ADHD apart from conventional medication which, as we have seen above, has alarming side effects on the children who take them. ADHD alternative therapy can take many forms such as family therapy, visual therapy, homeopathy and hypnotherapy. Many parents are asking if there are herbal remedies for ADHD therapy and if this a valid alternative.

Fifth Fact :- Hyperactive children when they take psychostimulant drugs are stimulated as the name suggests. You might think that stimulation is the last thing a hyperactive ADHD sufferer needs but it does help the brain to stay focused and the child will pay more attention as a result, thus improve concentration and control restlessness. There are lots of herbal ingredients (Gingko Biloba and Brahmi just to mention two) which can stimulate the brain just as effectively as the drugs do and there are no damaging side effects. If you click on the link below the article, you will find a list of herbal stimulants which are a much safer alternative therapy for ADHD.

Believe me, many parents are now seeking ADHD alternative therapy as they realize that conventional medication with psychostimulants is damaging their children’s health. Now that you are armed with this information, you can click on the link below which will give you all the information you need on ADHD alternative therapy which is safe for your child.

Technorati Tags: ADHD, Facts, Five, therapy

When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, it can be a confusing and devastating blow. Prescription drugs are often the first line of defense for the disorder. Common side effects such as insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, decreased appetite, allergic reactions, and unforeseen long-term complications lead many people to seek alternative therapies.

Luckily, there are many herbal supplements for ADHD that can balance the brain chemistry without the unwanted side effects of prescription medication. Studies performed on the psychological effects of herbs have revealed benefits for many brain and performance parameters. These benefits also extend to ADHD patients as they have natural stimulating properties and positive effects on the nervous system.

Some of the most effective herbal supplements for treating ADHD include Ginkgo Biloba, American Ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Grape Seed Extract, and Pine Bark (Pycnogenol). These herbal supplements for ADHD have been reported effective time and again by children and adults diagnosed with the disorder, and most have been validated by scientific studies.

Ginkgo Biloba is one of the most effective herbal supplements for treating ADHD. It improves blood flow, brain function, memory, and concentration. Studies have shown that combining Ginkgo with American Ginseng can treat symptoms of ADHD in many children.

St. John’s Wort is one of the classic herbal supplements for ADHD. It has been used for years to increase serotonin availability in the brain. Not only is it the most popular alternative anti-depressant prescribed, it is also very effective in the treatment of ADHD. St. John’s Wort is particularly useful in the treatment of the limbic system sub-type of Attention Deficit Disorder.

Grape Seed Extract is another of the most frequently used herbal supplements for treating ADHD. It is becoming increasingly common for physicians to prescribe this extract instead of prescription medication as a first line of defense. Although the exact mechanism that makes grape seed extract so effective is unknown, it is believed to inhibit the breakdown of dopamine in the brain, which happens faster than normal in ADHD patients.

Pine Bark is also an up and comer in the world of herbal supplements for ADHD. Also known as Pycnogenol, this supplement is a complex of flavanoids from the French maritime pine tree. It is a powerful antioxidant that increases circulation, improves capillary health, and reduces free radicals. These properties combine to increase duration and effectiveness of the brain’s neurotransmitters. Pycnogenol can cross the brain’s blood barrier, which almost no other substance can do. It has been found especially helpful in treating children with ADHD.

Diet, exercise, and herbal supplements for treating ADHD may be the answer to your prayers if you are searching for an alternative to drug therapy. These are just some of the many herbal supplements for ADHD that have been proven effective. Find what works best for your child and speak to your doctor about any changes in medication or the addition of herbal supplements for treating ADHD.

Technorati Tags: ADHD, herbal, Supplements, tried

The problem with adult attention deficit disorder medications is that they are not the definitive solution to ADHD. They have to be taken in conjunction with behaviour therapy and or life coaching which will really help the adult in time management and coping with day to day tasks.

The main medications recommended for adults now are :-Adderall XR, Concerta, Vyvanse, Strattera. These are all basically amphetamines and there is a very clear warning on all the drug packets that they have the potential for abuse and addiction. You just have to think of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash to realise what they can do to people. ADHD natural remedies do NOT have this problem but they do not have the Big Pharm to promote them.

When you read the ADHD blogs, you find heartbreaking stories about college students who probably have ADHD but are afraid or embarrassed to seek help simply because they will be seen as drug seekers! These drugs are a very hot product on university campuses at the moment. I know some students who are convinced they have ADHD and are considering getting the adult attention deficit disorder medications illegally with all the risks that could involve. These are genuine cases but then there are many students who use the drugs illicitly just to help them get through exams. They hardly know what ADHD is and have never had to take adult attention deficit disorder medications in their lives

I know there is a school in Indiana which has 3,000 students and one of the students there has said that probably up to 60% of the kids there are dealing in Adderall and other ADHD meds. Did you know that you can pay up to $15 for just two Adderall pills? Medications for attention deficit is turning out to be a profitable niche for many students. The situation on the university campuses is no different.

Before taking any adult attention deficit disorder medications the patient and indeed the parent of any child in the same position, has to consider the medical implications carefully. Basically these medications can be dangerous for patients with certain medical conditions such as heart and blood pressure problems. ECGs are standard practice now before medication is started. There has to be careful monitoring during treatment to make sure that there are no adverse side effects.

Medications for attention deficit are not getting a good press at the moment as their potential side effects and possible potential for drug abuse can no longer be ignored by the FDA who have to issue regular warnings on the drug packets. Many patients, both adults and children are now moving over to ADHD natural remedies which have no side effects, are non-addictive. They are prepared by qualified homeopaths in a FDA registered facility. To find out more, why not click on the link below?

Technorati Tags: adult, attention, deficit, disorder, Facts, medications

Are you just plain fed up with hearing about ADHD drugs and all the horror stories that go with them? You will not be surprised to hear that ADHD natural cures are becoming more popular. Why? At the end of the day, the parent has to weigh up the benefits, risks and cost of any treatment they will opt for. I can tell you that ADHD natural cures score very highly. If they are combined with a sensible nutrition program with some behavioural therapy, then that is probably the best therapy there is.

Any kid growing up with ADHD and who is not treated at all, will risk taking it into adulthood with all the problems that is going to bring in the workplace and in social relationships. I know a guy who spent his youth bouncing off walls, felt a failure at school and ended up with severe depression. The problem with treating ADHD with psychostimulants is that their side effects are often so troublesome that they end up taking several medications to combat the side effects. With ADHD natural cures, that is just NOT a problem as there are no side effects and you never will have a problem changing the medication, the dose and having to put the child through ECGs and other awful medical monitoring. The remedies are easy to administer as well.

Very often, schools insist on having the ADHD child treated with psychostimulant drugs that are now household names – Vyvense, Concerta, Adderall XR and the notorious Ritalin which has been on the market for 40 years. Training teachers to cope with ADHD kids might be a better idea. To reduce squirming and fidgeting in class, students are now given stability balls to sit on. These allow them to wriggle a bit more but they have to concentrate more to stay sitting and this improves concentration. The stability balls helped all students but especially those with ADHD as their restlessness decreased. The drug companies claim that ADHD meds will improve concentration and help them to stay focused but at what price ? That they have to be listless, depressed and lose their appetite? Again, treating attention deficit disorder naturally, these problems do not exist.

In looking at costs and whether these are covered by your medical insurance, ADHD natural cures are much less expensive than all the psychostimulant drugs out there which are all basically amphetamines! So why is the nation spending a fortune on mind altering drugs for our children when the risks of addiction and abuse are only sadly too well known? In treating attention deficit disorder naturally,you will never even have to worry about that or have sleepless nights. There is no risk of addiction at all with these remedies. To find out more about their safety, standards of manufacture and their guarantees, click on this link. You can then make your choice weighing up the benefits, risks and costs.

Technorati Tags: ADHD, better, Cures, natural, Round, Solution