Natural treatment for ADHD
We do not
have first hand experience treating ADHD, but based on our general knowledge of herbs
and nutrients, there are several natural supplements that are worthwhile for researchers
to study. These include
acetyl-l-carnitine
(see the study below), DMAE.
Fish oils and maybe
krill oil could also be helpful. For fish
oil s information.
We will update this page as we come across information about herbs or
supplements helpful in the therapy of ADHD symptoms.
High Quality products formulated by a
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Pycnogenol for ADHD
Urinary catecholamines in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD): modulation by a polyphenolic extract from pine bark pycnogenol.
Nutr Neurosci. 2007 Jun-Aug. Dvoráková M, Jezová D, Blazícek P,
Trebatická J, Skodácek I, Suba J, Iveta W, Rohdewald P, Duracková Z. Department
of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of
Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
Urine catecholamine concentrations were measured in attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder ADHD children and healthy controls. ADHD children
received either placebo or Pycnogenol, a bioflavonoid extract from the pine
bark, for one month. Concentrations of catecholamines were higher in urine of
ADHD patients compared to those of healthy children. Moreover, noradrenaline
concentrations positively correlated with degree of hyperactivity of ADHD
children. In ADHD patients, adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations
positively correlated with plasma levels of oxidized glutathione. The treatment
of ADHD children with pycnogenol caused decrease of dopamine and trend of
adrenaline and noradrenaline decrease. The data provide further evidence for the
overactivity of the noradrenergic system in ADHD and demonstrate that adrenaline
release may be increased, as well. Treatment of ADHD children with pycnogenol
normalized catecholamine concentrations, leading to less hyperactivity, and,
consequently, to reduced oxidative stress.
Heart problems with ADHD
drugs
The use of stimulants by children and teenagers with
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is to blame for an increased
number of visits to the emergency room or doctor's office because of
heart-related symptoms. ADHD drugs, like Adderall and Ritalin, are known to
raise blood pressure and heart rate.
Methylphenidate causes heart
attack in ADHD patient
Acute Myocardial Infarction Related to Methylphenidate for Adult Attention
Deficit Disorder.
Emergency Medicine. 2007 Nov 14; Division of Cardiovascular Services,
University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi.
Medications, such as methylphenidate, are commonly prescribed for the treatment
of ADHD, but the
long-term safety of such medications in an adult population is unknown at
present. Because these ADHD medications are closely related to amphetamines, it
is expected that toxic side effects would be similar. We present the case of a
27-year-old man who suffered an acute myocardial infarction due to coronary
vasospasm related to use of methylphenidate complicated by concomitant use of
pseudoephedrine.
Strattera medication for
ADHD
Atomoxetine, generic for Straterra, is effective and well tolerated for the
acute treatment of children and adolescents suffering from ADHD. Atomoxetine
should be considered as an interesting medication option in the treatment of
ADHD in association with non pharmacological therapeutic interventions. However,
long term safety of Strattera is not clear as of January 2008.
Brain development slower in
children with ADHD
Children and teenagers with ADHD have developmental delays in some
regions of the brain. The sequence in which different parts of the brain mature
in kids with ADHD is similar as in healthy kids. It's just that everything is
delayed by a couple of years. Delays are most pronounced in regions of the brain
that are important for controlling thought, attention and planning.
ADHD Symptom in child
The core symptoms of ADHD in a child include inattention, hyperactivity and
impulsivity. Children with ADHD may experience significant functional problems, such as
school difficulties, academic underachievement, troublesome interpersonal relationships
with family members and peers, and low self-esteem. Symptoms of ADHD in a child
mayl appear slowly over the course of many months. It is likely that the ADHD
symptoms of impulsiveness and hyperactivity may come before those of
inattention. Different ADHD symptoms may appear in different settings, depending
on the demands the situation may pose for the child's self-control. An ADHD
child who "can't sit still" or is otherwise disruptive will be noticeable in
school. The impulsive child who acts before thinking may be considered just a
"discipline problem," while the ADHD child who is passive or sluggish may be
viewed as merely unmotivated.
ADHD Treatment
Over the years many attempts have been made to find natural therapies for ADHD
in order to avoid the use of stimulants. Very little research has been done in this area
since the medical profession has focused their attention almost exclusively on the use of
stimulant drugs. It does seem probable that some nutrients or herbs could eventually be
found to be helpful. Children who begin taking medication in elementary school
to control attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder ADHD tend to quit taking the
medication in junior high or high school while they still have symptoms of the
disorder. They may start up again in college.
The use of drugs to treat ADHD has more than tripled
worldwide since 1993. And spending on such ADHD drugs rose nine-fold between
1993 and 2003. "ADHD could become the leading childhood disorder treated with
medications across the globe.
Diet and ADHD
One study indicated that highly unsaturated
fatty acids could well be helpful. Perhaps fish oils can be tried for three or
four months to see if there is an improvement.
Was Dr. Feingold right?
Artificial food colorings and
benzoate preservatives increase hyperactive behavior in preschool children.
Tests on children show differences in their behavior when they drink fruit
drinks spiked with a mixture of food colorings and preservatives. Adverse
effects are not just seen in children with extreme hyperactivity (such as ADHD)
but can also be seen in the general population and across the range of
severities of hyperactivity. Some of the additives and preservatives in foods
include sunset yellow coloring, also known as E110; carmoisine, or E122;
tartrazine, or E102; ponceau 4R, or E124; the preservative sodium benzoate, or
E211; and other colors.
ADHD Research Update
Artificial food colorings and benzoate
preservatives increase hyperactive behavior symptoms in preschool children. Despite claims about the detrimental behavioral effects of
artificial food colorings and preservatives, the authors explain in Archives of Disease in Childhood, there have been no broad studies of the
prevalence of ADHD symptoms related to intolerance to food additives. Dr. John
O. Warner from Southampton General Hospital, UK, and colleagues studied the
impact of artificial food colorings and benzoate preservative on ADHD symptoms of
277 preschool children. At the start, 36 children had ADHD and
allergies, 75 were only hyperactive, 79 had only allergies, and 87 did not have
either condition. Parents' ratings of their children's hyperactivity fell after
withdrawal of food additives from the children's diets.
ADHD symptom emails
Q. I find your adhd page to be very informative. I have done a great deal of
reading on adhd. Sources say that add / adhd is strongly linked to a
norepinephrine deficiency in the limbic system (makes people unable to filter
out unimportant stimuli) and also low dopamine (makes sense since ritalin, etc
target norepinephrine and dopamine). It seems some of the nutrients recommended
on the page are acetylcholine enhancers (carnitine, dmae) which i found
surprising since Ach is anti-dopaminergic. I was wondering what the logic behind
this is and what your opinion is of taking natural substances that enhance
norepinephrine/dopamine (read that magnesium, calcium, b6, fish oil are
effective).
A. It really is difficult to pinpoint exactly the neurotransmitters
in ADHD since there could be a variety of brain chemicals, hormones, and other
substances in the brain acting in various ways and no two kids with ADHD are
going to be exactly alike in their brain chemistry problems. Hence, it may be a
matter of trial and error with supplements until the right one or combination is
found. More often that not, ADHD may be overdiagnosed and over treated.
Q. I have a young boy age 9 diagnosed with
ADHD and displays all the character signs that go with this. Last year my son
was failing at school so I intervened alongside with a pediatrician and advice
given to put him on Ritalin. My son thrived he can now read, write and
concentrate (until the drug wears off). My son craves milk products and after
much research on this and testing , deficiencies of serotonin kept on
prevailing. I don't want my son on this drug and have tried everything from
programs, treatments, balance and diet techniques but nothing is persistent. As
tryptophan is not available in Australia (but is allowed to be shipped?) I ask
of you if a personal trial is available for my son ?. I would be prepared to
give any details or information you need if you would consider my proposal.
A. We have not seen any research to indicate serotonin is involved
in ADHD, hence we don't think 5-htp or
tryptophan would be helpful.
For more tryptophan serotonin
information.
Q. I have an ADHD child (inattentive not
hyper) - she’s 10. Weighs about 60 pounds. He ADHD symptom is that she cannot
fall asleep at night –it takes anywhere from 1 to 4 hours for her to do so. I do
not medicate her for ADHD – tried a bit here and there but don’t see the
benefits. Has their been any review of the use of 5-HTP product for ADHD symptom
purposes (attention, clarity, etc.) and/or for children for sleep.
A. We are not familiar with research with 5-HTP used in children to
treat ADHD symptoms.
Q. Are there supplements for ADHD
children? I have a 15 year old on Concerta and I am so tired of seeing his highs
and lows with loss of appetite and no energy. It's sad but Concerta does help
his concentration. I would like a natural approach to see if that would balance
him out so he still has a personality and appetite.
A. We wish him well. We have some options for natural supplements
for ADHD in children listed at the top of the page, but it is difficult to
predict which will work in any one child. It may take a matter of trial and
error.
Q. I have a touch of ADD Attention Deficit
Disorder I think - my attention sometimes drifts involuntarily away from a task
at hand. I don't have hyperactivity, the 'anxious-shy attribute', the
'psychosomatic attribute', etc - and I'm 56 years old (not a child). Do you
think Mind Power Rx might help?
A. It is difficult to predict in any one person what supplement
would help, but Mind Power Rx can improve attention, focus, and mental clarity.
Q. My daughter is mildly ADD and has never
been on prescription drugs. Now that she is in high school, there is a stronger
need to manage her symptoms, which are primarily of the focus variety. She is
adult size and 16 years old. I would like some advice regarding helpful products
and supplements she might take for ADHD.
A. Please ask her doctor to read this page and make the decision
for her.