Danger of medications
An FDA review of reports of serious cardiovascular adverse events in patients taking usual doses of ADHD medications revealed reports of sudden death in patients with underlying serious heart problems or defects, and reports of stroke and heart attack in adults with certain risk factors. Another FDA review of ADHD medicines revealed a slight increased risk (about 1 per 1,000) for drug-related psychiatric adverse events, such as hearing voices, becoming suspicious for no reason, or becoming manic, even in patients who did not have previous psychiatric problems.

Diet
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.

Natural treatment and alternative remedy
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 acetylcarnitine (see the study below), DMAE. It is possible that a high intake of fish oil s omega-3 fatty acids and maybe krill oil could also be helpful.  We will update this page as we come across information about herbs or supplements helpful in the natural therapy of ADHD symptoms.

I would like to ask if you would have any supplement suggestions for a six year old child that is having challenges with attention, focusing and retaining information?
    Before considering daily mind boosting supplements, it is important to address the basics: A good family home with support from parents and the rest of the family, healthy emotional interactions between mother and father, a healthy diet with lots of whole grains, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables and minimal amounts of sugar or junk foods, a home environment that has a lot of mental stimulation, a good amount of exercise and outdoor activity, and deep sleep are all enough to provide a foundation for optimal mental performance. If there is not enough fish in the diet, perhaps fish oil supplements could be helpful. Once the basics are covered, then supplements can be considered.

Is there any indication that galantamine is helpful?
    As of March 2010, we have not seen any research with galantamine regarding treating this brain condition.

5-HTP and tryptophan
I have a 10 daughter who weighs about 60 pounds. Her 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 – tried a bit here and there but don’t see the benefits. Has there been any review of the use of 5-HTP product for ADHD symptom purposes (attention, clarity, etc.) and/or for children for sleep.
   We are not familiar with research with 5-HTP used in children to treat such symptoms.

Could you tell me if 5 HTP would be helpful in a child with ADHD / OCD?
    It is not possible for us to predict such an outcome. One option, if the pediatrician approves, is to start with very low dosages such as 10 to 20 mg and then monitor the child's behavior.

Herbs
Since tongkat ali is a stimulant, would it help an adult with this condition?
   We doubt it, tongkat ali has too many side effects to be used daily.

Pycnogenol as therapy
Urinary catecholamines in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: modulation by a polyphenolic extract from pine bark pycnogenol.
Nutr Neurosci. 2007. Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
Urine catecholamine concentrations were measured in attention deficit hyperactivity disorderchildren 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. In ADHD patients, adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations positively correlated with plasma levels of oxidized glutathione. The treatment 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 and demonstrate that adrenaline release may be increased, as well. Treatment with Pycnogenol normalized catecholamine concentrations, leading to less hyperactivity, and, consequently, to reduced oxidative stress.

Tyrosine amino acid
I've just ordered L-Tyrosine supplement pills, and can't wait to try it. I have ADD, and a respected expert recommends doses up to 1500 mg 3 x a day. I was wondering how soon I will notice an effect?
    It is not possible to predict in any one individual whether a supplement will work or not and what the effective dosage and time frame will be. We are concerned that any amount over 500 mg a day can cause heart rhythm problems.

Was Dr. Feingold right? Artificial food colorings
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.

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.

Heart problems with ADHD drugs
The use of stimulants by children and teenagers with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is to blame for an increased number of visits to the emergency room or doctor's office because of heart-related symptoms. These drugs, like Adderall and Ritalin, are known to raise blood pressure and heart rate.

Concerta
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.
   We wish him well. We have some options for natural supplements for 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.

Methylphenidate causes heart attack
Acute Myocardial Infarction Related to Methylphenidate for Adult Attention Deficit Disorder.
Emergency Medicine. 2007; Division of Cardiovascular Services, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi.

Strattera medication
Atomoxetine, generic for Strattera, 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 association with non pharmacological therapeutic interventions. However, long term safety of Strattera is not clear as of 2011.

I take Stratera but the side effects are unpleasant, my mouth is dry all day, burning when I pee, unable to eat well. I am trying to replace this with vitamin or herbs.

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.

Obesity
Children with ADHD are at increased risk for being overweight, regardless of whether or not they are currently receiving medications for the condition. The impulsivity and poor behavioral regulation that is common in such children may promote certain eating patterns that increase the risk of obesity. Pediatrics, 2008.

Symptom in child
The core symptoms in a child include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Children may experience significant functional problems, such as school difficulties, academic underachievement, troublesome interpersonal relationships with family members and peers, and low self-esteem. Symptoms in a child may appear slowly over the course of many months. It is likely that symptoms of impulsiveness and hyperactivity may come before those of inattention. Different 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.

Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder who are not receiving medication often have sleep disturbances characterized by difficulty falling asleep and short duration of sleep and of REM sleep.

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 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 drugs rose nine-fold between 1993 and 2003. ADHD could become the leading childhood disorder treated with medications across the globe. No blood tests are available to make a diagnosis.

Neurotransmitters involved
I have read 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, targets 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).
   It really is difficult to pinpoint exactly the neurotransmitters involved 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  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.

I have a young boy age 9 diagnosed with ADHD. 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.
   We have not seen any research to indicate serotonin is involved, hence we don't think 5-htp or tryptophan would be helpful.