Natural Remedies

ADHD In Children

General characteristics of children with ADHD

So first - what are the features that many ADHD children share? Here I am going to speak moreabout my observations of ADHD, rather than what the textbooks say. Every parent will identify with this! Over the years, I have seen many children with ADHD type problems in my practice and, quite frankly, the parents and the children have often taught me more than the textbooks have! Obviously, not all children show exactly the same symptoms and these may or may not apply to your child.

The textbooks distinguish between ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). So one of the most common features of children with ADHD is therefore hyperactivity. They don’t stop! They may have difficulty sitting still in class (or anywhere!) and even struggle to lie still for long enough to fall asleep at night.

They also struggle to pay attention. This is usually due to a combination of two things - short attention span and high levels of distractibility. Most of us have the ability to focus on something we are doing and to effectively ’shut out’ sounds and other stimuli that are not important to the task at hand. ADHD children will try to focus, but are unable to minimize other distractions like traffic outside, dogs barking, a bird cheeping, etc. They also become distracted by their own thoughts! The only thing some children are able to focus on is TV or perhaps a computer game, due to the hypnotic nature of these activities.

Other features are difficulty in planning activities (always intending to do something but never managing to get round to it or complete it), losing or misplacing possessions, forgetting things, impulsiveness, recklessness and invading the personal space of other children and even adults. Because they are often in trouble, ADHD children may also develop poor self-esteem and can also become angry and frustrated very easily. They often appear to be immature for their ages and may learn to lie and deceive to try and avoid trouble. Sometimes there are associated learning problems like poor handwriting, reading and calculation problems and difficulty distinguishing left from right. While most children will experience some of these symptoms at times, in the ADHD child they may be frequent and severe.

Have your child diagnosed

The first thing to do if you suspect or are told that your child has ADHD is to have him assessed. Many well-meaning doctors simply prescribe very strong drugs like Ritalin without having the child assessed by a psychologist to determine what the problem really is. Some causes of ADHD type symptoms are food intolerance, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), allergies, low muscle tone, perceptual difficulties, nutritional problems, candida, hyperthyroidism, Tourettes Disorder, brain dysfunction, family and emotional problems, poor discipline, depressionand other conditions. Each of these problems would require different treatment and some may even be exacerbated by Ritalin. So assess before prescribing is the golden rule! If your child has already been assessed and diagnosed and is taking prescription medication, be aware that there ARE alternatives!

Now that we have covered some of the features and possible causes of ADHD type symptoms, let’s have a look athow tomanage your child in ways that will be kind, firm and effective. If you are very consistent with some of these suggestions and interventions, you may even find that your child’s ’symptoms’ disappear or become much less severe (as I see in almost 90% of the children that I treat if parents are committed to the process!)
Examine your child’s diet

The first thing to look at is your child’s diet. While some professionals dismiss this as nonsense, I have see some spectacular changes in children once certain foods have been removed from their diets. Not all children respond, but there are definitely some children who do - and quite dramatically! Things to avoid are soda pops (especially cola drinks), anything with caffeine (again cola drinks, coffee, Ceylon tea and chocolate), food with high sugar content as well as anything containing tartrazine (an artificial food coloring) or artificial preservatives. One must make allowances for the occasional treat and freedom to enjoy a birthday party for example, but educate your child and be firm about what he may and may not eat, especially on school days.
Limit distractions

Secondly, limit the hours spent watching television and playing computer games (Here the family will have to be disciplined as well) I advise no television on school nights and perhaps two hours in total during the weekend. No television before school. Television and computer games in excess affect the child’s ability to concentrate at school and can also cause reading problems in sensitive children.
Maintain routine and consistency.

Thirdly, maintain as much routine and consistency in your child’s life as possible. ADHD children respond very well to routine and ritual as it helps them to use their limited concentration abilities on other things and also helps them to feel safer. If your child is little, have a definite bedtime and stick to it. Have a routine at night (dinner, shower, story, lights out) and keep it the same every night. Try to avoid major or frequent changes if possible. Ensure that family relationships are stable. All children need this, but ADHD children find conflict and chaos in the family even more difficult to handle and often show this by becoming out of control and disobedient.

Be very consistent in your discipline. If you are a two-parent family, try and follow through and keep all rules the same and do not allow inconsistency. What applies to today must apply to tomorrow. Don’t be tempted to allow your child to ‘get away’ with something because YOU are tired, for example!

While on the subject of discipline, try not to use physical punishment likehitting your child and try hard not to shout and yell. Rather work out a system of ‘points’ or rewards along with a system of ‘consequences’ and apply it very firmly. It is very easy to become frustrated with ADHD children and they are often punished and yelled at. Teachers and parents tend to say hurtful things like ‘YOU NEVER listen!’ or ‘What’s WRONG with you?!’ and all of these things become part of the child’s self concept, causing further behavioral and emotional problems.

Communicate with your child

Younger children may have to be taught social skills more carefully than the average child. Most children learn about social cues and messages almost automatically. Children who are impulsive or have difficulty paying attention often misinterpret social cues. They may snatch toys, push in front of other children or interfere with their games. They may be labeled selfish or called bullies. Try and be patient and explain to them what is the right thing to do, rather than yelling at them. Say “Johnny was mad at you because he was busy with a puzzle and then you tried to do it for him. Try and find one to do by yourself” or “People sometimes feel uncomfortable if we stand very close to them. We each have our own space that we like to keep. Pretend that you have a hula hoop around you and don’t get closer than the hula hoop space!”

This may seem simple, but think about it carefully! GET YOUR CHILD’S ATTENTION BEFORE YOU GIVE AN INSTRUCTION! Do not communicate with your child from one room to another, for example. Some children may cope with this, but it is difficult for ADHD children to focus on what you are saying. Call your child. Stand in front of her. Look in her eyes and say her name -say “Jane, look at Mom. I want you to go and take a shower, OK?” Keep eye contact all the way through the instruction. Make sure your child replies to you and says “Yes, Mom” before she runs off. If she fails to carry out the instruction, call her back and get eye contact again. Kindly but firmly say “What did I just ask you to do?” Repeat your instruction if necessary.

Tell your child WHEN you want something done. If you say “I want you to take a shower” or “Go and do your chores” your child will readily agree - and then not do anything! You must always try to give some warning to get your child used to the idea first - “In five minutesit will be time for your shower, OK” (Remember to do this with eye contact) Then when the time comes, say “I want you to take your shower now.”

Give ONE instruction at a time! Most parents are guilty of not doing this at the best of times! If your child struggles to pay attention and remember things it makes sense to say one thing at a time. So don’t say “I want you go to your room, get undressed, put your clothes in the laundry, take a shower and then do your homework. Oh - and don’t forget to feed the dog!” The chances are good that your child will follow the first instruction (”Go to your room”) and then get lost in some other activity!

Help an older child to learn to use check lists and other prompts to assist his memory. (e.g. “Before leaving school, I must have three things - school bag, lunch box and sweaters.” “When I get home, I must tick off my chores on the list I have pinned up in my room”) Devise a reward system should the lists work for a whole week.

Speak often to your child’s teachers. Tell them what works for you and hear what works for them. Communicate with the teachers on a regular basis so that you know what is happening in your child’s life outside the home and don’t only find things out when they are too far advanced.

While on the subject of school, ADHD children tend to function better in smaller classes (less distraction) with teachers who are kind, consistent, patient, butvery firm and who communicate clearly! It is usually better for them to sit in front of the class and in a place which has the least distractions.

Play games that promote concentration, listening skills and memory

A good one is the alphabet game. It can bef played by two or more people.The first person thinks of an animal name that begins with ‘A’. (e.g. Antelope). The next person repeats this and adds one with ‘B’, (e.g. bear). So she says ‘Antelope, Bear’. The next person then thinks of an animal beginning with the letter ‘C’ (e.g. Cow) and says ‘Antelope, Bear, Cow’. Continue until the whole alphabet is used up. It can be quite fun and is excellent for promoting listening skills, memoryand concentration.

You can also play the Shopping List game. Again using the alphabet, each person thinks of an item of shopping beginning with the relevant letter and says “I went to the store and bought some………” Turn by turn the list is repeated and a new item added on each time. The last round would look something like this “I went to the store and bought some apples, butter, cabbage, donuts, eggs, fish, grapes, ham, ice pops, jelly, kleenex, lettuce, mayo, nectarines, onions, plums, quinces, rice, sausage, tomatoes, umbrellas, vitamins, water, xerox paper, yams and zucchini!

For visual memory and concentration, ask your children to cut out pictures of five or more items and paste them on a page. Each child gets a turn to show her picture to the group for 10 seconds and then turn it face down. Every child then writes down the items that he can remember. See who can remember all the items! The older the children, the more items should be used.

Games like ‘Simon Says’ and ‘Statues’ are familiar to all of us from our childhood and also help to promote listening skills. There are many inexpensive card games which one can buy which help to develop memory and concentration skills. Pay a visit to your local toy shop and see what you can find.

Consider alternatives to strong prescription drugs and inform yourself about the side effects in the long and the short term (see the reading list below). Some children respond very well to homeopathic remedies for ADHD. I have formulated a homeopathic remedy called ‘BrightSpark’ which I have used for years in my practice and which has helped many children, especially if the above guidelines are also followed.

Above all, make a special effort to highlight positives in your child. It is something we all need! Make time to have fun and spend time with your child and keep the communication channels open. Tell him that you love him and admire him and show him often by giving him a hug!

Recommended reading:

No More Ritalin: Treating Adhd Without Drugs

The A.D.D. Book: New Understandings, New Approaches to Parenting Your Child

Learning To Slow Down & Pay Attention: A Book for Kids About Adhd

This article is provided courtesy of Native Remedies.

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Natural Remedies for ADHD and ADD: An Alternative to Prescribing Ritalin for Children

When your child is diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, deciding on the best form of treatment can be an extremely draining and intensely personal process. Recent headlines about dangerous side effects of commonly prescribed drugs such as Ritalin and Concerta can leave parents feeling ashamed of their decision to give their children these medications.

It is important to remember that while some children who take these drugs do experience alarming side effects, many are treated effectively. But it is also important to be informed of alternatives, and to know about natural medications and ingredients that have shown to be both highly effective and safe.

In order to make the best decision about treating your child, you need to understand what the most commonly doctor-prescribed drugs are and what they do.

Stimulants (such as Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta) increase brain activity and tend to increase a child’s alertness and ability to pay attention. The most common side effects of these drugs are mood changes, headaches, irritability, insomnia and loss of appetite. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration received reports that Concerta was producing more serious side effects such as psychosis, hallucinations and suicidal thoughts among some users.

Non-Stimulants, such as Strattera, increase attention and impulse control by monitoring a brain chemical believed to affect those behaviors. Side effects similarly include moodiness, fatigue and decreased appetite.

Anti-depressants, such as Wellbutrin, relieve anxiety and regulate mood by altering brain chemical composition. These drugs are commonly prescribed to children suffering from both ADHD and depression. Side effects can include dizziness, weight loss and suicidal thoughts.

Many natural remedies for ADHD and ADD have proven to be equally effective and can be excellent alternatives to prescribing Ritalin for children as the homeopathic medications do not produce the same disturbing side effects.

When researching natural remedies as a treatment for ADHD, look for ingredients which have been shown to be the most useful. One of these is Centella Asiatica (also called Gotu Kola), a natural ingredient known to reduce anxiety levels and enhance memory and brain function. Recent studies show that it may also help increase blood flow to the brain and improve general circulation.

Another popular ingredient, Green Oats (also called Avena sativa), acts as a nerve tonic whose calming effects grow with time and consistent use.

Panax Ginseng, a Chinese herb, has been shown in studies to strengthen the immune system, reduce stress and fatigue, increase motivation, and normalize body functions.

There are many natural remedies available that focus specifically on child ADHD treatment. Every child is unique and will react uniquely to medication, so trust your instincts and give the remedy time to take effect. As always, consult a doctor if you have questions, but you may find that homeopathic medications provide your child with a safe and natural path to an ADHD symptom-free life.

This article is provided courtesy of Native Remedies.

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Diagnosing ADHD in Adults: Recognizing Adult ADHD Symptoms and Evaluating Options for Treatment

Although it is commonly believed to be a condition that primarily affects children, it is estimated that 12 to 15 million American adults also suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. But because child ADHD treatment and symptoms can differ slightly from adult ADHD and treatment, and because research into adult ADHD is still in its early stages, many adults do not know how to evaluate whether they are suffering from the disorder.

There is no single test that will identify ADHD, and there are no specific genetic or biological indicators that will lead to a diagnosis. Instead, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will conduct a comprehensive evaluation which will include extensive examination of past behavior, and should also include a physical exam to rule out any other possible source of the symptoms.

ADHD symptoms differ from person to person, but according to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is often used in ADHD research studies, they can include:

-Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
-Often losing things necessary for tasks or activities
-Often easily distracted by outside stimuli
-Not listening when spoken to directly
-Difficulty awaiting turn
-Difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly

All of the symptoms listed by the APA (and these are just a few) are meant to describe those found in children, but they can be used as a general guideline for adults as well. However, adult symptoms can manifest themselves in more subtle ways, and the hyperactivity seen in children is often less evident in adults. Instead, adults may be restless, on edge, and have trouble relaxing.

Diagnosing ADHD in adults is made more complex by the variety of conditions which can share similar symptoms. These conditions include drug or alcohol dependency, depression and thyroid dysfunction.

Although recognizing adult ADHD symptoms can be difficult, once diagnosed, adults have many options for treatment. Stimulant drugs such as Ritalin, which are often prescribed for children, have not been approved by the FDA for treatment of adults. They may still be effective, but can potentially produce unwanted side effects. Certain homeopathic remedies have also been found to be extremely effective in some patients. Homeopathic ingredients such as Avina Sativa (Green Oats) and Gingo Biloba are among those which can help alleviate symptoms.

Many studies agree that medication should be just one facet of treatment. Behavioral and psychological treatment, or what is called a “multimodal” approach, should be considered as well. Armed with good information and a certain amount of patience, you should be able to obtain an accurate diagnosis and explore effective treatments for your condition.

This article is provided courtesy of Native Remedies.

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ADHD and Diet: Is There a Link Between Sugar and Hyperactivity, and Is There Really an Effective Diet

In the 1970’s, Dr. Ben Feingold developed what came to be known as the “Feingold Diet” after he thought he noticed a link between certain foods and hyperactivity in children. The ingredients he flagged to avoid were mostly food additives which he thought were causing allergic reactions in some of his patients, but sugar was also on the list.

For years following, Dr. Feingold’s theory grew in popularity and acceptance, but the theory was based only on his patient’s testimonials, and a link between sugar and hyperactivity has yet to be proven in studies.

While there is not overwhelming conclusive evidence that any particular food will cause or prevent hyperactivity, a well-balanced diet that is rich in a variety of brain-healthy foods will benefit anyone, and some preliminary studies have found certain food types to have a positive effect on children with ADHD.

Contrary to Dr. Feingold’s theory, some recent studies have shown that large amounts of sugar can have a numbing effect on children and can actually induce tiredness. These days, most doctors agree that while limited amounts of sugar are acceptable in a diet, large amounts can be harmful in a variety of ways, even if sugar has not been shown to have a particularly negative effect on ADHD and treatment of it.

One study by the George Washington University School of Medicine found that children who ate a protien-rich meal performed as well or better afterwards in school than children without ADHD. Foods that are high in protien include meat, fish, milk, yogurt, beans, peanut butter and eggs.

There is also various research, including a study done by Oxford University in London, which suggests that including Omega-3 fatty acids in hyperactive children’s diets will moderate their ADHD symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids are often lacking in the average American diet, but can be found in salmon, mackarel, sardines and flax oil.

Both protiens and omega-3 fatty acids should be a part of everyone’s diets, and it is important to remember to moderate your child’s intake of any one food group. In general, green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protiens and healthy fats should all be included in your child’s daily diet.

Removing as many simple and refined carbohydrates as possible from your child’s diet could have a positive effect as well. These kinds of carbohydrates include candy, cake, white bread, potatoes, white rice, and pasta, and are broken down very quickly by the body, often causing surges and dips in energy. Instead of white bread and white rice, try substituting whole grain versions of the foods, and give your child fruit instead of cake or candy.

While it might be impossible to eliminate all of the suggested items from your child’s diet, it should be possible to moderate them in favor of healthier foods. Although there is no specific diet proven to be an effective child ADHD treatment, a healthy mix of fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fats and protiens promotes general well-being and will also help eliminate the possibility of your child suffering from a nutritional deficiency that might be affecting his or her behavior.

This article is provided courtesy of Native Remedies.

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Natural ADD Supplements: What are the Best Natural Remedies for ADD?

The medical and behavioral side effects of ADD medications such as Ritalin and Adderall have many parents searching for natural alternatives for their children. While traditional medications can be effective, the risks are many, and reactions differ from child to child. As parents become disillusioned with prescription ADD medications or simply decide to try natural alternatives first, more and more are turning to natural ADD supplements. And as more natural medications are developed, more is known about the ingredients that are most effective in treating the symptoms of ADD.

Ginko Biloba is one of the best-known natural remedies for ADD. It helps to increase neurotransmitter levels and blood flow to the brain, which aids the brain’s ability to focus. One of the most positive qualities of Ginko Biloba is the tendency of its effects to become permanent, which eventually renders continued use unnecessary. This quality is emblematic of many homeopathic ingredients.

Brahmi is an herb that is believed to have many positive effects on the brain, including an ability to increase overall cognitive function. It can help improve your child’s ability to learn, and recent research shows it might have an additional benefit of protecting the brain from free radicals.

Gotu Kola, otherwise known as Centella Asiatica, is an excellent child ADHD treatment (and ADD treatment) and can reduce reduce your child’s anxiety level and augment his or her brain funtion. It also enhances memory and has been shown in studies to improve blood flow to the brain and general circulation.

Skullcap is an herbal remedy for ADD that is used to treat common symptoms like restlessness and agitation. It can also aid in combatting insomnia.

St. John’s Wort is another natural supplement that should be taken long-term in order for its positive effects to become permanent. It should be used if your child is suffering from depression, insomnia, fear or anxiety.

All of these ingredients can alleviate many of the symptoms of ADD, and there are a variety of natural remedies on the market that combine some of the listed ingredients to produce successful results. Natural remedies are a predominantly safe and effective ADD treatment, and a popular alternative to prescription stimulants and other traditional ADD medications. Abruptly stopping prescription medication can be harmful to your child, so if you decide to take this step, consult your doctor before changing your child’s routine. Just as with traditional medications, it can take time for your child to feel the effects of natural supplements, and each child can react slightly differently. Hopefully, you will find that natural remedies have a positive influence on your child, and on your life.

This article is provided courtesy of Native Remedies.

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