How can I treat ADHD has been a topic of conversation that has garnered a great deal of spirited discussion between those who believe natural alternative remedies are the best way of treating ADHD and the medical community that endorses the prescription medication approach. Trying to figure out the best approach for you or your child’s unique situation may depend a great deal on both attitudes towards natural solutions, severity of ADHD symptoms, and the presence or lack of coexisting conditions such as depression.
The conventional approach focuses on first balancing neurotransmitter activity (dopamine, norepinephrine). Once this stabilization has been deemed effective then behavioral counseling is often suggested. The most often prescribed medications are stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall, and Cylert.
Stimulants work by causing more dopamine or norepinephrine (or both) to be released into the brain, causing brain chemical imbalances to be corrected. This rebalancing helps raise activity levels in the areas of the brain responsible for attention and impulse control. Antidepressants such as Zoloft are also used in combination with stimulants when the co-existing symptom of depression becomes a concern.
The natural health approach focuses on a much broader spectrum that includes homeopathic or herbal remedies combined with diet and lifestyle modification. One of the most popular alternative treatment solutions is that homeopathy. Homeopathy is the science of like treating like and uses such obscure ingredients as hyoscyamus. Hyoscyamus has been shown to help alleviate over excitability, restlessness, and general destructive behavior in hyperactive children. Hyoscyamus along with other ingredients such as Arsen iod, and Verta alb have convinced many natural health minded individuals to opt for homeopathy instead of the conventional stimulant route.
The third and perhaps the most universally embraced method of treating ADHD safely is that of behavioral therapy. Most children and adults alike respond well to behavioral therapy. It rewards a person for controlling impulses and learning how to focus.
A recent research study funded by the pharmaceutical industry compared stimulant medications to a form of behavioral therapy known as cognitive behavioral counseling. The premise was to confirm the superiority of stimulants such as Ritalin. The results did not confirm this. CBT was shown to just a effective as stimulants, had longer lasting benefits, was free from side effects, and the rate of relapse was much lower. Not exactly the outcome expected by many of the so called experts.
When asking how can I treat ADHD it is important to remember that a great deal of patience will be needed both at home, at work, and at school to gain the most benefit from these therapies.
It may not be as much of a question as how can I treat ADHD rather the question how do I treat ADHD. Many parents and adults alike have found that treating ADHD safely and effectively can be best accomplished through a combination of homeopathic remedies and cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a powerful side effect free way to address such problematic symptoms as inattention, impulsivity, erratic behavior, and hyperactivity that can provide lasting results for all ages.
Rob D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of natural health products and natural living with over 10 years
experience in the field of natural health and wellness.
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