Management of ADHD Disorder in Children: Alternative Treatments for ADHD Disorder in Children

Management of ADHD Disorder in Children: Alternative Treatments for ADHD Disorder in Children
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ADHD disorder in children has become a common condition for children to be diagnosed with. Children are often treated with medications but they can be ineffective in eliminating the symptoms of ADHD. Many alternative treatments for ADHD have now become known, creating treatment options for many children. Alternative treatments are often very effective for young children when medications may not have been an option. Alternative treatments and medications can be combined to effective management of ADHD disorder in children. Alternative treatments often include: dietary interventions, interactive metronome training, behavioral therapy, neuro-feedback, and chiropractic medicine.

Dietary Interventions

The simplist alternative treatment for ADHD is monitoring what your child eats. Processed sugars and carbohydrates are known to alter childrens’ activity levels; therefore, they need to be avoided because of rapid absorbtion within the bloodstream. This creates an adrenaline rush causing the child to become more active. The child eventually “crashes” after the adrenaline is deminished.

Studies recommend fiber to be incorporated into childrens’ diets if they suffer from ADHD disorder because it assists with maintaining adrenaline levels. An ideal diet for ADHD disorder in children contains berries and fruits, oat meal, and whole grains. The diet consists of the elimination of artificial colorings and flavorings, as well as preservatives.

Interactive Metronome Training

Interactive Metronome training is another method used for management of ADHD disorder in children. This is a training process that uses rhythmic beats produced by a computer. The child attempts to repeat the rhythms they hear using tapping of their hands or feet. Over time, this teaches the child to focus by filtering out distractions. It tunes the child into their physical and mental activities.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy has shown to be beneficial in the treatment of ADHD in children. The behavioral therapy includes parenting education classes to teach parenting skill that will allow the parents understand their child’s behavior. The therapy includes a reward and consequences program for appropriate behavior. The child learns to follow directions, appropriate expectations, self esteem, organizational skills, and time management.

Neuro-Feedback

An extreme alternative treatment for ADHD disorder is neuro-feedback. Patients with ADHD have extra theta brain waves and not enough beta brain waves. This therapy trains the brain to properly balance the waves, possibly decreasing the symptoms of ADHD. This treatment is very expensive and works best in older children.

Chiropractic Medicine

It’s believed an imbalance in muscle tone causes imbalances in brain activity causing ADHD. Chiropractors believe if the spine is adjusted it may re-balance the brain activity. Aligning the spine can properly distribute and release pressure within the brain. An imbalance of pressure can cause the brain to function improperly.

Although there has been extensive research conducted on the alternative treatments for ADHD disorders, there is still much skepticism around certain treatments. It is important to discuss with your doctor if you are interested in an alternative treatment.

Disclaimer

The information in this article should not be considered medical advice. The information in this article is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure any ailment. Always check with your physician before taking any products or following any advice you have read on Brighthub.com. Always consult your doctor before you start, stop or change anything that has been previously prescribed. Certain herbs and holistic remedies are unsuitable to take if you are pregnant or nursing and must always be cleared by your doctor before use.

References:

“Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Alternative Treatments” WebMD Medical Reference, January 2, 2009, WebMD.com

“Alternative ADHD Treatment: Behavior Therapy” By Sandra Boodman, 2006, ADDitude.com