The bottom line is that there is no cure for ADHD, and medication with psychostimulants can only help control symptoms such as inattention, restlessness, outbursts, and inappropriate behavior. Over 200 studies have shown that medication can be effective in treating ADHD, but these studies rarely mention the side effects and risks. Few people discuss alternative treatments for ADHD simply because it does not benefit them financially.
Parents want to know what the alternative treatments for ADHD are. One thing is clear: medication will not solve much beyond keeping the child's teacher from calling and perhaps calming the child. Experts now agree that medication should be combined with lifestyle changes and behavior modification. Without this, treatment may not work effectively or efficiently, and the ADHD child could be among the 60% of children who carry the condition into adulthood. Warnings about the risks, including heart attacks, blood pressure issues, anxiety and depression, hallucinations, psychotic episodes, and suicidal thoughts, can be found on pill packaging and the FDA website. Critics argue these warnings are useless and expected with any medication, as side effects and risks always exist. However, we're discussing drugs affecting our children's brain development. Drug companies cannot explain exactly how these medications work and do not disclose their long-term effects. Nobody knows or is telling. Publicizing alternative treatments for ADHD yields no profit.
Behavior therapy for ADHD or parenting skills is crucial in helping the ADHD child avoid conflicts with parents and strained peer relationships at school and play. So, what is the alternative to medication? While vitamins, supplements, and a nutritious diet can help somewhat, the main issue is calming the child and aiding focus without drugging them. When parents ask about alternative treatments for ADHD, homeopathic and herbal remedies are often cited as the safest, most effective, and cheapest option. Most websites on ADHD do not provide information on this, but the site below this article does.
ADHD medication becomes increasingly controversial as drug companies refuse to acknowledge any problems with their mind-altering drugs like Focalin, Risperdal, and Concerta. Parents clearly want to know what the alternative treatments for ADHD are. Alternatives can include a range of options such as meditation, dietary changes, behavior therapy, counseling, yoga, equine therapy, Bach flower remedies, and biofeedback, among others.
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