Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a mental condition affecting approximately 3 to 7 percent of school-aged children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since prescription medications can be risky and may cause severe side effects in some children, parents may opt to experiment with alternative medications first, though these methods are not always safer and should be discussed with a doctor.
Fish Oil
Children with ADHD may be deficient in certain essential fatty acids, as evidenced in a clinical study reporting increased behavioral problems, learning difficulties and sleep disturbances among those with low levels of omega-3, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. For this reason, fish oil, which is available in supplemental forms containing concentrated essential fatty acids, is sometimes used as an alternative medicine for ADHD, though mixed results exist regarding its effectiveness. However, the University notes that eating foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids is a reasonable treatment approach.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is required for utilizing brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine, which are affected in children with ADHD. The UMMC reports that high doses of vitamin B6 are effective at improving behavior among ADHD-affected children, though using such high doses is risky and could cause nerve damage. Parents should discuss this option with a doctor.
Herbs
Herbs are often used as a natural alternative to conventional medicines. They are not always a safer option, however, because they are not strictly monitored by the FDA and may contain unsafe ingredients that can cause severe side effects or drug interactions. Herbs that are typically used to treat ADHD include gingko and ginseng, both of which are cultivated around the world and used to enhance cognitive functioning.
