Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is typically treated with prescription-level psychostimulants. While such drugs do improve ADHD symptoms, many ADHD sufferers, or parents of children with ADHD, are interested in alternative treatments. Complementary or alternative medicine approaches to ADHD show some potential. Supplementation with zinc, iron or omega-3 fatty acids have promising beneficial effects. Other alternative therapies, based on massage, meditation and Tai Chi, also have been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms.
Zinc Sulfate Supplements
There is an emerging link between low-serum zinc levels and ADHD in a span of age groups. Many ADHD patients have been shown to have below normal amounts of zinc in their blood and it has been suggested that the use of zinc sulfate supplements may lessen symptoms of ADHD in such individuals. A January 2004 double-blind study of zinc supplementation in the journal "Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry" demonstrates that zinc supplementation reduces hyperactivity, impulsiveness and impaired socialization in ADHD patients. While such studies have not been conducted in the United States as of 2010, many health professionals agree that zinc may be a promising therapy for some symptoms of ADHD.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
In addition to low serum levels of zinc, individuals with ADHD also show relatively low blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids. The use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements has been shown to help alleviate ADHD symptoms, especially in children, according to a June 22, 2009 review of studies using fatty acids to alleviate symptoms of ADHD in the journal "Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology." Rigorous double-blind, clinical trials, however, have not shown strong effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on ADHD, as of 2010.
Iron Supplements
Individuals with ADHD have also been found to have low blood levels of iron. This is especially true of children with ADHD. A January 2008 article in the "Pediatric Neurology" suggests that iron supplementation can benefit children with ADHD.
Massage
There is also evidence that massage therapy can relieve some symptoms of ADHD. A research group in Miami noted in the Winter 2003 issue of "Adolescence" that children and adolescents with ADHD report decreased anxiety, fidgeting and stress after massage therapy and show improved learning in classroom situations.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi has been used as a movement-based therapy to help ADHD sufferers. An April 2001 article in the "Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies" reported that over the course of five weeks, Tai Chi exercise decreased short- and long-term symptoms of anxiety, daydreaming, hyperactivity and emotional imbalance in adolescents with ADHD.
Meditation
Mindfulness meditation programs can decrease symptoms of ADHD in both adults and adolescents. A study published in the Nov. 19, 2007 "Journal of Attention Disorders" showed that an eight-week meditation program can significantly reduce behavioral and neuro-cognitive impairments in both adults and children with ADHD.
References
- "Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry"; Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Zinc Sulfate in the Treatment of ADHD; Mustafa Bilici, et.al.; January 2004
- "Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology"; Essential Fatty Acids and Attention-Deficit--Hyperactivity Disorder; Raanan Raz, Ph.D., and Lidia Gabis, M.D.; June 22, 2009
- "Pediatric Neurology"; Effects of Iron Supplementation on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children; Eric Konofal, M.D., Ph.D., et.al.; January 2008
