Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by lack of focus, impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Though we all experience these symptoms from time to time, a person with ADHD experiences them for longer than six months and has difficulty with school, work, family and social situations because of these symptoms. Traditional methods of treating ADHD include medicinal intervention and behavioral therapy. Some families may seek alternative (complementary) approaches to dealing with ADHD. Understand that all alternative treatments and approaches should be considered by your health care provider before being implemented to ensure the safety of the complementary treatments alongside the current treatment plan.
Nutritional Therapies
People with ADHD may find additional benefits to sticking to a balanced diet and exercise program. There are two schools of thought when approaching nutrition and the ADHD individual. One assumes there's something in the person's diet that's exacerbating the ADHD symptoms; the other assumes there's something missing from the person's diet that needs to be made up for with supplements.
Some people believe that artificially added colors and dietary salicylates exacerbate their child's ADHD--although there is very little research to support this. If you're concerned with your child's dietary intake and believe there may be some dietary impact on their symptoms, keep a record of her diet and symptoms that you can then share with your health care provider to try to determine any patterns between the two. You may also have your child tested for food allergies.
Before adding any nutritional supplements to your diet, discuss what you're considering with your health care provider. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the sale of these nutritional supplements, so their safety may be an issue.
Interactive Metronome Training
Interactive Metronome Training uses a simple metronome--known most commonly for helping musicians keep the beat. People with ADHD have motor planning and timing deficits that are related to problems with behavioral inhibition. These are thought to be improved by the use of the interactive metronome training device. As the interactive metronome provides a beat, the patient tries to tap a foot or hand along with the beat and receives auditory feedback as to how well she is doing--the thought being that the more concise a person's motor planning and timing deficits can become, the less difficulty she will have with ADHD symptoms. Additionally, traditional stimulant medications given to people with ADHD also eliminate the motor planning and timing deficits that affect behavioral inhibition.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic medicine may not come to mind immediately when looking for alternative solutions to ADHD. Chiropractic medicine looks to the spine and any misalignment as causes of health issues and uses manipulations to realign the spine and produce better health and symptom control. Before committing time, money and other family resources toward chiropractic care, consult your health care provider and gather opinions of other respected and trusted health care providers. If you go ahead with chiropractic treatment, fully investigate the chiropractor you'll use. Ensure full licensure as well as good references.
