ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) affects 4 to 12 percent of school age children, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. Boys are three times more likely than girls to be affected by ADHD. Behavioral symptoms of ADHD include impuslivity, inattention and hyperactivity. Issues related to ADHD include low academic performance, low self esteem and poor peer relationships. A chronic condition, ADHD treatment generally involves medication and counseling. Alternative treatments are also available, some showing limited success and others not yet proven.
Behavioral Treatment
The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that, while the idea of changing the behavior of a highly energetic, obstinate child is daunting, it is possible. Aggressive, destructive, argumentative behavior should be managed through positive parental interactions, rewards for correct choices and negative consequences for poor choices. Parents should set aside parent-child time each day for positive interactions including taking a walk together, playing a game or doing a craft. Correct choices made by the child should be rewarded with verbal praise and possibly a point system. Poor behavioral choices require negative consequences including timeouts or removal of privileges. Duke University clinical child psychologist Dr. David Rabiner describes behavioral management techniques as an important non-medical approach used to treat children with ADHD.
Neurofeedback Treatment
Neurofeedback (electroencephalographic biofeedback) teaches children to control their brain wave activity. Electrodes attached to the child's head transmit brain waves onto a computer monitor. The child watches images, focusing on tasks that encourage the child to keep brain activity in the front of the brain, thereby improving ADHD symptoms. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, small studies report significant improvement in inattention, impulsivity and response time from children participating in neurofeedback.
Diet Treatment
The Mayo Clinic suggests that studies have not found a strong, consistent link between the reduction of ADHD symptoms and diet; however there may be some connection. There does seem to be a relationship between certain foods, allergens and ADHD symptoms, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. Foods that may impact ADHD include milk, chocolate, eggs, wheat, artificial colorings (especially yellow, red and green) and chemical additives such as BHT and BHA. The Finegold diet, a salicylate- and additive-free diet, addresses the removal of these foods and additives from a child's diet. Salicylates are found in apples, cider, cloves, peaches, cloves, oranges, chili powder, berries of all kinds, peppers, tomatoes, prunes and plums.
Other Treatments
Massage, mega-vitamins, herbs, supplements and glyconutrients, sometimes suggested as alternative treatments for ADHD, have not been found to create any improvement in ADHD symptoms. Mega-vitamins and certain herbs and supplements may, in fact, be harmful for children.
