Treating ADD and ADHD Without Drugs

Treating ADD and ADHD Without Drugs

Molds, red dye, genetic factors and diet can contribute to the behaviors associated with an Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis. Listening skills are hindered, impulse control can be nearly non-existent and children can suffer many academic and social failures.

Very few children diagnosed with ADD or ADHD have measurable psychological or genetic reasons for a diagnosis. One in ten children is currently diagnosed, and over half of these children are treated with addictive, controlled substances. Many doctors and experts expect that only about one in ten of the children diagnosed actually meet the criteria for an actual ADHD or ADD diagnosis.

A diagnosis should only be made by a neurologist or a psychiatrist, not a school principal or pediatrician. The neurosensitivity that causes the behaviors of ADD and ADHD can be attributed to Tourette Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (on the Autism Spectrum), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, mood disorders and many, many other disorders. Simple hyperactivity and the inability to concentrate do not warrant an ADHD or ADD diagnosis.

Neurosensitivity generally comes from genetic and environmental factors. Children diagnosed with ADD or ADHD that have a family history of Tourette Syndrome or OCD, should not take the drugs normally prescribed for ADD and ADHD. Furthermore, ADHD and ADD can develop from an underlying unnoticed disorder like Tourette Syndrome.

Environmental factors can be stress in the home, diet, chemical exposure and/or food additives. Because of the mood swings that ADD and ADHD children experience, adrenaline and other enzymes quickly flush vitamins and nutrients from the body. Specifically, vitamin C and vitamin E are flushed out at alarming rates. If children are not following a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grilled meats and whole grains, then they are not replenishing these much needed vitamins.

ADHD and ADD children are sensitive to chemical food additives that evoke a neurological response. These chemicals, including monosodium glutamate (MSG), are commonly added to foods, not to enhance flavor, but to cause your brain to perceive an enhanced flavor. These chemicals designed to evoke a neurological response can be especially damaging to children with low levels of vitamin C and E. Exposure to chemicals and dyes can cause brain inflammation, reverting the brain back to functioning on a survival level. Higher brain functions, like handwriting and social skills, simply cannot be attained when the brain is in this hypersensitive state.

DHA Omega-3 supplements also help to protect sensitive neurons that can be damaged by chemicals, and also help to reduce inflammation. In Japan, green tea is the number one treatment for ADHD and ADD. Theanine, found in green tea, is a very promising supplement that can greatly reduce symptoms and behaviors. Studies are showing that theanine is quickly effective and safe when given in the right doses. The problem remains that there is little funding for research that does not involve a profit being made by a drug company.

Psychotropic drugs can only mask behaviors and children passively comply. No long term benefits have been found by the use of drugs in the treatment of ADD or ADHD. Behavioral therapy gives them an active role in recovery and has long lasting positive effects.

Get behavioral therapy, buy vitamins, and control the diet. Behavioral therapy is extremely effective for over 2/3 of all diagnosed children. Creating a healthy body and home environment will give your child their best chance of coming out the other side a happy and healthy adult.