Fran Hopkins asked:


The morning alarm goes off and you drag yourself out of bed; “drag” because you stayed up too late the night before. You got so engrossed in exhaustively researching a prospective purchase online that you just couldn’t stop until you were done.

After you take your ADHD medication, you begin to feel more alert. Suddenly ideas start to ricochet across your brain, faster than you can keep track of them. You feel energized and capable and on top of the world and write run-on sentences like this one and have all these great plans to accomplish so much with the rest of your day!

You have several big projects that need doing (not to mention a variety of smaller tasks), so you sit down to get to work. Almost immediately you’re sidetracked because something else you have to do pops into your head.

If I don’t do it now, you think, I’ll forget about it; I’d better do it now. So you jump up, intending to do the thing that popped into your head; except that, on the way to do it, you see something else that needs doing. After you do that instead, you can’t remember what you got up for in the first place.

Soon it’s evening and it hits you that, if you’re going to get the project done that’s due tomorrow, you’ll have to pull an all-nighter tonight. Thanks to caffeine, sugary snacks and the “motivation” of impending failure, you finally manage to focus. The night flies by and the project gets done (and done well, since we ADD-ers tend to be perfectionists).

Then you grab a couple of hours of unrestful sleep and drag yourself out of bed yet again, even more tired than you were the previous morning.

Why does this always happen? you wonder. Do I have to feel so stressed all the time? I thought this medication was supposed to be helping me. Why can’t I channel my energies and harness my thoughts so I can get more done?

Taking Action to Help Ourselves

While medication definitely improves the symptoms of ADHD for most people, what we need to do to improve our lives is to implement structure and organization in a way that works with us and for us – not against us.

Before we knew we had ADHD, we felt guilty and blamed ourselves for what we suspected were weaknesses in our characters. We were lazy, or unmotivated, or irresponsible; or we felt “broken” or “weird” because we couldn’t do things that came easily to others.

Now that we know better, it’s our responsibility to learn how to get the help we need. Remember that knowledge is power.

Consider a Coach

As if in answer to the ADHD person’s prayers, some sympathetic genius came up with the idea of the ADHD coach. David Giwerc, co-founder with his wife, Marla and president of the ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA) – and an ADD-er himself – denies that the concept originated with him.

“I have been coaching longer than most, but I can’t say that I was the first ADD coach,” Giwerc says. “I can say that I was the first ADD coach to specialize in coaching entrepreneurs and business owners with ADHD. I can also say that ADDCA trains more skilled, educated ADD coaches than any other coach training program.”

Giwerc also serves as the current president of the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), which describes itself as “the world’s leading adult ADHD organization.”

What ADHD Coaches Do

“(ADHD coaches) tell our clients that they’re not broken; their brains are just wired differently,” Giwerc says. Besides educating clients about their ADHD, coaches support and empower them by helping them to:

#1 – Let go of and change beliefs that are obstacles in their lives: things like, “If I can’t do it the way ‘they’ want me to do it, I’m no good” (rather than “I have a different style that works for me”) and “If I don’t get the result I want, it’s a failure” (rather than “it’s a learning experience”).

#2 – Identify their passions, talents and successes – i.e., the things they love to do and do well – and focus on them rather than exclusively on their weaknesses

#3 – Understand how ADHD characteristics, such as creative thinking and hyperfocus, can be utilized as strengths when integrated into their daily schedules

#4 – Develop their unique skills

#5 – Create customized structures and strategies that utilize their natural learning and processing styles so that they can function more effectively and achieve their goals

#6 – Learn what do to when they get “stuck” because of ADHD-related challenges such as procrastination, perfectionism, distraction and lack of time awareness

While coaching is no substitute for medication, Giwerc says that it can be part of a comprehensive approach to managing ADHD that also includes 1) accurate diagnosis; 2) identification of the most effective drug and dosage for the individual; 3) psychotherapy, if needed; and 4) physical exercise.

Where Do I Find a Coach and What Should I Look For?

Many websites advertise ADHD coaches. At the ADDCA site, for example, you can find the names of suitable coaches by clicking on the “Find a Coach” tab and then choosing the specialty you want (for example, “Adult” or “Children and Adolescents”) and/or the location you prefer. Coaches usually offer a free introductory session so that you can both determine “if there’s a connection,” Giwerc explains.

Although the International Coaching Federation (ICF) certifies coaches in general coaching skills, there’s currently no ICF certification specifically for ADHD coaching. Coaches should be graduates of ADHD coach training programs, however, such as ADDCA’s 12-month long-distance program that leads to the ACG (ADD Coach Academy Graduate) designation. Graduates of ADDCA may then pursue advanced training to earn certification as a CAC (Certified ADDCA Coach).

For helpful guidance about selecting an ADHD coach, see “The ADDA Guiding Principles for Coaching Individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder” at the ADDA’s website.

The Nuts and Bolts: How Does Coaching Actually Work?

Although you can meet with a local ADHD coach in person, most ADHD coaching takes place via telephone or e-mail. Three or four 30-to-60-minute phone sessions are usually scheduled each month, with e-mail or brief phone contacts in between. Fees may run between $200-$600 a month and are probably not covered by insurance (but you should check with your own health plan to be sure).

Coaching relationships don’t have a set timeframe. They can run from six months to two years or more, depending upon the individual client’s desires and progress.

As important as a coach’s credentials are, even more crucial to a successful coaching experience is the ADHD client’s willingness to do what he or she can to create a more fulfilling life. Coaches can inspire this willingness. “We teach our clients to shift perspective, to discover and embrace their strengths instead of their challenges,” Giwerc says.

In fact, adds Giwerc, “With the help of a well-trained coach, a client learns how to take his or her natural ADHD tendencies and convert them into strengths.”

Robert William Locke asked:


There is a vast network of information on the Internet about ADHD. The drug companies have sponsored ADHD forums and countless parents are writing blogs. These are certainly useful places to get free ADHD info but we should be wary of the drugs companies’ websites as they will push just ONE type of treatment which is basically an amphetamines type of drug which may compromise your child’s health and do very little for the ADHD problem. Info on ADHD can be biased and there are often vested interests involved which are worth millions of dollars.

Look at what the journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has just reported. It refers to the MTA (Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD) study in which about 500 ADHD children were tracked for an eight year period. The majority had stopped taking ADHD meds such as psychostimulants after only 14 months. There were few , if any benefits and the report strongly suggests that such treatment did not solve any of the problems associated with this mental disorder such as hyperactivity, inattention and social functioning. The report raises doubts that ADHD treatment with meds is the solution. This is just another example of a prestigious report available as free ADHD info. Similar sites are the FDA and AAP (Academy of American Pediatrics).

This raises the question about natural cures for ADHD and parents who do their own investigation on websites which give free ADHD info are pleasantly surprised to find that there are no side effects from the homeopathic ADHD cures and neither are there any risks. They will also be aware of the necessity to combine some type of medication with psychological interventions, such as ADHD behavior therapy.

Where else can you get free ADHD info? As I mentioned above, there are numerous blogs and forums. If you Google ADHD forums, you may get a staggering result of something like 45,000. The more popular sites will push ADHD drugs but they are still a source of information, if only to be aware of what the side effects and risks are. That itself is an eye opener. There are about 11,000 blogs on the web and we can get valuable info on ADHD from reading about parents’ experiences, advice and coping techniques. If you are really concerned about what treatment is best for your child you can consult your doctor but you should be aware of the risks and drawbacks of ADHD medications while getting up to date information on a natural ADHD cure. Your doctor will not even mention this!

Dr Kevin Ross Emery asked:


“I just finished reading this book and I have decided that I am ADD.”

“I saw a TV show about ADHD. I have it and so does my son.”

“My daughter’s teacher says she asks too many questions. Do you think she’s hyperactive?”

Over the past ten years, we’ve all heard announcements like these from friends, family and even strangers.

As a spiritual coach and counselor, I deal with questions about ADD and ADHD every day. My insights may be helpful to you, too.

ADD AND ADHD IN ADULTS

Recently, a client started our counseling session by declaring that he’s ADD. His wife was quick to agree. That’s what brought them to my doorstep. They needed help with their marriage.

Often, the first step to repair a marriage begins with personal spiritual growth. Until the individual understands him- or herself, it’s difficult to build trust and understanding in any relationship.

In this case, I did an energetic scan of my client. Some medical intuitives, including me, use this process to identify areas that need work. We “see” physical, emotional and energetic distress.

Next, I described to my client what I saw in the scan. I explained it in the context of ADD. Like many people who are confused by ADD and ADHD, he was relieved to find someone who understood what was going on.

After that, I recommended that they read more about the subject. Between their studies and a few counseling session, the client and his wife were able to understand each other better. According to them, it began a renaissance within their marriage.

For many adults, that’s all it takes. With a little education and some counseling, they learn how to live with ADD and ADHD.

ADD AND ADHD IN CHILDREN

Most people are diagnosed with ADD or ADHD as children. Through them, we can more about the many faces of Attention Deficit Disorder, with or without obvious hyperactivity.

Years ago, one of my most important breakthroughs was with a 12-year-old client. His first statement to me was startling.

With a look of anguish, he blurted, “It hurts to be a human when I think of and see all that we have done to this planet. But, I know I am here to make it better.”

Scanning his energy, I could sense the pain that he was in. To me, it was as if he had been born without skin. He could feel everything around him. He had no personal boundaries.

That session helped him, but it helped me even more. I learned, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that ADD and ADHD aren’t disabilities. They’re gifts.

Those gifts need to be managed and nurtured, but they’re still gifts. They may even point the way that our species is evolving.

If we medicate those gifts to minimize them, we risk losing those gifts altogether.

ADD, ADHD, UNDERSTANDING AND “THE BOX”

During the following months, my practice attracted many clients with Attention Deficit Disorder and forms of hyperactivity. I was one of the few who understood them as gifts, not diseases.

My staff and I used to joke that I’d become an “ADD magnet.” But, those months were a tremendous educational experience.

Some of my clients already knew about ADD and ADHD. They’d already been diagnosed. They knew the terminology and the popular medical solutions. Some even chose the ADD label because, finally, it defined who they were.

Those clients can be the most difficult to work with. The ADD “box” acts as a protection and a defense. To help them, we must convince them to step outside that box.

For someone who has lived without boundaries, that’s a very scary step. The box is the safe place to be. Convincing them to step outside can be challenging.

HOW TO HELP

The following basics can help anyone who is dealing with ADD and ADHD in children and adults.

* ADD and ADHD are gifts.

* The ADD and ADHD labels are over-used. They may mask other conditions that need to be examined.

* In addition, ADD and ADHD can be masked by other, more obvious conditions. Medication can make it even more difficult to identify attention, activity and boundary issues.

* Attention Deficit Disorder, with or without hyperactivity, affect four levels: Physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Each level must be addressed separately.

* In most cases, ADD and ADHD need to be managed, not drugged.

* In almost all cases, these people also have heightened perceptions of — and sensitivities to — spirituality. That spirituality can provide a bridge to help them, as well as support during episodes of extreme activity and/or vulnerability.

Because these and other conditions can be “layered,” diagnosis and treatment can be difficult with some clients. However, this also makes the work constantly engaging, challenging and intriguing.

THE FIRST STEP

In most cases, the first major issue is the client’s feeling of isolation. To resolve that, clients may have developed inappropriate behaviors. For example, they may be accustomed to creating emergencies and drama to attract attention and support.

Until the sense of isolation is addressed, those behaviors can slow treatment. Once the client feels a stronger connection to those close to him or her, the process becomes much easier. In addition, a client’s lifestyle needs to be reviewed. This includes diet and attitudes. Protocols must be created and understood by everyone who is connected to the client.

ADD AND ADHD AREN’T DISABILITIES

Attention Deficit Disorder is not a disability, it is a “diffability.” The person’s abilities are not “less than” or impaired, just different.

Each person is brilliant in some way. Often, this brilliance simply needs to be discovered, acknowledged and unlocked.

ADD and ADHD are gifts. They may represent an expansion of our awareness beyond the 10% that the brain traditionally utilizes. Let’s not try to medicate and subdue this exciting evolutionary step.

Recently, a client said to me, “I am not dumb you know, even if they all say I am.”

That’s a common misunderstanding when dealing with people — especially children — who have the gift of ADD.

They’re not “dumb” or stupid. In fact, they’re so smart in such different ways, we don’t always realize that what they have is an asset.

THE FUTURE OF ADD AND ADHD

Working together, we can become smart enough to understand those with ADD and ADHD.

For now, let’s help these gifted people deal with isolation, fear, anxiety, depression and more.

We can help each other. In this process, we may find ways to utilize even more intelligence, to help the evolutionary process. Our world could benefit greatly.

You can help people who have ADD and ADHD.

The best way to start is by letting them know that they’re not alone.

Angie Dixon asked:


Do you have ADHD? Are you a mom? Does one or more of your children have ADHD? I just want to give you a hug and say, “You poor thing. I know exactly how you feel.” I know about the teachers sending notes home that your ADHD child didn’t return a paper because you forgot to sign it. I know about missing important deadlines, like signing your ADHD child up for the Gifted and Talented program, because you forgot to check his backpack. I know about the non-ADHD child saying, “Mom, you forgot to pack our lunches–AGAIN.”

I know. I know what it’s like to be an ADHD mom of an ADHD child. I know. And I’m sorry you have to go through it.

But I’m glad for your child, because he or she has the best possible combination of parenting traits–someone who loves him because he is, and someone who knows exactly what it’s like to be an ADHD kid.

As someone who knows what it’s like to raise an ADHD child while trying to remember to tie my own shoes before I walk out the door in the morning (or even to put them on–I once drove to the bus stop barefoot!), I can tell you, you’re doing a good job.

How do I know? Two reasons. First, you’re reading an article about ADHD instead of the latest fashion trends. You’re trying. Second, I know that people with ADHD are incredibly hard-working, bright and creative, not necessarily in that order. I know that we make excellent parents because we’re able to see what’s really going on. And I know you’re a great mom because of your ADHD and not in spite of it.

I want to tell you a story. It’s short, and it has everything to do with being an ADHD mom of an ADHD child, in my case a son.

When Jack was about six, I took him to a counselor. She was chatting with him and he mentioned a movie he’d just seen, Rug Rats All Growed Up. Samara asked my brilliant ADHD son “How did the characters change when they were grown up?” Jack proceeded to tell her exactly how they went forward in time by turning a tape player into a time machine. Samara looked confused, but with my own ADHD, I followed every twist and turn of logic. I said, “You wanted to know how they were different. What you asked was how they changed, and that’s what he’s telling you.” And of course it was. My ADHD brain understood his ADHD brain, where the counselor, though well-trained and very good at her job, just couldn’t keep up with us.

That night in my bathtub I realized my role in life. As an ADHD mom of an ADHD son, my job is to serve as his liaison to the world, until he’s learned enough about living with ADHD to be his own liaison. And the way he’ll learn about the world through ADHD-tinted glasses is by my tutelage.

So give yourself a break. No, he may not return his report card the next day, because you put it in the refrigerator instead of his backpack. She may have to borrow lunch money from the office–every other day. But you’re the mom, and you’re doing a great job. Pat yourself on the back if they have on two of their own shoes that match. ADHD is no picnic, for parents or kids. You’ve got a double headache. I won’t tell you to make lemons out of lemonade, but I will tell you, it’s okay. It will all be okay.

Diana Ketchen asked:


Everyone has heard of ADHD and knows of the stigmatism associated with it, which is, the need for medical science to offer the drugs Ritalin, Adderall or Concerta, to name but a few, to help relieve the symptoms of those that suffer with it. But what you don\’t often hear is that the side effects may, to some, be worse than the actual condition it is treating. ADHD meds are more commonplace today than ever.

Medicine can be a wonderful thing and it can make it easy to live with things that years ago would have resulted in death or institutionalization of the patient. However, modern day practitioners seem to have taken the approach of one size fits all when it comes to prescribing medication for things, in particular the ADHD drugs and ADHD meds.

It is a lot easier for the doctor to say the patient has ADHD and prescribe any of the many ADHD drugs than it might be to look at the causes of it for that particular patient and see if there might be a less medicinal approach, or at the very least a less harmful medicine that could actually benefit the patient in other ways.

ADHD drugs have become so commonplace that at parties they are more of a status symbol now days than the embarrassment that they used to be. Folks used to hide the fact that someone was taking ADHD meds and today they more or less flaunt the information.

Lately nutritional programs have proven to give some relief from the symptoms of ADHD and in some instances have allowed patients to cut down, modify or even completely remove the need for ADHD med and the ADHD drugs they have been prescribed for years.

The side effects of these drugs are different from the different ADHD meds and range from tremors and nervousness to anxiety, dizziness and headache, dryness of the mouth and insomnia. Constipation, Diarrhea, unpleasant taste in the mouth, impotence and or any other drastic changes in the *** drive are further symptoms.

Sometimes patients have even reported psychosis and increased blood pressure. Nausea, vomiting and heart palpitations to name just a few of the COMMON side effects of the use of these drugs that are commonly used to cure the disease. Does that make the cure worse than the disease?

Look at some of the many signs of ADHD and see if you think that ADHD drugs or ADHD meds are called for.

Just a few things that a teacher might spot and say signal ADHD are, a loss of concentration, fidgeting, lack of focus, difficulty with instructions, easily distracted etc. I am not sure about you, but this also fits me to a tee when I was in school. Science seems to have a need to find an explanation for everything on the planet and to give everything a weird name and assign a drug to it to help control or cure it.

There may well be ADHD and there may be, in some cases, a need for ADHD drugs or ADHA meds, but I for one think that the general physician population and the public need to look farther into alternative options and medications that have less harmful side effects than to just take the easy way out and say that so and so has ADHD, let\’s give him or her Ritalin. Remember, these folks will inherit the earth one day and be responsible for decisions about policy, shouldn\’t they be clear headed?

Gaetane Ross asked:


The controversy of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is loaded with implications in the field of medicine. In the past, many children who were disruptive or loud were considered both difficult to discipline and undeserving of attention or they were the products of parents who did not know how to raise a child, and were pitied. Those children who were unable to focus while in school were labeled as slow learners and more often than not, looked down upon by others of the same age.

Today, we have discussed that such behavior is often diagnosed as symptoms of ADHD. ADHD children are generally forgetful, disruptive, impulsive, easily distracted and hyperactive. More adults are being diagnosed with ADHD, since this ever-present condition continues into adulthood, shown by the increasing volume of research conducted in the field of medicine. ADHD is a hereditary disorder, with nearly five percent of the cases being the result of a physical or chemical brain injury endured while in the womb.

The diagnosis of ADHD breeds the controversy surrounding the condition. Since some normal childhood, behavior that can get out of control because of poor upbringing, some psychologists and parents insist that the behavioral patterns materialize as ADHD. As a result, they recommend that children, who have been diagnosed with ADHD, not take medication, rather that they should be controlled and counseled. On the hand, regarding ADHD as a real disorder, it maintains that medication be given and continued as it can temper the symptoms of the disorder.

Those who suffer from it have to take medication all their lives, since there is no real means to treat ADHD permanently. Arrangements such as this calls for many questions, especially when concern with safety. There are different medications for ADHD, as you may know, and some of them were primarily used to treat narcolepsy by directing certain parts of the nervous system.

As we discussed in the previous chapter such medications, which include the popular Concerta and Ritalin , can actually have dreadful side effects, such as arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythm, increased heart rate or severe palpitations, increased blood pressure as well as increased risk of stroke. The USFDA or United States Food and Drug Administration, has studied the influence of ADHD drugs and have them stamped with a black box warning. To be precise, such drugs are regulated and can be prescribed, however strong caution must be exercised when such drugs are taken. Another advisory panel has evaluated evidence pointing to long-term psychiatric changes and cardiovascular risks in children who take ADHD medication, in addition to the studies of the FDA. The panel found that such drugs might possibly increase the risk of hallucinations, aggressive behavior, psychosis and mania in ADHD children.

Even though psychiatric specialists caution people about making literal interpretations of these findings, there is still a good bit of controversy surrounding the use of these drugs. According to the documents presented to the second evaluating panel, the consequence of psychiatric diseases being deteriorated because of ADHD medication was exceptionally small; and that many of the cardiovascular diseases, such as higher blood pressure, arose because of existing heart-related conditions in persons suffering from ADHD.

Since these medications have proven to be safe so far, despite the risks, doctors and psychiatrists continue to recommend ADHD medications. More than a good number of other medications that have long been approved and are currently being prescribed, in fact there is a great deal of research and literature available concerning ADHD medications. ADHD patients are regularly monitored closely, for safety while these medications are being administered. Some of these medications can stunt the growth pattern of young ADHD children; therefore, they are measured and weighed regularly, while taking their ADHD medications.

Medication for ADHD may induce hallucinations; consequently, some parents are concerned with addiction or long term effects in ADHD children. It is true that stopping the medication can stop the hallucinations. However, it is appointed to the physician to determine when medication should be discontinued, parents of ADHD children are cautioned concerning the making up of their own procedures of changing the medication on their own.

Likewise, ADHD treatment does not end with ADHD medication. A course of therapy treatment such as behavior modification, counseling and special education goes hand in hand with the use of medication. You should consult with your doctor regularly on the medication options, treatments and obligations that are available if you or your children suffer with ADHD. You should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages as well as the side effects associated with the medication procedures and treatments by doing as much research as possible, into those that interest you. You cannot go wrong as long as you are well informed about ADHD in children and adults. Learning all that you can about ADHD and its symptoms as well as the things that might bring some benefits in easing the discomforts of such a disorder are long term, however ADHD can be eased for those who suffer from this condition as well as providing a peace of mind for ADHD parents. Keep in mind however, until there is a cure for ADHD, there will always be controversy surrounding the condition.

Alvin Toh asked:


ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a common psychological disorder that often becomes perceptible once a child starts preschool. Millions of children are diagnosed with ADHD each year, many of them before the age of six. The most prevalent form of treatment is typically prescription medication, which may help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD so the child can function normally in a school setting. Unfortunately, drug medications are not without side effects and can be addictive. For these reasons, many parents seek treatment for ADHD through behavior therapy.

Behavioral therapy, also known as behavior management, is shown to have positive results on ADHD children. The goal of behavior therapy in ADHD children is to increase the desired behaviors. This is typically achieved through using positive reinforcements when the child acts appropriately. The first step of therapy is typically to improve the relationship between the child and the parents. This is coupled with providing negative consequences and positive reinforcements to help the child increase his or her interest in pleasing the parents.

Part of the success of behavior therapy for ADHD children lies in the active interest and support of the child’s parents. Parents need to take an active role in making the therapy work for their child. This includes making and following a game plan to which both parents need to use to help guide the child to success. Parents should discuss the ongoing therapy with the doctor to ensure that the program is working for their child.

One of the most important factors in using behavioral therapy is to identify the problem early and start treatment as soon as possible. Even very young ADHD children will benefit from some form of behavioral therapy. One problem has always been early detection of ADHD in children. In the past small children that had disciplinary problems may have been expelled and told to wait until they matured slightly to enter pre-school.

Recent studies have found that when behavior therapy is started very young it can be quite successful as an alternative treatment for ADHD. In a 5-year study conducted by researchers at Lehigh University, Pennsylvania, 135 preschoolers with ADHD were treated with a variety of behavior-only therapies. After a year, researchers found that the children’s behavior and learning had improved by about 30 percent. The most effective techniques are based on consistency in rules and routine when dealing with good and bad behaviors.

In many cases, ADHD children can be treated successfully without the use of medications or through the use of reduced medication coupled with behavior therapy. ADHD children respond well the younger they are when they are diagnosed and treated. If you have concerns about whether or not your child is exhibiting symptoms of ADHD you should consult with a doctor. A qualified specialist can perform simple tests to determine if the child has ADHD and if so the severity of the condition.

Salvator Giustra asked:


Ever wondered how many ADHD prescription drugs are out there? As well as the most common drugs like Ritalin and Adderall, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that there are many other prescription medications for ADHD that can be effective in treating the signs of ADHD.

The main medication types employed in ADHD management are 1)long lasting stimulants, 2)short/intermediate lived stimulants, and 3)non-stimulants. But each one comes with likely side effects, some of which can be very serious.

ADHD conventional drugs of the long lasting stimulant variety include Vyvanse, Adderal XR, Concerta, Daytrana, Focalin XR, Metadate CD, and Ritalin LA. The effects of these long-acting stimulants endure for 8-12 hours and as such they only need to be used once daily.

They are useful for children who don’t want to take a dosage at school. Adderall XR and Ritalin LA capsules can be opened and pinched onto food if your kid cannot physically take them. Daytrana comes in the form of a patch that children can wear for a few hours.

Short/intermediate lasting prescription drug medications for adhd include Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall, Dextrostat, and Methylin ER, to name a few. Short/intermediate acting stimulants are ADHD therapy options that have become less popular than the long lived variety.

These medicines must be ingested more than once a day because their effects are short-lived. The benefits of short lived Ritalin, Dexedrine and Adderall is that they are available in generic form and are thus less expensive.

The most used option among non-stimulant ADHD orthodox drugs for ADHD is Strattera. Strattera and the other non-stimulants are not used as much as stimulant drugs.

Children who also suffer from jitteriness, in addition to ADHD, may benefit from Strattera. Some children take Strattera because they can’t bear stimulants due to their side effects or because stimulants plainly don’t work for them.

In general, side effects associated with orthodox medications for ADHD are the most typical rationale why more people are turning to alternate therapy options these days.

The side effects of taking stimulants can include headaches, stomachaches, insomnia, eating disorders, social withdrawal, nausea, and vomiting, to name a few.

Many parents note that their children act dull, much too restricted, and zombie-like due to taking stimulants for ADHD.

Non-stimulant orthodox medications for ADHD such as Strattera are not without their side effects either. Strattera can cause upset stomach, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, psychological swings, and even allergic reactions.

If you want to decrease the symptoms of ADHD in your charges without subjecting them to the concerns and perilous side effects that result from taking orthodox drugs, you may want to look for a natural, alternative remedy.

The most alarming recent tests in regards to the effects of ADHD conventional drugs is the greater potentiality of depression in adulthood, as well as the greater likelihood of substance abuse problems and prescription drug dependency in adulthood.

The immediate side effects of employing these dangerous prescription drugs are disturbing as it is but when you consider the harmful effects in the long run, the idea of giving your kid prescription drugs may seem like too great of a risk. Thankfully there are high quality home herbal remedies that can be quite effective and do not cause any side effects at all.

So, if you want to alleviate the symptoms linked with ADHD so your child can live a fulfilling, successful life, start learning more about other ADHD remedies such as homeopathy.

The harmful short-run and somewhat permanent side effects of orthodox medications for adhd are cause enough to seek out optional therapy options for your child.

Rather than put your child’s health at risk, research alternative treatment methods like homeopathy so you can treat ADHD safely, gently, and effectively.

There are other alternatives to typical prescription medications for ADHD.

Alvin Toh asked:


ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is commonly diagnosed among children, particularly those in the United States. Drug medications such as Ritalin, Adderall and Trileptal are often prescribed to help alleviate ADHD symptoms. Most of these medications have mild to severe side-effects and can become habit-forming.

A new research study has found that pine bark extract, marketed as Pycnogenol, may be an effective ADHD treatment. Pycnogenol has been shown to reduce hyperactivity in children. It also helped to improve focus and attention span and aided motor skills coordination in the children tested.

Pycnogenol is a natural herbal supplement which has long been used to reduce stress. It is known for its strong antioxidant properties. It actually serves to extend the antioxidant properties that are found in other sources such as vitamin C. It has also been used to help treat inflammation as well as to improve circulation. The latest findings showed that Pycnogenol can be a natural supplement to improve ADHD symptoms.

Pycnogenol has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment for children with ADHD. What’s more, the treatment is natural and therefore produces none of the harmful or annoying side effects that other medical treatments often do. This is a tremendous finding for parents who are uncomfortable giving their children traditional prescription medications for ADHD. Many of the current medications are stimulants that can be addictive. For this reason some parents have concerns about giving them to their children for the long term.

The new study which will be published in the Journal of Nutritional Neuroscience, is a continuation of a recent study done by scientists in Slovakia. The new study takes the research even further to measure the hormone levels in children using blood samples. Stress hormone levels dropped in children who took Pycnogenol, which accounted for improved attention span and other ADHD symptoms. Pycnogenol naturally lowers adrenaline levels as well as dopamine levels, thus reducing ADHD symptoms.

Research testing found that children with ADHD have higher levels of stress hormones that can increase heart rate and blood pressure. This can cause irritability, lack of focus and increased excitability. The study shows that children who took Pycnolgenol had decreased levels of the stress hormone and therefore exhibited reduction in ADHD symptoms. The study also shows that the children’s ADHD symptoms returned a month after they stopped taking Pycnolgenol. This confirms the scientific evidence that Pycnolgenol works to actually change hormone levels in the body.

These findings are particularly important for those who have children with ADHD. It gives parents an alternative treatment for ADHD