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 | Are there any alternative therapies for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? |
|  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is identified by symptoms of short attention span, lack of behavior control, and/or hyperactivity that aren’t appropriate for the person’s age. At this time there aren’t any proven alternative therapies for ADHD. But techniques to modify behavior with positive reinforcement, training to help develop social skills and individual counseling are all ways to provide support. Restricting certain types of food in children with ADHD has been researched, but the effects of restricted diets are conflicting, and children and teenagers may find diets hard to follow. Scientists have found that some children with ADHD are deficient in essential fatty acids. They have theorized that supplements high in essential fatty acids, such as evening primrose oil, may relieve the symptoms of ADHD. Two month-long studies have tested the effects of evening primrose oil and showed little or no positive effects. Sources:The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1997.Zametkin, A. “Problems In The Management Of Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder,” New England Journal of Medicine 340 (1999).Aman, M.G. "The Effects Of Essential Fatty Acid Supplementation By Efamol In Hyperactive Children," Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology 15 (1987).Arnold, L.E. "Gamma-Linoleic Acid For Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Placebo-Controlled Comparison To D-Amphetamine," Biologic Psychiatry 25 (1989).The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Pharmacists Letter Inc., 2000.Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.This answer prepared 6/12/2000.This information updated 1/9/2007. |
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