If you have ADHD questions about treatment options, this article will give you answers and get you thinking about which treatment or treatments might be the best for your child.
Basically, there are four ways to treat ADHD: prescription drugs, natural remedies, diet and behavioral therapy.
Parents can use one or more of these treatments in combination.
Below are common questions about each treatment method listed.
Questions about ADHD - Do I have to give my child prescription drugs? The answer is no, although this is the preferred method of most doctors, especially those who have not been trained in natural methods.
While drugs do work for some kids, for other kids, they only make the symptoms worse.
They can also introduce new problems because all drugs have side effects.
There are many different drugs available for treating ADHD.
Make sure to ask your doctor about the side effects and long term implications of giving your child a particular drug and weigh the benefits against the risks.
Be aware that your child may have to try a number of different drugs before you find one that works well if this is the path you choose to take.
ADHD Questions - Does diet affect symptoms? The answer is absolutely.
If you feed your child a diet that is high in sugar, caffeine or that contains a lot of junk food, don't expect your child to be able to behave appropriately.
Too much sugar and caffeine causes mood swings as blood sugar skyrockets and then plummets.
Junk food does not give the brain the nutrients it needs to function properly.
Of all the treatment options available, good nutrition is the one that you should put into action in every case.
Feeding your child a diet that is made up of good quality protein, healthy fats, fresh fruits and vegetables in season, legumes and whole grains will benefit your child whether or not you choose to treat ADHD by giving your child prescription drugs, natural remedies or going to behavioral therapy.
The next treatment option is natural remedies.
This is very effective, especially when combined with the diet mentioned above.
Although most people don't realize it, natural remedies can actually be more effective than drugs because they work without side effects, have no long term complications and can actually restore proper function to the brain with continued use.
Look for a supplement that has been FDA-approved and that contains the herbs Tuberculinum, Arsen Iod and Verta Alb.
These herbs work together to improve concentration, impulse control and the ability to stay on task while reducing hyperactivity, restlessness and agitation.
If the answer to your ADHD questions compel you to choose the natural route, this is definitely the way to go.
The final solution is behavioral therapy.
This teaches kids coping skills to learn to focus despite distractions, relax when feeling agitated and stay on track.
Since these are important skills that your child will use throughout his life, behavioral therapy can be very helpful, but it usually much more effective when combined with natural remedies or prescription drugs.
This is because when your child is calm, he is better able to learn new skills.
So there you have it: some frequently asked ADHD questions and answers that will help you get your child doing and feeling better at school and at home.