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Are There Natural Remedies For ADHD?
A person with ADHD may choose to combine natural remedies with medication and behavioral therapies. Remedies such as supplements may help reduce symptoms such as difficulty focusing, though more research is necessary.
Doctors typically diagnose ADHD in children who demonstrate hyperactive and impulsive behavior and have difficulty focusing.
However, ADHD can also affect adults. Where most people lose focus or act impulsively from time to time, a person with ADHD may have more extreme responses more often than others.
Doctors can prescribe medications for ADHD symptoms, but these drugs can have side effects, and they do not always work.
There are natural remedies that people can try, though these may have side effects. According to studies, half of all children with ADHD receive alternative treatments.
However, research indicates that no natural remedies are as effective as medication, behavioral therapies, or a combination of both.
In this article, we look at some complementary therapies and supplements that may help reduce or manage the symptoms of ADHD. We also look at the science behind them.
According to a 2014 review, some evidence supports the use of the following supplements for treating ADHD symptoms:
The use of any medication, including supplements, carries some risk. In particular, children should not take any supplementary or complementary medications without their doctor's approval.
Additionally, most supplements do not have approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As a result, there is no regulation or recommended dosages regarding their contents.
Therefore, people must always check with a doctor whether it is safe to use a supplement or other remedy and what dosage they should take.
Clinical trials have found that several herbal treatments may show promise for treating ADHD. These include:
However, large-scale research studies are necessary to determine whether all these natural supplements and medicines are safe and effective.
For example, researchers also still need to know how much a person should take and whether the substances will interact with other medications.
With this in mind, people should check first with a doctor before using any supplements or natural medicines, especially if the treatment is for a child.
Some lifestyle practices and activities may help people with ADHD, but they need more scientific studies to confirm their effectiveness, according to an older review from 2012.
These may be more effective than some other methods if a parent or caregiver is looking to try them on a child, as they carry little risk.
According to the review, some of these lifestyle changes may show the greatest benefits when someone uses them alongside established treatments:
However, there is no current evidence about how long a person has to spend in the green space to see improvements or how long the improvements will last.
People have often suggested a link between sugar consumption and hyperactivity in children. Research in this area is limited, but a 2011 study that looked at the effects on primary school children in Korea does not support the theory.
A 2012 review concluded that an additive-free diet might help some people, but researchers note that this will only benefit selected patients and can be hard to implement.
The possible link between food additives or processed foods and ADHD remains controversial. A 2018 study looked at the dietary habits of nearly 15,000 children in China. The researchers found that those who followed a snack or processed food diet habit were more likely to have ADHD symptoms. They also discovered that those who followed a vegetarian diet were less likely to have symptoms.
While these diets may affect how often symptoms occur, there is no evidence that the diets themselves caused or improved symptoms.
However, eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits, whole grains, and vegetables can benefit everyone, including those children and adults with ADHD.
Creating systems for regular activities, such as getting ready for school, can help children with ADHD learn how to recognize and feel comfortable with routines.
Examples of systems might include:
Some people believe that essential oils can help relieve or reduce the symptoms of ADHD. They include:
However, people need to note the following safety guidance for those considering using essential oils:
Although research suggests that essential oils may have some health benefits, it is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of these. A person should talk with a healthcare professional before using essential oils, and they should be sure to research the quality of a brand's products. A person should always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
Adults looking for further ways to cope with their ADHD may want to try the following:
In cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), therapists work with individuals to change how they think and behave. CBT has shown encouraging results in trials with adults.
Treatment for ADHD usually combines medication and behavioral therapies. And while some natural and lifestyle remedies can help, people with a diagnosis of the condition should follow their doctor's instructions.
Supplements and natural remedies can affect the body just as well as prescription or over-the-counter medicines. However, these alternative treatments can have side effects and may interact with other drugs.
Before trying any new remedies, including supplements, people should speak with a doctor before stopping any existing medication.
Can Acupuncture Treat ADHD?
While research is limited, some studies suggest acupuncture can help reduce ADHD symptoms.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It's believed to stimulate the body's energy flow (Qi) and promote balance.
Many people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have turned to acupuncture and other alternative therapies to help alleviate symptoms.
While the scientific evidence regarding acupuncture for ADHD is limited and mixed, proponents suggest that acupuncture may help manage ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention, as well as improve relaxation and overall well-being.
In TCM, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is viewed as an imbalance of the Heart-Mind rather than as a disease. Acupuncture addresses this imbalance through the clearance of Heat/Wind in the head, relief of liver Qi stagnation, and tonification of the spleen and kidneys.
In Western medicine, older evidence suggests that acupuncture influences brain activity, with studies showing reductions in activity in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) as well as changes in brain glucose metabolism.
This is important as hyperactivity in the DMPFC is linked to various psychiatric disorders with socio-emotional disturbances such as ADHD and schizophrenia.
While scientific research on acupuncture for ADHD is limited, some evidence suggests that acupuncture can reduce ADHD symptoms and help individuals reduce their dependence on stimulants. Some studies have also shown that TCM, including acupuncture, may have advantages over methylphenidate (Ritalin) in treating ADHD.
In a case study, a 25-year-old university student diagnosed with ADHD decided to slowly taper off stimulants with the help of acupuncture and herbs.
Over a period of several months, he received biweekly acupuncture treatments targeting his Heart-Mind balance via specific acupuncture points. He gradually reduced his medication dosage while avoiding typical withdrawal symptoms.
After 3 months, he successfully discontinued all medications and noticed significant improvements in his functioning.
Is acupuncture effective for children with ADHD?While research on acupuncture for children with ADHD is still relatively limited, a growing body of evidence suggests it may be effective.
In a review of 10 studies involving 876 children and adolescents, researchers assessed the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for ADHD. They also compared acupuncture to methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH) therapy.
The results show that acupuncture treatment was much more effective than MPH therapy, particularly in reducing hyperactivity symptoms. Few adverse events were reported in the acupuncture group, and in some cases, acupuncture was associated with a reduction in adverse drug reactions.
Furthermore, the effects of acupuncture were sustained even after the treatment periods had ended.
Still, the findings should be viewed with caution, as the authors noted that the sample size was relatively small and that there was a potential risk of bias. They say that further well-designed trials with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm and strengthen these results, particularly in Western populations.
Another review of 14 studies evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture for ADHD in 1,185 children.
The findings show that acupuncture, either as an add-on to conventional medicine or as a stand-alone treatment, had a positive effect on improving conduct problems, learning problems, hyperactivity–impulsivity, and hyperactivity symptoms in children with ADHD.
Acupuncture showed better overall treatment efficacy compared to conventional medication alone. Again, however, the evidence was limited, and the risk of bias was a concern.
While there isn't a single set of standardized acupuncture points exclusively for ADHD, practitioners may select points based on the individual's symptoms and TCM diagnosis.
Some commonly used acupuncture points for ADHD may include:
Chinese medicine understands ADHD as an imbalance in the Heart-Mind, rather than as a disease. It attributes the symptoms of ADHD to factors such as excess Heat/Wind in the head, liver Qi stagnation, and possible complications from Dampness, which may be rooted in deficiencies of the spleen and kidneys.
The use of alternative medicine has grown significantly, particularly for developmental and behavioral conditions like ADHD. In fact, data from family doctors and internists show that acupuncture is one of the most frequently recommended alternative therapies.
Evidence suggests that approximately 60–65% of parents of children diagnosed with ADHD seek alternative approaches to manage ADHD symptoms and reduce the side effects commonly associated with conventional medication.
Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner, and the risks and side effects are typically minimal.
Since the procedure involves the use of thin needles inserted into points on the body, you may experience temporary sensations such as tingling, mild pain, or bruising at those sites.
Acupuncture shows promise as an alternative therapy for individuals with ADHD.
While research in this area is still limited, a growing body of evidence suggests that acupuncture can help reduce ADHD symptoms and possibly help reduce the reliance on stimulant medications.
If you're considering acupuncture as part of your ADHD treatment plan, be sure to consult with a licensed acupuncturist.
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