An estimated 11 percent of children in Australia old enough to attend school suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) according to the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Despite the positive results medication has been proven to have in controlling the inattention and hyperactivity associated with ADHD, many parents are seeking alternative methods to deal with the symptoms of this common disease. Luckily, herbal treatments, altering dietary choices, and adopting certain forms of behavior modification have also shown promising results as natural alternatives to pharmaceutical options.
Herbal and Natural Remedies
Although herbal products tend to necessitate steady dosage and often take an extended period to show results compared to traditional medication, natural remedies have proven successful in treating a variety of illnesses. Several herbal options are included in the Clinical Handbook of Psychotropic Drugs, which outlines products that have been shown to be effective medical treatments. The combination of Ginko Biloba and American ginseng extract showed the ability to lessen instances of impetuousness, hyperactivity, and social conflicts related to ADHD in children within the three to 17 year old range according to research published in the Journal of Psychiatry Neuroscience. Omega 3 fatty acids have also been touted as capable of reducing symptoms of ADHD, however mixed results have been reported by researchers. The Program of Neuropsychopharmacological Biology Psychiatry claims that shortages of zinc, which may increase the symptoms of ADHD, may be improved through the consumption of Omega 3 fatty acids. Nevertheless, the Department of Psychiatry at Ohio State University reported varied results when exploring the connection between ADHD and Omega 3.
Dietary Adjustments
Individuals willing to adjust their diet plan have shown marked improvement in combatting ADHD. One particular dietary plan, the Feingold Diet, diminishes markers of ADHD by removing particular food dyes and preservatives. The Feingold Association recommends ridding your diet of artificial or synthetic flavoring, coloring, and preservatives such as BHA, BHT and TBHQ.
Structured Environments and Behavioral Modification
People that suffer from ADHD can be helped by engaging in modes of behavior modification. Researchers N. Mather and Sam Goldstein suggest distinguishing problem behaviors and the "ideal" behavior that one would like to reach, then reinforcing the target behavior when it occurs in their article, "Behavior Modification in the Classroom." Behavior modification can easily be incorporated into home life by instituting a structured routine and setting an alarm to mark the beginning and end of daily activities like homework and rest breaks. Charts that mark progress or the successful completion of tasks can be helpful in highlighting positive behavior and bolstering the desire to repeat such actions. Help younger children to focus on tasks by allowing them occasional breaks during which they can run, dance, and eliminate excess energy in a fun and focused way. An additional option to keep children focused is to make daily tasks a contest of sort, dare them to break their record bed making time each morning or gathering the largest pile of leaves while cleaning the yard.