Rising Sun Psychotherapy & Nuevo Amanecer
Michele Boudreau, PhD, MFT, LMHC, NCC

Alternative Treatments
for ADD & ADHD
 

Home remedies and more unusual alternatives for the treatment of attention deficits (ADD) and hyperactivity (ADHD) are abundant. Before
using the stimulants generally recommended for the disorder, people who
are leery of medication may want to try other approaches. Although some
are deserving of serious consideration, they should not be used to avoid
needed medication or counseling that can help manage problems. For
general information and statistics on treatment alternatives, see Beyond
Retalin by Stephen Garber, Marianne D. Garber, and Robyn F. Spizman
(Harper Perennial, 1994), pp. 187–197. The pros and cons of various
procedures follow:

REDUCING SUGAR

Reducing sugar intake should always be examined. Some people find that
excessive use of sugar definitely aggravates symptoms of ADD and
aggression, though others find that the amount of sugar consumed makes
little difference. There is some research that shows a physical basis for the
sugar effect. Eating sugar may cause people with ADHD to increase
production of the hormone cortisol, released by the body during stress.
Sometimes sugar may prevent proteins from reaching the brain. Sugar may
generally be better tolerated when people consume adequate amounts of
protein.

FOOD ADDITIVES AND SUPPLEMENTS

Avoiding artificial flavorings, food coloring, and preservatives was thought
to be an important treatment of ADHD in the 1970s. Over the years, there
has been little evidence to support these claims. Individual cases can vary
and it may be important to watch the effect certain food additives have on
behavior. Following strict diets can be very challenging for parents and
children. For more information, contact The Feingold Association, 127 East
Main Street, Suite 106, Riverhead, NY 11901, 516-369-9340, www.feingold.
org.

Omega 3 fish oils can be used to reduce deficits in fatty acids. Some
people report that this supplement improves attention and folklore has
always proposed that fish is “brain food.” However, the amount needed to
improve ADHD is not clear. There are medical tests for deficits in fatty
acids. Excessive thirst, frequent urination, dry skin, strawlike hair, dandruff,
and small bumps on arms, thighs, or elbows are also signs of the problem.
This complex nutritional approach is further explained in Miracle Cures by
Jean Carper (HarperCollins, 1997).

Herbs from grape seeds and pine bark (Pycnogenol) have been marketed
as a treatment for ADHD. Although more research has been done on
Pycnogenol, it is twice as expensive as grape seeds and it has the same
active ingredient. Improvements in symptoms of ADHD could be related to
the herb’s ability to regulate enzymes that control dopamine and
norepinephrine levels, which may be unsynchronized in ADD. Like
stimulants, reduction in symptoms should be seen in 15 minutes and last
about four hours. Therefore, if this approach has any benefits, they should
be readily observable. The suggested dose is 20mg of the active ingredient
(OPC) per 20 pounds of body weight for children and 40mg/20 pounds for
adults. Further information can be found in Miracle Cures by Jean Carper
(HarperCollins, 1997).

NEUROFEEDBACK

Neurofeedback, a form of biofeedback, uses EEG training to increase the
strength of brainwaves common in alert states and suppress the strength of
brainwaves that operate during sleep states. Increasing the strength of
“alert” brain waves could increase blood flow, strengthening the ability to
inhibit impulses and movement and filter distracting stimuli. The use of
neurofeedback training was started in the 1970s, and research in the
1990s has shown some promise for this approach. However, it may take 20–
40 sessions to produce results, and this can be expensive when not
covered by insurance. For more information contact EEG Spectrum, 161
Ventura Blvd., Suite 3, Encino, CA 91436-2505, 800-789-3456, www.
eegspectrum.com.

ANTIMOTION MEDICATION

Antimotion medication used to treat ADD is based on the theory that a
malfunctioning vestibular system (inner ear and balance center) may cause
a shortage of energy in the cerebellum. If misshapen inner ear filters block
the flow of neural impulses to the cerebellum, a state of sensory deprivation
could be created that causes fidgeting. Vestibular problems might be
especially suspect when people have motion sickness, coordination
problems, difficulty reading, sloppy writing, poor sense of direction, or
sensitivity to sound. Further information can be found in the book Total
Concentration by Harold N. Levinson (M. Evans and Co, 1990). Although
Dr. Levinson cites cases in which antimotion medications such as Antivert,
Marezine, and Dramamine and antihistamines such as Benedryl and
Dimetapp can help ADD, there has been little research to support this.

EXERCISES

Meditation and relaxation exercises can be very helpful for anxiety
disorders and other emotional problems. However, people who need to be
moving all the time can find attempts to be still excruciating. Those who
have only ADD may respond well to the focusing techniques of meditation.
Proponents of kinesiology and therapies that use acupressure points
suggest specialized postures, breathing, and tapping that can help ADHD
people become more organized and focused. For more information, contact
Fred Gallo, 40 Snyder Road, Hermitage, PA 16148, 724-346-3838, www.
energypsych.com, or Callahan Techniques, 45350 Santa Rosa, Indian
Wells, CA 92210, 760-345-4737, www.tftrx.com.

ADDITIONAL READING

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