ADD and ADHD Articles and Books: Natural Remedies for ADD and ADHD to Safely Treat Your Children's Symptoms

Many physicians now refer to ADHD and ADD interchangeably.

Rather than a learning disability, ADD/ADHD is considered a specific neurological difference for which there is no accepted cure.

Children who suffer from the effects of ADD and/or ADHD could be at a higher risk for developing difficulties at school. Their self esteem may be poor, and they are at a higher risk for developing depression. They often have greater difficulties in creating relationships at school too.

Anxiety, Depression and ADHD in Children

There is a close relationship between ADD and ADHD and anxiety disorders. Adults and children who have ADD/ADHD can focus with the right intervention, behavioral treatment and adjustment. Listed below are some of the potential signs of ADD/ADHD:

Children will have difficulty in sitting still.
Their attention span is very short with frequent ‘spacing out’.
Children have trouble waiting or sharing their turn.
They move from one activity to another very quickly.
There are frequent signs of disorganization and distraction of thoughts.
Children have trouble making or maintaining friendships.

A specialist in educational diagnostic testing or a pediatric psychologist evaluates children who are suspected of having depression and ADHD. Problems like poor attention, impulsivity, hyperactivity and excitability are observed in the children below seven years of age. If the condition is studied over a period of six months, the child is confirmed with ADHD. The symptoms should ideally be apparent in more than two settings like home, school and social set-ups. Sometimes anxiety disorders are misdiagnosed as ADD.

Potential causes: Medical experts still do not share the same view regarding the primary cause of ADHD/ADD. There is no single neurotransmitter or gene observed that causes ADD/ADHD, but people with this disorder have decreased brain activity in the regions that are responsible for regulating their memory, impulses and planning ability.

There are several treatment alternatives available for ADD/ADHD. However, the drugs that are used to treat this problem can have severe side effects on some children like occasional headaches, depression, appetite suppression, nausea and difficulty in sleeping. In addition to support from parents and involvement at home and social set-ups, kids need their parents to advocate for them. There are many teachers who are aware of the symptoms of ADD/ADHD and often seek help from therapists or the parents, to develop the best possible strategy to help the child with attention difficulties he may face. The methods adopted are simple and they help the child to focus better.

There are also various supportive supplements and books to help you that discuss the potential causes, life style changes, and alternative treatments for those with symptoms of ADD/ADHD individuals.

Suggested Supportive Supplements for ADD and ADHD

Calcium & Magnesium: Many children have a Zinc Deficiency, so supplementing with Zinc along with these two minerals can have a calming affect on children.

Essential Fatty Acids: Having a fatty acid balance can assist with brain and eye function.

GABA: (Gamma-Amino-Butyric acid) This is another calming aid for the body but without the danger or side effects of a tranquilizer.

MultiVitamin and Multi Mineral Complex: Necessary for a balanced body, however stay away from gimmicky complexes that contain unnecessary dyes and artificial flavorings.

SAME: (S-Adenosylmethionine) Helps to relieve stress and also depression. However there is some caution, do not take with prescription antidepressants, nor if dealing with a manic-depressive type of disorder. Also, this supplement is not for children who are under twelve years of age.

Vitamin B Complex: Wonderful supplement to assist in healthy brain function as well as digestion where many problems starts. A B Complex helps in the regulation of neurotransmitters along with processing a diet containing carbohydrates.

Ginko Biloba: This is an exceptional herb we will continue to learn more about. It helps with concentration, among other attributes.

Valerian Root Extract: This herb helps balance child hyperactivity and has been proven to have quite dramatic results. One way to supplement is with an alcohol free extract that can be be mixed with juice.

Kava Kava: This supplement is also known as a natural tranquilizer and has a non addictive quality without side effects like many prescription drugs.

Stevia Herb: One of the best alternative sweeteners to aid in reducing the intake of processed and refined sugars.

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