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August 2005

ADHD Newsletter for Parents and Teachers

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An Overview of Alternative Treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
by Dr. Douglas Cowan  
Since so many would rather avoid the use of stimulant medications for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder if possible, a growing need for the development of alternative treatments for ADD ADHD has developed over the past twenty years. Although there are many products that claim to help any child with ADD ADHD, the truth is that there are only a few non-medication treatments for attention deficit disorder that have actually undergone even the simplest of clinical trials. Most alternative treatments have never been carefully studied to determine their effectiveness in the real world.

Our four favorite non-medication treatments for attention deficit disorder have been studied in the real world. They are Behavior Modification therapy, the Nutraceutical medicines called "Attend" and "Extress," Brainwave Biofeedback training, and Eating or Diet Interventions.

Counseling can have positive benefits under certain circumstances, such as the skill of the therapist in working with ADD ADHD individuals. Most therapists have little experience working with this population.

"Attend" and "Extress" are excellent alternatives to prescription stimulant medications. They are very complex formulas, engineered to optimize brain functioning in individuals experiencing problems with attention, impulse control, temper, paying attention, or over-activity.

EEG Biofeedback training, also called Neurofeedback, is about a twenty year old technology. With the continuing development of faster and faster computers it has become a viable alternative treatment for attention deficit disorder. There is a great deal of research on EEG Biofeedback which you should read if you are at all interested. The EEG Spectrum web site for great information on this treatment option. You can visit them at http://www.eegspectrum.com.

Eating programs, or diet interventions, may also have some positive impact on individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Although we do not feel that this intervention is as effective as either the Attend and Extress, or EEG Biofeedback training, we do believe that every individual with ADHD should try a diet intervention. Our favorite eating program for ADD ADHD individuals is available at http://www.newideas.net/adddiet.htm.

Many individuals with ADD ADHD will also benefit from nutritional supplements. The most effective are probably Essential Fatty Acids (Omega Oils) and certain minerals such as Zinc. The essential fatty acids are found in the "Attend" nutraceutical. They can also be found in Flax Seed Oil or Borage Oil. They can also be found in fish, and you can simply feed your child more tuna fish.

Medications for ADD and ADHD
by Dr. Douglas Cowan  
The most common medications used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are stimulant medications. Anti-depressant medications, and even anti-convulsant medications, are sometimes used as well, though this is less common.

The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD include Ritalin (Methylphenidate), Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine), ADDerall, and Cylert (Sodium Pemoline). Ritalin is the most commonly used stimulant. About 90% of all patients who decide to use stimulants for their ADHD will at some point use Ritalin. It is the most predictable of the stimulants.

ADDerall is the new "up and coming" medication, as it lasts about six hours per dose, and is less "harsh" than Ritalin. Patients like it because it is "smoother" than Ritalin, as it goes into the system slower and leaves the system more gradually. Since it lasts longer than Ritalin, children can take a dose in the morning and not have to take another dose until after school, if at all. Lots of kids like not having to go to the office to get their medicine during lunch time.

We never recommend Cylert. Never. Pulled from use entirely in Canada, it may cause liver damage in children or adults. Besides, it is just not that effective for most people. The nutraceutical "Attend" is more effective using amino acids and essential fatty acids. If it's between Cylert and anything else, take the anything else.

We are not opposed to the use of stimulant medications like ritalin or adderall, provided that the physician knows what he or she is doing. We would prefer that parents try other interventions first, however, such as diet and/or nutraceuticals. The alternatives can be very effective as well, and should be considered as a treatment option.

Yes, we have hundreds of medication success stories. Yes, we have some horror stories as well. Remember, any medication, including Ritalin, ADDerall, Dexedrine, and other stimulants used for treating attention deficit disorders, can have bad side effects. That's why you must use a good doctor. For great information on medications used for Attention Deficit Disorder please visit the ADHD Information Library at http://www.newideas.net.

Are You Looking for an Effective Alternative to Ritalin?
 
Learn more about ATTEND, an all-natural homeopathic medicine with specific amino acid combinations, essential fatty acids, phospholipid complexes, and more.

ATTEND has over 70 specific ingredients. Clinically tested - by our own Dr. Cowan - in 1996-97, and manufactured by VAXA International. It works or your money back!

 

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