Jaharri Asten

6/29/2016

ITP 2500

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

According to The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH)

natural treatments for ADHD have not been discovered. There are a plethora of theories but none

have been backed by research. Some have suggested supplementation with remedies such as St.

John's Wort, magnesium, zinc, ginkgo biloba, ​Pycnogenol, Omega-3 and many others to help

symptoms. None of these substances have demonstrated any alleviation of symptoms related to

ADHD. Additionally, over use of magnesium and zinc can result in an overdose. Also, St.

John’s Wort can interfere with the efficacy of a number of other medications. Overall, NIH

recommends avoiding these substance for treatment of ADHD because they are ineffective and

have the potential to cause adverse health reactions.

Also, NIH reviewed studies related to mind-body therapies but the results were generally

inconclusive. Most of the evidence consists of small studies and they do not demonstrate any

reduction in symptoms. They looked at studies that involved yoga, meditation, acupuncture,

massage therapy and chiropractic care but found no statistically significant results.

In contrast, NIH found over 70% of children respond to stimulant medication - that is

statistically significant. Unfortunately, these findings imply stimulant medication is currently the

only useful treatment for this condition. As a result, if the symptoms of ADHD are unbearable

conventional medication is the only recourse.