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Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staffWhile more research is needed, there's some evidence that alternative medicine treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms. Some alternative treatments for ADHD include:
- Yoga. Doing regular yoga routines may help treat symptoms of ADHD.
- Special diets. Most diets for ADHD involve eliminating foods thought to increase hyperactivity, such as sugar and caffeine, and common allergens such as wheat, milk and eggs. Some diets recommend eliminating artificial food colorings and additives. If you notice that a certain food causes a change in your symptoms, you may want to try eliminating it from your diet to see if it makes a difference. However, consult with your doctor before starting a limited diet. A diet that eliminates too many foods can be unhealthy because it may lack necessary vitamins and nutrients.
- Vitamin or mineral supplements. While certain vitamins and minerals are necessary for good health, there's no evidence that supplemental vitamins or minerals can reduce symptoms of ADHD. "Megadoses" of vitamins — doses that far exceed the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) — can be harmful.
- Herbal supplements. It's unknown whether taking hypericum, ginseng, ginkgo, traditional Chinese medicine formulas or other herbal remedies help with ADHD, although some people claim they do.
- Essential fatty acids. These fats, which include omega-3 oils, are necessary for the brain to function properly. It's too soon to say whether they may improve ADHD symptoms.
- Glyconutrients. The term "glyconutrients" refers to eight specific sugars that theoretically reduce symptoms by helping form important compounds called glycoproteins. While sugars are necessary for brain function, it isn't clear whether glyconutrient supplements have any effect on ADHD.
- Neurofeedback training. Also called electroencephalographic biofeedback, this treatment involves regular sessions in which you focus on certain tasks while using a machine that shows brain wave patterns. Theoretically, you can learn to keep brain wave patterns active in the front of the brain — improving symptoms of ADHD. More research is needed to see whether this treatment works.
References
- Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov. Accessed Oct. 22, 2009.
- Kates N. Attention deficit disorder in adults: Management in primary care. Canadian Family Physician. 2005;5:53.
- Kolar D, et al. Treatment of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2008;4:389.
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Oct. 22, 2009.
- Dodson WW. Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder. In: Jacobson JL, et al. Psychiatric Secrets. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Hanley & Belfus; 2001. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/170825310-4/0/1167/120.html?tocnode=49275872&fromURL=120.html#4-u1.0-B1-56053-418-4..50059-5_1165. Accessed Sept. 22, 2009.
- Hall-Flavin DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 11, 2009.
- Plizska S. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Journal of the Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology. 2007;46:894.
- Martinez M, et al. Psychopharmacology. In: Hales RE. Textbook of Psychiatry. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2008. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/content.aspx?aID=320457&searchStr=antidepressive+agents. Accessed Oct. 22, 2009.
- Weber W, et al. Complementary and alternative medical therapies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2007;54:983.
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