Alternative treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder
What about
alternative therapies?
What do we know about alternative therapies?
For more information
about ADHD
For
more information about alternative therapies
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is
a behaviour problem. Children with ADHD:
- Have problems paying attention.
- Have problems finishing their work.
- Are impulsive and may act without thinking.
- Are easily distracted.
These are known as the ‘core’ symptoms of ADHD. They are
different for each child. These symptoms usually lead to other
problems in school, with relationships (friends, family members) and
with self-esteem.
Treating ADHD can involve:
- Training for parents.
- Strategies to change your child’s behaviour.
- Educational programs to help your child in school.
- Medication.
The most common drugs used to treat ADHD are called stimulants.
The Canadian Paediatric Society has a handout on how these drugs
work. It’s available at
www.caringforkids.cps.ca/behaviour/ADHD.htm.
What about
alternative therapies?
You may have seen advertisements for alternative therapies in
magazines, on the Internet and in stores. The advertisements claim
that these treatments will help your child’s ADHD. Sometimes they
claim that alternative treatments are safer or more effective than
medication.
The problem with alternative therapies is that they have not had
the same kind of scientific review or testing as the medications
that doctors use to treat ADHD, like for example, methylphenidate
(Ritalin [Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc, Dorval]).
So how do doctors make decisions about which therapies to
recommend? Doctors read and review scientific studies on a regular
basis. Studies published in medical journals have to meet certain
standards before doctors will use them to make decisions.
The claims that producers of alternative therapies make don’t
meet these standards and there is no guarantee that these therapies
are safer than drugs.
What do
we know about alternative therapies?
There is some scientific evidence on alternative therapies and
most of it suggests that parents should be careful and well informed
before they try these treatments. Many can cause side effects, and
some can be dangerous. Talk to your doctor before trying any
alternative therapy for your child’s ADHD.
Here’s what we do know about the many therapies that have been
promoted as alternatives to drugs:
- Diet: Changes in diet may help a small group of
children who have allergy symptoms or migraine headaches.
However, there is no evidence that a diet without sugar or
additives will help the symptoms of ADHD.
- Vitamin supplements: If a child lacks a certain
vitamin or mineral (such as iron, magnesium or zinc), a
supplement may help. Talk to your doctor, however, about what
amount is right for your child. Megavitamins may harm the
liver.
- Fatty acids: Essential fatty acids such as fish oil
and primrose oil, as well as nootropics (also known as ‘smart
drugs’) such as deanol, have not been shown to help children
with ADHD.
- Herbs: Herbs can help calm a person, and they may
play a role in memory and thinking. However, because herb
products are not regulated, be sure to ask your pharmacist
about the purity (how strong is it?), safety, and toxicity
(can it cause harm?) of any product. Valerian, which is used
to help with sleep problems and anxiety, can cause headaches.
Blue-green algae can cause stomach upset, weakness, numbness
and tingling. Ginko biloba, which is said to help brain
function, can cause headaches, dizziness, palpitations,
stomach upset and skin rashes. It should not be used in
children with clotting problems. In 2002, Health Canada issued
a recall on all products containing kava, because it can cause
liver problems.
- Antioxidants: Also known as anti-aging remedies,
antioxidants protect nerve cells. But there is no direct
effect on ADHD. There is no evidence that pycnogenol is
effective, and it should not be used in children with clotting
problems. Melatonin can help with sleep problems, but it can
cause headaches, fatigue, irritability and sleepiness. It can
also trigger convulsions (seizures) and possibly suppress
puberty.
- Homeopathy: Homeopathy uses combinations of plant,
animal or mineral extracts. No studies have shown that
homeopathy is effective in treating ADHD. It should still be
considered to be ‘experimental.’
- Biofeedback: Biofeedback is supposed to help people
control their own responses. It involves a big commitment from
your whole family. Studies on its effectiveness were done with
very small groups of children and were not clear. It is still
considered to be an experimental treatment.
- Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy might be helpful for
certain symptoms of ADHD, such as sleep problems or tics.
- Vision therapy, oculovestibular treatment, sound
training: There is no evidence to support any of these
treatments.
For more information
about ADHD
For
more information about alternative therapies
Talk to your doctor and/or visit one of these Web sites:
Source: Published in Paediatrics & Child Health, April
2003. This handout was based on a position statement developed by
the CPS Psychosocial Paediatrics Committee, “The use of alternative therapies in treating
children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.”
Posted April 30, 2003
This information should not be used as a substitute for the
medical care and advice of your physician. There may be variations
in treatment that your physician may recommend based on individual
facts and circumstances.
Canadian Paediatric
Society, 2204 Walkley Road, Suite 100, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 4G8
Phone: 613-526-9397, fax: 613-526-3332 |
