ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a developmental disorder, usually surfacing during childhood. A child with ADHD has trouble paying attention, focusing on one particular task, is prone to distraction, poor memory, and difficulty controlling their impulses.

They often behave in a hyperactive manner, making them more likely to get in trouble and school and less likely to do well, academically. Two thirds of children with ADHD will carry the disorder with them into their adult life.

Not much is known about why someone children would get ADHD and why others wouldn’t, although some evidence indicates it may be genetic. Head trauma could also be a cause of ADHD, or at least ADHD-like symptoms, and it seems there is at least some correlation between mothers that were exposed to second-hand smoke during their pregnancy and children who develop ADHD. Male children have a higher incidence of ADHD than female children.

Controversy Over ADHD

ADHD is a subject of much controversy. Taking care of child with ADHD is considerably harder than taking care of a calmer, more attentive child, any many parents are desperate for a solution, not only for their own ease, but to help their children succeed in life. The popular solution has for some time rested with prescription drugs such as Ritalin or Adderall.

However, given that these are actually stimulants, many are worried about the negative effects long-term use can have on children. Additionally, many are concerned about the possible danger of over diagnosis. Many children are hyperactive and have trouble staying on task, a problem which could have just as much to do with a child’s diet or discipline than with a neurological disorder. It may not necessarily be safe to assume your child has ADHD and needs to be medicated simply because they have problems paying attention or a proclivity to disorder.

It is the nature of pharmaceuticals to have side effects. It’s important to be informed about both the potential negatives of prescription medication and possible alternative treatments for disruptive children and children with ADHD.

Concerns about Prescription Drugs

Adderall is an amphetamine. Thus, if used in doses over a considerable period of time, a person can become addicted to Adderall. It’s important to make sure that your child is taking Adderall only as directed and does not develop a dependency on it. Misusing amphetamines can causes heart complications and even death.

Side effects of Adderall can include heart attack, high blood pressure, sudden death, stroke, seizures, impotence, depression, weight loss, intestinal problems and pounding of the heart.

Ritalin is similar to Adderall and is also a stimulant. Children can also become addicted to Ritalin so must be monitored closely. Common side effects include insomnia and excessive nervousness. Side effects can also include changes in blood pressure, Tourette’s Snydrome, wight loss, rapid heartbeat, fever, hair loss, loss of appetites and changes in pulse.

The National Alliance against Mandated Mental Health Screening and Psychiatric Drugging of Children is an organization that’s actually formed because of several children who have allegedly died because of their ADHD medication. In some cases, the children’s death were caused by physical reactions to the drug after a period as short as a few months. In other cases, particularly in children prescribed to Concerta and Strattera, children were found to cut themselves, and in severe cases, commit suicide. Some suicides were committed by children as young as twelve and fifteen years old.

Alternative Treatments

There are alternative treatments available to hyperactive children. Therapists can help your children with exercises to become more focused. Changing your child’s diet can also help.

Supplements are made with all-natural ingredients and therefore are available without prescription and also produce none of the dangerous side effects of prescription drugs.

Considering natural alternatives before subjecting a child to prescription treatments may very well save their life.