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Loading ...What Is ADHD?
ADHD is known as “Attention-Deficit Hypersensitivity Disorder (or Hyperkinetic Disorder). It is a developmental disorder that displays symptoms of poor memory and impulse control, hyperactivity, distractibility and impulsiveness in patients diagnosed with it. While there is currently no known cure for the disorder, there are means to treat the issue.
How to Treat ADHD
Behavioral or educational therapy is also considered an alternative treatment for patients who do not respond to the medication’s effects and are unwilling to use prescription drugs.
Behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective for subgroups of ADHD patients, especially in managing familial relationships. Another form of therapy used is called educational therapy, which is a lesser known treatment that provides more lesson based remedy based on allowing a patient to work around the difficulties that hold them back from learning, and to make patients feel more settled in the classroom.
Unconventional Therapies
The medical profession is trying several unusual techniques in an attempt to better the attention span of patients with hyperactivity. One such treatment includes Biofeedback therapy, which allows patients to control body functions such as muscle tension, heart rate, and brain waves. Based off studies performed, some patients have responded well enough to the biofeedback therapy that they have been able to lessen or even completely eliminate prescription medication.
Another unique treatment for younger patients has been the use of popular video gaming consoles. While somewhat controversial in concept, the study has seen support by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Video gaming has been noted as a form of neuro-feedback, which allows children to mix their enjoyment of the interactive medium with a means to self-regulate their brain wave patterns for learning better mental focus and concentration.
Issues with ADHD Medication
While medicines such as Ritalin have been the standard “go to” medication for people with ADHD, there have been certain health concerns regarding the use of such medications. Ritalin is used to stimulate the central nervous system and can cause such symptoms as loss of appetite, insomnia, weight loss and abdominal pains, anxiety, and irregular heartbeat and respiration. In addition, over a prolonged period of time, such medications can form an addiction to its effects. It is for this reason that some patients have sought out alternative means to control their ADHD with therapy, or even more natural treatments.
A Natural Solution
While ADHD is a condition that must be addressed and treated in order for those affected by it to maintain a more regular lifestyle, many alternatives have been found in order to control the issue. For those who may require additional treatment past therapy, there are natural remedies on the market that combine several ingredients such as: Aloe barbadensis extract, Tragacanth gum, Beta-Glucan 1,3/1,6, Arabinogalactan, Ghatti gum and Guar gum that are used to improve memory and focus while relieving the symptoms of hyperactivity. Through a more natural approach, the concern of medication addiction or dependency is removed.
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/57/66030.htm
http://www.ldonline.org/adhdbasics/treatment
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2006-03-09-game-therapy_x.htm
http://www.drugfree.org/Portal/drug_guide/Ritalin
Written by Allen James for MicroNutra Health™