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Treatments for ADD/ADHD
It is important that a child be properly diagnosed for ADHD by a physician
especially if alternative treatments such as diet, nutrition and herbal
remedies don’t help alleviate the effects of ADHD. Deficiencies of iron,
magnesium, and zinc have been associated with children suffering from ADHD.
Many doctors seeking to diagnose and detect ADD and ADHD initially perform a
Red Blood Cell Fatty Acid Analysis in order to determine the patient’s
individual fatty acid requirements. This is important because many children
and adults with the disorder have deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids.
A 1996 study of treatment for ADD found that physicians prescribed one or more
of 22 different medications to more than half of ADHD children under three
years old. One of the most common medicines prescribed by doctors for
treatment of ADD is Ritalin, a stimulant which helps the brain to normalize
chemical levels in the brain.
These chemicals are referred to as neurotransmitters. Many doctors believe
that these chemical imbalances can lead to ADD or ADHD. According to the
Ritalin website, side effects of Ritalin use can lead to hypersensitivity,
dyskinesia (involuntary movements of the face and body), cardiac arrhythmia,
abnormal liver functioning, toxic psychosis, and weight loss, among a host of
other side effects. Another commonly prescribed ADD medication is Adderal.
This drug, too, has side effects which are similar to those of Ritalin.
Many medicated patients complain that they feel like “zombies” after taking
their medication. In other patients, the exact opposite reaction occurs. They
feel ill at ease, restless and unable to relax. Tics and muscle twitching are
common among patients due to the side effects of their medications.
You should talk to your doctor about the treatment options for your child.
While traditional medications may help, there are many side effects that can
occur from taking medications such as Ritalin. Another medication which is
often prescribed is Strattera.
Unfortunately, this drug also carries the side effects found in medications
such as Ritalin.
You may want to ask your doctor questions such as these:
Is there anything I can do better in terms of parenting techniques and
discipline?
Should I discuss my child’s ADHD with his or her teachers?
How long will it be to see results from medications and how long will my child
have to take medicine?
How do I know whether my child’s actions are normal or whether they are
produced by ADHD?
Is my child’s ADHD chronic?
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