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Once you read this article, you'll have a good working knowledge of some of today's popular methods for treating attention deficit hyper activity disorder.
Attention deficit hyper activity disorder, also known as ADHD, is a condition affecting both children and adults. It generally involves the inability to complete tasks, and problems with sustained attention and concentration. Some other common symptoms are impulsiveness, overactivity, impatience, inattentiveness, boredom and interacting with others.
Unfortunately, there is no single, specific test for diagnosing ADHD. It is a very specialized area of study, typically performed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or other ADHD specialist, that involves a detailed and tedious examination of current as well as past behavior.
Drug therapy, as well as behavioral modification, are some of the common methods of treating ADHD. But research is now showing some highly effective, more holistic methods of treating this condition. These natural alternatives are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people are leery of the side effects of drugs. Regardless of the method of treatment, all programs should include close monitoring.
Prescription drugs in the forum of stimulants and nonstimulants are widely used in the treatment of ADHD. Stimulants are used to help the patient in focusing and avoiding distractions. These have demonstrated an effective rate of about 70%-80%. Examples of these drugs include Ritalin, Adderall, Methlin, Cyclert, Concerta, Focalin and Metadate.
I am not surprised that more and more parents are interested in treating ADHD with natural options. I think that there are many reasons for this. The major ones are the health risks associated with the psychostimulants like Adderall, Ritalin and Strattera and also the troublesome side effects which have ruined many a family life. But perhaps the biggest worry is that in the forty years of prescribing Ritalin, there are no long term studies available on the long term neurological development of children!
Full spectrum light
As regards treating ADHD with natural options, we have a wide choice. I was interested to read about the work of Dr. John Ott who has established that there is a connection with ADHD and the lack of natural light. It seems that full spectrum lighting at home and schools can be a great help. The usefulness of this sort of lighting is well established now in the treatment of SAD (seasonal affective disorder).