Natural remedies for ADHD may seem like a viable alternative to taking stimulant-based ADHD medications day after day. Many online ads and late-night television commercials tout a natural cure for ADHD. While tempting to try, most of these natural remedies for ADHD probably will not effectively control the symptoms of ADD or ADHD. Leading experts and ADHD researchers know of no natural cure for ADHD. Talk to your health care practitioner (see Getting ADHD Help) before trying any of these natural remedies. Read the information and research any claims about remedies you might find interesting from a variety of sources.

Debunked Alternative Treatments for ADHD

Diet-Based Natural ADD Treatment

Numerous special diets and food-avoidance lists, advertised as alternative treatments for ADHD, have gained popularity over the years. One such diet that gained rapid popularity, called the Feingold Diet, involved the methodical elimination of certain food additives and preservatives. Ben Feingold, MD, theorized that these additives and artificial flavorings caused hyperactivity in children; thus, their elimination would reduce hyperactive behavior. Numerous scientific studies have disproved Feingold's theory and elimination diet as having any appreciable effect on hyperactive behavior.

Others proponents of dietary manipulations as alternative treatments for ADHD postulated that dietary sugar and simple carbohydrates could cause ADHD in children. This sugar elimination diet has caused a significant amount of controversy over the years. Although research shows that ingesting refined sugars and carbohydrates can cause an activity spike for the child, due to a rapid increase in blood glucose, the heightened activity lasts a short period of time and a period of decreased activity often follows. Currently, no evidence suggests a link between a high sugar diet and a child's development of ADHD (see How Do You Get ADHD? Cause of ADD and ADHD).

Likewise, taking zinc supplements, as a natural ADD treatment has no measurable effect on children diagnosed with the disorder. Furthermore, long-term use of zinc can cause anemia in those without a zinc deficiency.

Omega-3 fatty acids, called essential fatty acids, provide an important piece of the components necessary for normal brain function. The omega-3 fatty acids, found naturally in certain fish and vegetable oils, may benefit people with ADHD, but more research is needed. Experts do not know whether supplementary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) offers any benefits as a natural ADD treatment.

Other Popular Approaches for Treating ADHD Without Medication

One alternative approach for the treatment of ADHD without medication uses daily massage therapy. While this daily treat may make people suffering from the disorder feel happy and more relaxed, resulting in sharper focus and reduced restlessness, it does not address the underlying cause of the condition.

Some parents and adults may feel tempted to try using herbs and supplements to treat their child's or their own ADHD, but no evidence exists that suggests these provide any benefit at all.

Promising ADD Alternative Treatments

Two ADD alternative treatments that show promise in increasing children's attention and focusing abilities include biologic and auditory feedback. These may also prove effective as an adult ADD treatment.

Biologic Feedback

Neurofeedback, a biologic feedback technique, uses electronic devices that teach the child or adult to control his brain wave activity. Through attending several of these 50-minute sessions, the patient learns which brain wave activity indicates full focus and concentration. A number of small research studies have indicated a considerable reduction in inattention, impulsiveness, and restlessness.

Auditory Feedback

Interactive Metronome and Musical Therapy utilize sound feedback to improve attention span and focusing ability. Children complete a series of exercises in rhythm to a computer-generated beat while wearing headphones and hand and foot sensors. Preliminary studies indicate this technique to benefit children by improving attention, language comprehension, and reducing negative behaviors.

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A minimum of 80 percent of children with ADHD responds positively to at least one of the stimulant ADHD medications available, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Stimulant ADHD medicines are the most frequently prescribed treatments for ADHD kids. Physicians frequently try multiple ADD medications to find the one that offers the best relief of ADHD symptoms with the least undesirable side effects.

Recently, physicians have found success with other types of ADHD medications, such as the non-stimulant drug, Strattera.

Available Stimulant ADHD Medications for Treating Children

Stimulant ADHD medications are divided into two classes: methylphenidate-based formulations and amphetamine-based formulations. Methylphenidate-based ADHD medicines include drugs sold under the brand names Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, and Metadate. Amphetamine-based ADHD medicines include those sold under the brand names Adderall, Dextrostat, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse.

The most common side effects associated with stimulant ADD medications include:

• Insomnia
• anorexia (decreased appetite)
• headache
• jitteriness
• withdrawal from social activities

These ADHD medication side effects usually do not last long and occur early on in the treatment cycle. Physicians can usually reduce these side effects by adjusting dosage amounts. Many stimulant ADD medications come in an extended release or long-acting formulations, allowing one morning dose per day versus the two or more doses per day associated with fast-acting stimulants.

Can Children Become Addicted to Stimulant ADHD Medicines?

Many parents voice concern that their child may become dependent upon stimulant ADHD medicines. Studies have shown that stimulant drugs do not pose a dependency risk when prescribed to children and adolescents to treat ADD. Furthermore, the use of these ADD medications in children and adolescents does not increase the potential for drug abuse in adulthood.

That being said, all stimulant drugs, including ADHD medicines, which fall under a controlled substance classification have the potential for abuse. Doctors should not prescribe them to people with a history of substance abuse.

Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications

Physicians now have one FDA approved non-stimulant ADHD drug to add to their arsenal of ADHD medications, atomoxetine, sold under the brand name Strattera. Strattera works to balance levels of norepinephrine in the brain and is effective in reducing ADHD symptoms in children. However, unlike stimulant drugs which affect levels of both norepinephrine and dopamine, patients must take Strattera for a longer period before seeing an improvement in ADHD symptoms.

Strattera does not cause insomnia, nervous tics, headache, or many other possible side effects associated with stimulant ADD medicines. Common side effects include loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue and possible mood swings. Most of these subside after one or two weeks of consistently taking Strattera. Some experts have reported concerns that long-term use of Strattera can cause growth delays in children and teens. Physicians should closely monitor the growth and weight of patients taking the drug.

Choosing Among the ADHD Medications

Studies have shown stimulant ADHD medications as highly effective in controlling ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents. Parents need not worry about their child developing a dependence on these medications if administered properly in the treatment of ADHD. However, certain children do not respond well to any of the stimulant medications, often because they have other disorders in addition to ADHD. In these cases, a non-stimulant drug such as Strattera may prove the best and most effective choice. Most mental health practitioners suggest including behavior modification therapy for ADD, ADHD children in addition to ADD medicines for optimal success in managing ADHD symptoms and behaviors.

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The same ADHD drugs commonly used to treat childhood ADHD work just as effectively in adults with the disorder. ADHD drug treatment addresses a deficiency in two important chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine, found in the brains of those with ADHD. The stimulant medications, found highly effective in treating adults and children, balances the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

ADHD Drugs Available for Treatment of Adult ADHD

ADHD drug treatment options come in a variety of strengths and formulations, including time release, slow release, capsules, caplets, and medicine-delivery patches. Stimulant ADHD drugs include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. These ADD drugs are FDA approved for use in children. While most have not been FDA approved for use in the treatment of adult ADHD, physicians do prescribe these ADHD drugs off-label to adult patients. (see Finding Adult ADHD Doctors Who Know How to Treat Adult ADHD)

Stimulant Class ADD Drugs by Brand Name:

• Ritalin
• Concerta
• Vyvanse
• Adderall
• Focalin
• Dexedrine

The only non-stimulant ADHD drug treatment available to treat adult ADHD is Strattera.

Stimulant vs. Non-Stimulant ADD Drugs

The Pros and Cons of Stimulant ADD Drug Treatments

Multiple studies have shown stimulant medications as the most effective pharmacological treatments for both adult and childhood ADD. Research shows that two-thirds of adults treated with stimulant ADD drugs have a significant reduction of ADD symptoms. The stimulant agents in these medications cause levels of norepinephrine and dopamine to rise in the brain. Experts believe that the normal levels of these neurotransmitters in the frontal cortex result in the increased attention and concentration ability.

Stimulant ADD drug treatment has the potential to cause hypertension in patients, particularly in adults. Doctors must monitor patients with high blood pressure very closely when initiating treatment with stimulant medications. Patients beginning a course of stimulant ADD drug treatment frequently complain about sleep disturbances and insomnia. Although this usually subsides after taking the medication for a couple of weeks, sometimes it does not. Since stimulant-based ADHD drugs are classified as C-II controlled substances, physicians should carefully consider the high potential for abuse when prescribing them to patients with a history of drug or alcohol abuse.

(Interested in adult ADHD natural treatment?)

The Pros and Cons of Non-Stimulant ADHD Drug Treatment

Atomoxetine, sold under the brand name Strattera, is the single non-stimulant ADHD drug treatment available in the U.S. Research indicates that patients can safely take the drug over long periods of time with minimal side effects. While it is effective, studies show it to have considerably less success in reducing adult ADD symptoms than stimulant drugs. Typically, patients must take non-stimulant ADD drugs for up to four weeks before noticing a significant improvement of symptoms. According to a study published in the 2008 issue of the Journal of Attention Disorders, a group of about 400 adults experienced an over 30 percent decrease in ADHD-related symptoms while taking Strattera for four years.

Straterra affects the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, bringing them up to normal levels; whereas, stimulant drugs affect levels of both dopamine and norepinephrine. The FDA does not classify Straterra as a controlled substance since the drug has a much lower potential for abuse. Still, Strattera can result in rare, but dangerous, side effects. The label warns of increased suicide risk in children and possible sexual and urinary issues for adults.

Adults who have a history of substance abuse, or who do not respond well to stimulant treatments, may consider trying a non-stimulant ADHD drug treatment, such as Strattera. Patients can obtain refills for the drug over the phone, making it far more convenient than the controlled class of stimulant drugs. Adults with no substance abuse history and who desire fast-acting relief should talk to a health care professional about starting on stimulant ADHD drugs.

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ADHD coaching is similar to life, sports, music or executive coaching in that they help clients reach their peak potential and performance. It can be part of a comprehensive adult ADHD treatment program. ADHD coaches (ADD coaches) specialize in helping their clients meet and deal with the challenges associated with the disorder in healthy and productive ways. Much like a sports coach, ADHD coaches identify your strengths and weaknesses in the game of life. Once identified, you're taught strategies designed to capitalize on your strengths and improve specific areas of weakness, such as organization skills or time management.

How Can ADHD Coaching Help You?

An adult ADHD coach, or one that specializes in coaching children, helps clients identify short and long-term goals and provides individualized strategies to increase chances of achieving those goals. Frequently, ADD coaches do not have the same professional credentials held by a psychologist or licensed counselor but employ highly effective tools and strategies to help adults and children manage the issues and challenges that come up in their daily lives and routines. Essentially, they take the tools and behavior management systems the patient learned from their mental health care practitioner and help apply these tools and skills to their individual lives (see Adult ADHD Therapy – Could It Help You?).

Qualifications of Effective ADD Coaches

The ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO) represents one professional group that seeks to standardize the profession of ADD coaching. According to the ACO, qualified ADD coaches should have a minimum of 72 hours of ADHD coach-specific training. The coach must have received training from an International Coach Federation (ICF) credentialed Master Certified Coach (MCC) or Professional Certified Coach (PCC). Those practicing ADHD coaching who received certification as a Professional ADHD Coach from the Institute for the Advancement of ADHD Coaches may also qualify for ACO membership.

Finding an ADD Coaching Expert

Those interested in locating a qualified ADD coaching expert can search the directory of certified coaches on the ACO website. The Institute for the Advancement of ADHD Coaching also has a directory of credentialed coaches on their website. Alternatively, some of the best referrals come from friends and acquaintances who have found a coach, experienced in ADD coaching, who helped them.

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Adult ADHD therapy can greatly reduce the stress caused by adult ADHD symptoms when used in conjunction with standard stimulant medication treatment. ADHD drugs play an essential role in allowing the patient to experience fast-acting relief from ADD symptoms, but they do not help the adult build the necessary skills to manage behaviors in challenging situations. That's where adult ADD therapy comes in.

How Adult ADHD Therapy Works

ADHD therapy for adults provides practical help in dealing with issues relevant to the person's work, social and personal life. ADHD adults suffer from many of the same issues as children with the disorder - restlessness, poor time management, short temper, impulsiveness and poor organizational skills. Therapists work with patients to help them manage challenging situations in their lives so they can function better in relationships (see ADD and Relationships), at school, and at work (see ADD, ADHD at Work). Preliminary studies have shown that psychosocial therapy combined with stimulant medication works to greatly improve the quality of life for adults with ADHD. In adult ADD therapy, patients learn to understand their disorder and develop essential life skills and healthy coping techniques.

Issues Addressed in Adult ADHD Therapy

Frequently, adults with ADD have at least one additional mental disorder. Adult ADD therapy, delivered by a psychiatrist or psychologist, treats these other psychiatric conditions as well. Once the mental health practitioner has any other mental conditions under control, the patient has a better chance of effectively managing his life and negative behaviors. Adult ADHD therapy addresses many common issues associated with the disorder, including:

• Procrastination
• Relationship problems with friends, spouse, and children
• Poor social communication skills, such as interrupting conversations
• Poor organization skills
• Poor time management
• Restlessness and chronic boredom
• Problematic habits, such as leaving tasks unfinished or needing instant gratification

Types of Adult ADD Therapy and How They Help

Adult ADD therapy utilizes several types of psychotherapy. Some types seek to educate and help the patient understand why he acts or thinks the way he does and how these thought patterns and behaviors negatively affect his quality of life. This is done by talking about destructive emotions, depression, anxiety, feelings of incompetence, and low self-esteem. The patient is taught that behaviors he always thought of as his fault are really due to neurotransmitter deficiencies in the brain.

Other types of adult ADD therapy focus on not only educating the patient about the disorder but also on learning how to manage or change the behaviors that are impacting his/her life. Mental health practitioners, experienced in skills training techniques, teach the patient how to deal with the negative feelings by rebuilding communication, organization, planning, and time management skills from the ground up. The common disciplines of psychotherapy known to help adults with ADHD include:

• Psychoeducation - this type of adult ADHD therapy instructs the patient about his condition and teaches him how to apply new behavior management skills and coping techniques in work, home life, academic and social situations.
• Skills-Training - psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, and counselors can provide skills training as part of adult ADD therapy. The patient learns organizational and planning skills that will improve functioning both at home and in the workplace.
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy - studies show cognitive behavioral therapy is very effective in treating adult ADHD when used in combination with stimulant medication. This type of adult ADHD therapy targets destructive thoughts patterns causing anxiety and depression. These thought patterns undermine the patient's attempts at self-managing his disorder through the use of newly learned skills and techniques. This type of therapy often employs some type of token reward system to encourage healthy behaviors and positive thought processes.

Finding a Qualified Adult ADHD Therapy Practitioner

The best mental health therapists use some combination of the types of therapy discussed above. Finding an experienced, qualified therapist is critical to the success of ADHD therapy for adults. Adults can ask their primary care physician for referrals to ADHD therapists that they know and trust. Your local county psychological association can also provide referrals. Alternatively, people can ask others who have had successful treatment of their adult ADD for a referral. When consulting with the potential practitioner, the patient should verify that the therapist is specifically experienced in treating adult ADHD.

ADHD coaching may also be of help along with adult ADHD support.

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A primary goal of ADHD therapy is to reduce undesirable symptoms associated with the disorder and improve the performance of daily tasks and responsibilities. In addition to treatment with stimulant prescription ADHD medications, ADD therapy can enhance and complement the positive effects of ADHD medication in children.

How ADHD Therapy for Children Works

ADD therapy provides counseling and tools that the child can use to help manage his ADHD symptoms. Stimulant drugs, commonly used in the treatment of ADHD, seem to work by bringing brain neurotransmitter levels to normal. ADHD medications, while very effective in reducing symptoms, provide only physiological relief to the child. To reach his potential and achieve success, the child must learn a variety of skills, behavior modifications, and how to change destructive thought patterns. That's where ADHD therapy for children can prove very effective.

Types of ADHD Therapy

Social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, or other mental health professionals provide ADHD therapy for children (see Where to Find ADD Help). These professionals use a variety of techniques in counseling the ADD child, but ADHD behavioral therapy and ADHD cognitive therapy techniques represent the most common types of ADHD therapy.

• ADHD Behavior Therapy - The mental health professional teaches parents and children behavior modification strategies that help them cope with challenging situations. Think of these techniques in the context of ABC; wherein, A represents Antecedents, B represents Behaviors, and C represents Consequences. Essentially, ADHD behavior therapy utilizes a basic token-reward system. Antecedents are triggers that occur prior to behaviors. Behaviors are negative things the child does that parents and therapists work to change. Consequences are the interventions consistently imposed by the parents to effectively change the behavior in the future.
• ADHD Family Therapy - Counselors help parents and siblings of the ADHD child as a group by teaching them how to cope with the pressures and issues that emerge from living with a child with ADHD.
• Psychotherapy - The discipline of psychotherapy uses ADHD cognitive therapy techniques in addition to other therapeutic strategies. Many children with ADD have co-morbid mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression. The psychotherapist can discuss issues that bother the child and explore negative behaviors, as well as provide ways to reduce the effects of ADD symptoms.
• Support Groups and Skills Training – Parents and children can attend ADD support group meetings, which include skills training and education about ADHD therapy for children. The meetings provide a support network of other families coping with the disorder. Together, they can discuss common issues and experiences with using the various coping skills and strategies.

Issues Addressed in ADHD Therapy

ADHD therapy techniques address a variety of issues associated with ADHD in children. Common issues dealt with during therapy sessions include:

• destructive thought patterns
• emotional outbursts
• depression
• learning challenges
• difficulties maintaining friendships and other social relationships
• impatience and impulsiveness
• defiance
• forgetfulness
• restlessness

Finding a Qualified ADD Therapy Professional

Finding a skilled mental health professional with years of experience providing ADHD therapy for children is very important. You can start with a referral from your child's pediatrician. Another referral source is your county psychological association. Also, check with other parents of ADHD children. There's a good chance their child is receiving ADD therapy and you can get feedback on that particular therapist and their ability to provide ADHD therapy for children.

Parents can also search through several ADHD practitioner referral sites on the Internet. Physicians and therapists listing on these services do so because they have experience providing ADHD therapy and likely specialize in it.

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Homeopathy is a type of alternative medicine which uses highly diluted substances to treat a variety of maladies. Homeopathic solutions are known as remedies. Homeopathic remedies are thought to produce the same symptoms in a healthy person as those being treated in the patient.

Overall, scientific evidence shows homeopathy is no better than a placebo.¹

Homeopathic Remedies for Anxiety

Homeopaths may recommend a variety of natural cures for anxiety as treatment is very specific to the individual. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some homeopathic anxiety remedies include:²

• Aconitum - for anxiety accompanied by irregular or forceful heartbeat, shortness of breath, or fear of death.
• Arsenicum album - for excessive anxiety that has no clear cause and is accompanied by restlessness, especially after midnight. It also may be used for perfectionists, including children, who worry about everything.
• Phosphorus - for an impending sense of doom and anxiety when alone. It also may be used for impressionable adults and children who are easily influenced by the anxiety of others.
• Lycopodium- for performance and other types of anxiety in those who are insecure, yet hide their low self-esteem with arrogance and bravado. It also may treat children with anxiety accompanied by bedwetting.
• Gelsemium - for performance anxiety resulting in diarrhea, headache, dizziness, weakness, shakiness and trembling, or trouble speaking.
• Argentum nitricum - for performance anxiety (such as before tests in school-age children) with rapid heart rate, feeling of faintness, diarrhea, or flatulence.

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Ever wonder how adult ADD and relationships work? It's easy to fall in love. The brain sends a rush of neurotransmitters responsible for the euphoric feeling associated with falling in love. Those with ADHD have less pleasure-producing chemicals available in their brains, causing them to focus on new love and romance with a laser-like acuity in an attempt to increase the levels of dopamine and other pleasure chemicals. But this initial rush does not last; nor, do they build the foundation required for lasting ADHD relationships.

Adult ADD and Relationships

Building a lasting, satisfying relationship is challenging for everyone, but especially for the adult with ADHD. Consider the difficulties facing adult ADHD relationships:

1. People without ADHD can experience a bond and connection with their partner at any time, day or night. For the adult with ADD/ADHD, sporadic connections are the norm. This disconnect in the eyes of the non-ADD adult can foment doubt and suspicion in ADHD relationships.
2. Frequently, the ADD adult's irritation with touching and closeness can create a sharp disconnect in the relationship. Sometimes people with ADD experience heightened senses, causing physical contact to feel annoying. This rejection can create a significant wound in a relationship with a non-ADD person.
3. The poor memory skills exhibited by many suffering from ADHD can cause hurt feelings when they forget a birthday, anniversary, or important meeting.
4. All couples argue at times, even in the best of relationships. But adults with poorly managed ADHD are quick to anger, often over insignificant matters. This can create an environment of tension and friction in an otherwise good relationship.
5. Chronic boredom represents another issue that plagues adults with ADD and relationships. People with ADHD become bored more frequently than those without the disorder. This can cause relationship issues when the normal adult feels his or her partner is bored with their company and the activities they participate in together.
6. The impulsiveness associated with ADD can certainly cause a rift in the ADHD relationship. While some level of spontaneous activity is attractive, adults have responsibilities and goals that do not lend themselves well to the unhealthy levels of impulsive behavior shown by adults with poorly managed ADD.

Creating an environment in which an ADHD relationship can thrive requires diligence and commitment. Consider the following strategies:

1. Keep a notebook with a calendar handy to jot down daily and weekly "to do" lists for the home as well as grocery lists. Keep the calendar updated with important dates and occasions highlighted inside.
2. Mitigate the clutter in your mind by cleaning up the clutter in your home and personal spaces.
3. Create a routine for repeating tasks and duties and stick to it.
4. Ask your partner to request that you repeat back his or her requests and needs to ensure that you were 'on board' and listening to the conversation.
5. Share your feelings honestly. If you feel a heightened sensitivity to touch and sound at the moment, tell your partner in advance so he or she will not feel hurt by rejection.
6. Budget your money by sitting down with your partner at a designated day and time each week. Plan expenses, entertainment expenditures, and menus for the entire week ahead. This relieves you of dealing with this burden on a daily basis.

Finally, relationships are hard. They are hard for everyone. Do not allow ADD to adversely affect your relationships. Take steps now toward a fulfilling life.

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In today's tough economy and competitive job market, it's essential for adults to properly manage their ADD at work. Adults with untreated, unmanaged ADHD have trouble focusing on immediate tasks, daydream in meetings, miss deadlines, and ultimately cannot hold down a job for a long period of time (read about ADHD Treatment for Adults).

One study revealed that 50 percent of adults with ADHD were unable to hold down a job with full-time hours. When they did land a job, they earned about $8,000 less annually than others with similar skills, in similar positions. You must take steps to manage your ADD at work; you deserve success and peace of mind as much as anyone else. Do what it takes to make it happen.

ADHD at Work – Its Effects on Employment

Most adults with ADHD do not organize personal and workspaces efficiently, have trouble completing tasks and meeting deadlines, and exhibit impulsive behavior. Coworkers and superiors falsely assume that these behaviors show that the ADHD adult is lazy and unintelligent, resulting in poor performance reviews. Some of the negative behaviors exhibited by those with poorly managed adult ADHD at work include:

• Excessive tardiness
• Poor anger management
• Poor organization
• Missed deadlines and unfinished assignments
• Procrastination
• Inattentiveness
• Speaking out of turn
• Poor time management
• Following directions
• Poor attention to detail

Tips for Managing Adult ADD and Work

In addition to properly complying with your doctor's instructions regarding taking stimulant medications and regular visits to a therapist, you can help manage your ADD at work by developing skills for coping with daily challenges.

Check out the following strategies for managing adult ADHD:

• Invest in noise-canceling headphones to mitigate distractive noise.
• Keep a notebook with a calendar handy for jotting down lists and appointments.
• Request a low-traffic, quiet workspace.
• De-clutter your desk each afternoon before leaving.
• Break down large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks.
• Set a timer (15 or 20 minutes) at a specific time a day for answering emails and voicemail. These two tasks can turn into a time waster. Setting specific and limited times each day to take care of them will help you avoid time-wasting pitfalls.
• Take detailed notes during meetings and phone conversations.
• Set up your computer and smartphone calendars to deliver audible and text messages to remind you of important meetings and deadlines.
• Ask a well-organized coworker or supervisor to assist you in organizing your desk, files, electronic documents, and calendar. They will probably feel flattered you asked them to help.

The Americans with Disabilities Act lists ADHD as a disability. Your company cannot discriminate against you because of your ADD at work, but it is your responsibility to do all you can to eliminate the negative effects of your disorder.

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Do adult ADHD natural remedies work? The answer is a controversial one. Some people insist that largely disproven dietary interventions, such as the Feingold Elimination Diet, work, while others believe any improvement due to this and other remedies are short-lived and based on a placebo effect, rather than actual efficacy of the method ("Diet for ADHD: Does Food Really Make a Difference?").

Vitamins and Supplements as an Adult ADHD Natural Treatment

Can taking daily vitamins and supplements provide effective natural treatment for ADHD in adults? Due to the increasing popularity of alternative and complementary medicine concepts, people now have numerous choices in nontraditional approaches to personal health and wellness. Alternative remedies are used in place of traditional medicines and complementary remedies are used in addition to traditional treatments. Patients should exercise caution when trying a natural remedy for their ADD. Always talk to your doctor first before beginning any natural treatment regimen for your condition.

Zinc

Some research has shown that people with ADHD have insufficient amounts of zinc in their bodies. A few studies have indicated that adding zinc supplements as a complementary natural ADHD treatment. While numerous studies indicate that adding zinc supplements reduces hyperactivity and impulsive behavior, they also show it as causing no improvement in attention span. Try eating foods rich in zinc, such as nuts, whole grain, dairy products, meats and poultry, beans, and seafood. It may work to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity; thus, providing partial success as an adult ADHD natural treatment.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

A few studies suggest that this fish oil can act as an effective natural treatment for ADHD in adults. These studies indicate that supplementing diets with omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, improved mental skills, decreased hyperactivity/impulsivity, and enhanced attentiveness and alertness. The specific study that reported these findings used an omega-3 fatty acid and evening primrose oil supplement.

St. John's Wort

A common herbal remedy used to treat depression, insomnia, and anxiety. Study results report that St. John's Wort is not an effective natural treatment for ADHD in adults.

Exercise as a Natural Treatment for ADHD in Adults

Adding a routine of daily rigorous exercise may help mitigate restlessness, chronic boredom, and impulsivity, which are hallmark symptoms of ADHD in adults. However, never embark on any new exercise routine without first consulting your doctor. Further, use exercise as a complementary therapy in addition to ADD, ADHD drugs – not as an alternative.

Adult ADHD Natural Remedies Not Recommended as Treatment

No definitive, empirical data exists proving the efficacy and reliability of natural remedies as a treatment for adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. When used in conjunction with traditional treatments, they are relatively safe. Other, unproven and/or ineffective, alternative treatments that you may come across when researching adult ADHD natural remedies include:

• Yeast (Candida albicans) elimination from the diet.
• Elimination of sugar
• Iron supplements
• Herbal medicines, such as ginkgo biloba and lemon balm
• Homeopathy – stramonium, cina, hyoscyamusniger
• Biofeedback

More scientific research is necessary before experts will consider any of these adult ADHD natural remedies as safe and effective. Currently, traditional medicines and adult ADHD treatments represent the best and most effective way to treat adult ADHD.

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