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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Alternative Treatments
Alternative treatments for ADHD include allergy treatment, megavitamins, biofeedback, restricted diets, anti-motion sickness and eye training.
One alternative ADHD treatment, Brain Gym, is said to develop the brain's neural pathways through movement. It is meant to prepare students of all ages to practice and master the skills required for learning. Though this strategy might be effective, scientific research has not yet substantiated its value in treatment.
ADHD Symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD include inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that are inappropriate for age.
There are three different types of ADHD. Combined ADHD (the most common type) includes all of the symptoms. Inattentive ADHD is marked by impaired attention and concentration and hyperactive-impulsive type is marked by hyperactivity without inattentiveness.
To help recognize ADHD, understand that some symptoms that cause impairment must be present before age seven years and some impairment from the symptoms must be present in more than one setting (like home and school or home and work).
In fact, there is no strong scientific evidence to support the efficacy of any of the above mentioned treatments for ADHD.
Exercise caution when considering using alternative treatments.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital.
WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic
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More and more adults are struggling with ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Find out how they manage it.
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