Has anyone been successful in treating their childs ADHD without medication but by changing their childs diet or another method in treating the problem if so what did you do? i'm in search of treatment for my son but medication is a last resort.
2007-01-03 02:09:16 · 6 answers · asked by Realone 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
My ex-husband had medicated my son for a year before I found out. He was sleepy and very mellow all the time. A far cry from the "lover of life" that he use to be. Yes he bounced off the walls a little but for the most part he did not have to be medicated. I thought he was going through withdrawl because he kept telling me that it was time for his meddy (that's what he called his medicine). My son had been with me for a few days when I noticed him coming back to life so I took him to the doctor and she was able to get records that confimed his dad had him put on a drug. So the doctor said no more and we came up with a plan that included limited sugar, lots of exercise, quiet time, and lots of structure. My advice would be to find a doctor that isn't quick to medicate unless your son could possibly harm himself.
I take him to a counsler once a week. It's been over a year and he takes no medication and is a perfectly functioning 8 year old little boy with the love of life back in his eyes.
2007-01-03 02:19:32 · answer #1 · answered by latinadiabla_1976 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I did it without meds in the late 70s. It was a trail and error situation. The first thing I took away was refined sugar. That was a very tough thing. Everything, including breads, contains sugar. I had to do my own baking, as well as reading all labels. We used honey instead. Today you have more sweetener choices, such as Steevia. The removal of sugar worked wonders. I also had a scheduled relaxation time. We started out with toes and worked up the body trying ultimately relax all together. That took a lot of concentration from my child, and helped him to focus. It was never perfect, but there was a lot of improvement for my son. Some people had to take away white flour, others added caffeine to their child diet. Caffeine seems to have the opposite effect on some kids. Good luck to you.
2007-01-03 10:28:31 · answer #2 · answered by Kris 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know several parents with adhd children. It really all depends on just how---I was going to say 'bad' but that's not the right word. It depends on his limitations. Of the five people I know, three have treated their children with meds. Of those three, two have been very successful. The other three have gone your way of thinking and had just as good results.
Two of those children, one on the meds and one on controlled diet are now adults with their own children. One of the five has been diagnosed with other problems too numerous to list. His problems are more than ADD let's say. The last two are in college and one is still taking some meds though mild ones. The other is doing well on her own. Every child is different but if you want to try the diet then do so. I wish you good luck.
2007-01-03 11:21:32 · answer #3 · answered by Emma J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Years ago, I tried lots of things and finally resorted to the medication for my son. So this advice is just for if you have to go with medication.
The first medication wasn't the best choice (at that time, it was Ritalin). He shouldn't have stayed on it the whole year that he did, but it did the main job in helping him concentrate. He tried time-released Dexidrine next and it was a good medication. Perfect for him. Didn't change his personality at all, but helped him stay focused throughout the day and evening. He was on it from 3rd or 4th grade to 7th grade. Then he was able to get off of it because he had matured quite a bit and was able to find ways on his own to focus. (Plus, he had some great teachers who understood and helped him.)
You want what is best for your child. In my opinion, in the case of ADD, if you need to use medications, then do so. You wouldn't withhold asthma medication from him if he needed it, would you? I couldn't stand to see my child struggle in school any longer - - - with friends, with teachers. In the end, I know I did the right thing. He is almost 21 now and a very amazing, smart and focused young man. He is in his 3rd year of college. So hang in there.
2007-01-03 10:36:25 · answer #4 · answered by TPhi 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it cant be treated without medication. the medication is stimulant and antidepressant. it will help a lot for him. but you have to be very careful with the stimulant. its not simple medication. and its side effect is more series than the antidepressant.
I think ADHD is serous and need treatment.
2007-01-03 10:31:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
View these:
http://www.healthcentral.com/drdean/408/60935.html
http://www.athealth.com/Consumer/farticles/Rabiner.html
http://www.educational-psychologist.co.uk/treatadhd.htm
http://health.msn.com/centers/adhd/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100145250
2007-01-03 10:23:27 · answer #6 · answered by S H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋