It isn’t yet fully understood, but recent studies have shown some links between ADHD and possible causes including genetics and the condition can be hereditary with a 1 in 4 chance of a child with ADHD having a parent with the same condition.

Other causes of ADHD may be head injuries, smoking or drinking while pregnant, and possibly, but less often, exposure to certain toxins. Lead for instance is known to affect child behavioral patterns.

When a child is diagnosed they will normally be given medication to lessen the symptoms, but are there alternatives for prescription drugs? And would natural Adderall alternatives for kids offer effective treatment?

How many people are affected by ADHD?

ADHD diagnoses are on the rise. During the late 1990s around 6% of children were diagnosed with ADHD, but by 2016’s NSCH report, this had risen to 10%.

Now, there are somewhere in the region of 6.1 million children with ADHD in the US. And boys are up to 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls, partly due to them exhibiting fewer symptoms.

This startling rise might be partly to do with doctors simply identifying ADHD quicker. Alternatively, there may just be more people with ADHD today due to environmental factors and other possible causes.

What are the regular treatments for ADHD?

Normal treatment programs for ADHD would include a mixture of medications and behavior therapy. Parents and children can benefit from these therapy sessions, but medication is still often used.

There are a few drugs licensed for treating ADHD symptoms, but the two brand names you are most likely to have heard of are Mydayis and Adderall.

One reason that Adderall helps narcolepsy, as well as ADHD, is that the drug contains amphetamine or speed which, unfortunately, causes side effects that include mood swings and high blood pressure.

Generally, these effects are only short-term, but there are longer-reaching health implications from taking Adderall.

If Adderall is taken over a long period, it can cause heart problems, mental health concerns, headaches, and restlessness. Adderall is also addictive due to the stimulants included in the ingredients.

How can ADHD be treated without medication?

With potential health risks from prescription drugs, you might want to explore other options, including natural supplements, and modern treatments for ADHD.

What are the options?

Fortunately, there is help available for parents with ADHD children, and therapy is one good option. Behavior therapy is one option, and it is most effective when given by the parent themselves.

Altering behaviors

Behavior therapy aims to reward the child and help to boost their self-esteem and lower negative thoughts, and this can help children with learning disabilities improve their self-control, and reduce impulsive behavior.

Mobile applications and games

Another alternative to medication is to provide stimulation in another form. There are mobile apps specifically designed to help improve focus in ADHD children, and they use the reward system to do so.

By providing fun games with set goals, children can learn to focus and concentrate on the tasks set, and get rewarded for completing them.

Homeschooling

Coping with ADHD children can be very tiring and stressful, and the thought of homeschooling might fill you with dread. Still, there are ways to cope with stress when homeschooling and the advantages for the child are many.

Homeschooling has been shown to benefit ADHD children because it is more flexible than classes in school. You can provide a safe environment for learning, and the child can grow in confidence as they receive a stable education.

Natural supplements for ADHD

Research has been done on the effects of many supplements including vitamins on patients with ADHD. The one that has shown the most promise is perhaps Omega 3 fatty acids. Fish oil is said to reduce hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior, and improve concentration.

Other potentially useful supplements include:

  • Iron
  • Zinc
  • Inositol
  • Vitamin D
  • Ginkgo Biloba
  • Magnesium

Have these alternatives been proven to be effective?

Not everyone wants to use medication, especially ones such as Adderall which are known to be addictive. Although Adderall is very effective, there are all alternatives to prescribed drugs.

Natural alternatives and therapy may offer a different route for the parent to take. Mobile games specifically designed for ADHD children have been shown to increase focus and boost confidence. But, more research is needed into alternative ADHD treatments.

Summary

Many patients with ADHD will happily welcome natural alternatives to Adderall and Mydaysil, but it isn’t wise to change your treatment without consulting your doctor first.

Stopping Adderall without medical consultation is not advisable, and the dosage should be reduced over time. Going cold turkey without medical advice could cause ADHD symptoms to worsen, and bring about other side effects.

Your doctor should be able to help you put together alternative options for treating your or your child’s ADHD symptoms.