Complementary and Alternative Medicine as a Treatment Option for Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is becoming increasingly common in children and adolescents. The most common method for treating this disorder is through prescription drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin or Methylphenidate. The side effects of these drugs can negatively impact the quality of life of these children. These drugs have many known side effects, including sleep problems, nervousness, restlessness, weight loss, vomiting, loss of appetite, and dizziness. In this study, complementary and alternative methods (CAM) such as herbal or natural medicine were examined for the treatment of ADHD. A comparison was conducted of the side effects of the alternative methods to the side effects of prescription drugs. A variety of treatment options that potentially could be successful in treating children with ADHD were studied.