I am sure every child is different. My son has been on meds since he was 6 and is now almost 13. I do give him breaks over the summer from it, and that has worked. He too is thin, but I have found that the benefits of the focus that stimulants provide fro him outweigh the side effects. Yes to stomach issues though not all the time. I have bveen advised to make sure they eat prteins in the morning, and sometimes found yogurt can upset his stomach too if not taken with carbs like toast. He has taken Ritilin first, then a few years later was on Adderall and that worked well for several years, then now on Vyvanse. We will begin meds again this Monday when he starts school. Trips to the nurse during the school day are common, where he gets crackers and Sprite. What you will find as they mature is that they can tell you more about how they feel, whether they want to take the meds, or not. My son will say yes to them because he recognizes the difference they make for him. But the battle is continous, and the job for a parent, immense, to raise these brilliant and challenged and wonderful kids. We are lucky to know about this magazine and website, and just for asking you are a wonderful parent....be ever vigilant, educated and give yourself the breaks you need as you navigate these waters! Good luck!

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Hi Angela:

Thank you for sharing your story. I can only guess at your frustration and concern for your son's health. I wish you all the best of luck in determining the treatment plan that works for him, and I hope you can use some of these articles to guide you on your way...

When ADHD Meds Suppress Appetite: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1813.html

ADHD Medications: Say No to Side Effects: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/957.html

Can Your Child Safely Take a Break from ADD Drugs?: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1698.html

Free Report on Alternative ADHD Treatment: http://www.additudemag.com/RCLP/sub/2729.html

Can Diet Ease ADHD Symptoms?: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/859.html

I hope this helps! - Anni

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A child that is taking medication that affects his/her eating is lacking protein and omega3. My child has had this problem and i started watching his diet like not giving him sweets. A child can get to much sugar! You have to cut back on cokes, teas, and even some fruits and juices. I work for a Doctor and he is advised me of this as well as giving him some Omega3. This has helped him out so much. You could talk to your Dr. about this. Just wanted to share this with you.

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Thanks for the information and advice thus far. I will be reading the articles posted and I'll look into the protein and Omega 3 advice provided. We may need to consider moving to a medication that better accommodates taking him off when not in school or over the summer.

We do watch my son's diet which is why we were so concerned about his eating issue. I purchase a lot of organic, low sugar foods and have eliminated unhealthy snacks and sweets from my pantry for many years. He can only have something healthy in between meals because he isn't eating his regular meals. It is very rare that he gets soda. Maybe I'll need to supplement him with Omega 3. I know he will not get it in food as these are things he willnot eat on the medication. What we are finding is that without the medication - he seems to want to try new foods and he likes them. It is almost like his tastebuds are affected by this or his stomach is upset.

So far we are one week into this. He is certainly more hyper. But there is a difference. He seems less antagonistic - verbally and physically without the medication - he does bother his siblings and talk back but it is more as a result of impulse rather than purposeful. He seems to have less anger than when he is on medication but when he does get angry he is impulsive and does something more harmful - like kicking/hittng. We'll see ...

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I have been researching this to help my son. I do not believe medicines are the answer. They only mask the problem and do not help to correct the issue. I have choosen to treat using only diet. I have seen improvement. I don't believe this is a total cure, but allows the child to live and cope with the issues. Here are some of the things I do. The first two I did for other reasons even before the diagnosis and they are also related to a good ADHD diet. 1. No Hydrogenated Oils - I use only butter and an expeller pressed oil. Vegetable Oil is chemically extracted today. Therefore, it has to have traces of chemicals in it. I use safflower oil. My husband could not tell the difference when I switched. 2. No chemicals - I use unbleached flour, organic sugar, frozen vegetables, organic milk, sea salt 3. No red food coloring - I have found a way to make cherry jello with no red food coloring, Popsicle makes a popsicle with no food coloring, Brach's Mott's makes a fruit snack with no food coloring 4. No aspertine - My son gets very little soda, but I never give him diet. I would rather him have a sugar that I know his body is able to process. Diet Pepsi is made with aspertine, but Pepsi One is made with splenda. Most diet products use aspertine. 5. Limit sugar - certain sugars are natural and the body knows how to process them. I make chocolate chip cookies with honey. 6. Vitamins - I give a multivitamin, B complex, C, Zinc, Magnesium, Omega and now I am now adding amino acids. You can find articles talking about all of them. I get them from the health food store so there are no food colorings and other unwanted additives.

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My son has ADD the inattentive type and Learning Disabilities and we have choosen to deal with this by watching what he eats, behavior management, and Neurofeedback. We have had the most success with Neurofeedback. When we started his behavior, concentration and anxiety was really awful at school but since we started with Neurofeedback things have really improved and we are really pleased with the results. I was so pleased with my results that I had refered a friend of mine to Nuerofeedback who's son was on ADD Medication and a year later her son was totally of off his medication and was doing very well at school and at home. So I would highly recommed you doing some research about providers of Neurofeedback in you area and giving this a try. This was a burden for us financially but it was well worth every penny! Good Luck!!

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My son is 11, and was diagnosed in 3rd grade with ADD - strictly focus/inattentivness- no behavior problems. We also are going the "no meds route", for several reasons. 1) the stimilant meds we have tried give him terrible frequent migraines. He would come home from school 3 days a week with a migraine. We tried 3 different stimulant meds before giving up on them all together. We went to Straterra, which didn't work half as good as the stimulants and he was so sleepy all the time, and seemed to not care about anything. His doctor also suggested another medicine to prevent and treat the migrianes and that is where we drew the line. 2) My husband has ADD and he is against using meds for our son. He was not diagnosed as a child, but an adult. But he so obviously suffered from this in school as well, even with his memories of bad school experiences, and being placed in the "dumb classes" (as he called it), he still would rather our son be med free.

So...we are on a journey to find med free treatment as well. He is taking several supplements, Omega's, B's, antioxidents, calcium, magnesium - every day for the past 3 months. School starts Monday, so we are anxious to see if it has helped his focus. We really heavily on the school and have had him 504'd with modifications. They help a lot.

However....I am extrememly interested in neurofeedback. If anyone else has had sucess or failure with this treatment, please tell us! Also, if your insurance covered it and how much was it, how often, etc...details.

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May I ask what type of modifications in the classroom have worked for any of you ? We have our IEP meeting next week and I believe the difference between failure and success for him will be what the modifications will be. He was on Straterra for a few years but it caused eye tics and noises for him and a very short fuse. I want to try the non-med approach as well by supplements and diet.

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My son was Dx when he was 4 and we had to start Concerta when he was in first grade. Like you all we had to deal with the lack of appetitte and the mood swings;but this summer after almost two months without it (I also like to give him breaks so can eat more and sleep better) when we restarted it he was so miserable that I talked to my pedi about a break and I explain to my son that he could try for a couple of days in school and see. He is doing better. Not perfect but better...I still have to do a lot of downtime with him to make sure the homework gets done but the doctor thinks if he continues like this it can be that he is maturing and that can help a little. So hang in there and support them a lot.

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My son is in Mntessori and it has worked for us. We jumped from one school to another until we got there. The Montesori method allows the kid to move around more so it is not so restrictive as the traditional school setting plus not every child is expected to be at the same level at all times. It might help.

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We were first diagnosed at the end of last year when Josh was 9. Hindsight being 20/20 his symptoms probably begin to surface at the end of first grade. Josh had other health problems and it was only after keeping a daily journal on him that his doctor and I were able to see a pattern that needed further attention.

We (Josh and I) sat down and wrote out a plan for success and then started to put it in place. There are three basic facets to our plan.

The first is Eating. We have cut out alot of processed sugars and are adding more proteins. Josh enjoys eating and has found that fresh fruits and vegetables not only taste better but make him feel physically better than alot of processed foods and snacks.. Josh enjoys making smoothies and we cut back on the sugar by using no sugar added frozen yogurt(cost effective as well as the regular grocery store brand is normally only a couple of bucks for a half gallon) and soymilk. We also add protein powder at least 3 times a week. I'm no food guru but these simple changes appear to be helping.

The second is Exercise. Also, froom my journal I was able to tell that Josh was much more hyper/somewhat combative on days when he did not get enough exercise to expell his energy. We made an agreement to try a new type of exercise each month. This month, he swims for a half an hour at least 3 mornings during the week and next month we will replace that with jogging. He attends an afterschool program that allots at least one hour of exercise whether it be organized sports or playground time each school day. If we are having a difficult time in the evening with homework, we will take a spurt break (5 mins of jumping rope or running in place, etc)

The third is sleep. When Josh doesn't get enough sleep his focus is ten times worse. Josh also cannot sleep in complete quiet. He actually requires some type of noise to fall asleep and stay asleep. Believe me, I had many a "discussion" with his doctor about this but it is necessary(found by trial and error of course) Josh's previous psychiatrist explained that in kids with ADHD certain sounds actually help children to focus. There is also a connection with sleep and oxygen. As Josh has had previous problems with his adnoids/snoring his body wasnt getting enough oxygen and oxygen affects focus. It made sense when the doc said it but I don't know why I didn't question it. So, we made a list of the things needed for Josh to get sleep and went to work creating a space that is condusive to all the things Josh needs to go to sleep comfortably and soundly and stay asleep as well.

We are dealing with ADHD without meds because neither of us wants that. Josh actually asked his psychiatrist if there was a way he could manage without having to take them because he has several friends who take meds and sees the other issues they deal with because of that (i.e. wetting the bed, not being hungry, etc.) Josh and I discussed it and are willing to work this approach. We haven't completely ruled out the use of meds but just agree that this is an all around better first option.

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I have a daughter ADHD, ODD on Metadate who is 9 and a son ADD, coping problems, destructive behavior , on Focalin who is 8. The meds have helped some but not enough. My daughter still argues, gets angry over little things, impulsive, can't remember things. My son improved in school but has has no appetite and is very thin with headaches. So I put them on a nutrition program including vitamins, multi, B, C, calcium & magnesium, Omega 3 and homepathic medicine. My sons appetite has returned and my daughters anger resolves quicker. They both have dark circles under their eyes which are fading. They are both still on their meds. They have been on the nutrition program for 5 weeks and I see improvment, enough to continue. I just found the website Detox My Child and under the section Yeast Overgrowth it lists the following symptoms of Candida Albicans: 1. Poor attention 2. Hyperactivity 3. Anger 4. Mood swings 5. Irritability 6. "Spaciness" 7. Inappropriate behavior (such as making odd noises, or talking very loudly) 8. Memory problems

Look familiar? My daughter has everyone of these symptoms and she was diagnosed with ADHD and ODD. My son has the majority of them and was diagnosed with ADD. Could there possibly be something to this diet thing?

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We have been trying Behavioral Therapy. I got accepted into a state-supported medicaid-based program, had her evaluated, and now they come to our home 5 hours a week - for at least 8 months but as long as she needs it - and do stuff like teaching parenting skills, working directly with the child to talk through emotions while doing little art projects and such, and coordinating with the public school system. So far, 3 weeks into this, I have seen at least a 20% improvement in my daughter's behavior and ability to regulate her emotions, not going off the deep end as often. No meds! It seems if I keep it in control, she also has a better shot of doing so. Good luck!

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I struggled for years..noticed a problem in behavior and angry and opposition in my son at as young as one. We never got a diagnosis because I didn't want to put him on medicine or label him. Asof recently (age 12) I got the diagnosis and then realized the corrolation between ADHD and food allergies. I researched and learned that grape seed extract could help the body with allergins and ADHD symptoms. I changed his diet (removed high fructose corn syrup etc.) and added grade seed extract. He stopped wetting the bed and his hands had always been wet/sweaty they dried up...and his behavior was most miraculous. We are still working to keep him balanced and happy..he has gained rspect with other adults and has gotten a little side job doing yard work. He is doing great. Read this article I wrote to get more details. Blessings, Lora http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/955233/conquering_adhd_setting_a_boy_free.html?cat=5

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I'm really, really happy that I've found this forum!! I live in Slovenia (small country in Europe) and couldn't found no others parents with kids diagnosed for ADHD here in my country even if I'm sure they are some. My son is 8 and he's the only child with ADHDin his school. Even teachers have no experience with it, so it's very hard for all of us. He doesn't take any medication, but his behaviour has become worser (ugly talking, not obeying teachers, he wants to be in the center of attention...) and soon I'll have no other option, because he dosn't function well when he's surrounded with a lot of people and school is that kind of place. I'm very sad because I don't belive that only medications would help, but here are no possibilities for behaviour therapy and other kind of help. I read all your stories here and beeing suprised and SO HAPPY because I found so many good advice. I don't feel so lonely in this anymore:-), Thank you all!! Rebeka P.s. I'm sorry, my english is not so good.

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I think it's awesome what you're trying. We've tried lots of meds. and only resorted to stimulants for flat out safety for our son who is wreckless beyond belief. Omega fish oil capsules...wheat grass...B complex...the supplements are endless that can help you. We made it on things like that with diet rigidity for many years and hope to be able to take a shot at it again some time. GOOD LUCK

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My son is medication free. I have changed his diet and have found much success. I wrote the following articles telling my story and giving a plan for changing diet and transforming behavior. Our children want to get along with others, they want to live healthy...given the opportunity to get help they tend to cooperate quickly with the changes in diet and see the results. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/981368/organic_mania_whats_the_hype.html?cat=5 http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/981364/adhd_changing_a_childs_diet_will_improve.html?cat=5 http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/955233/conquering_adhd_setting_a_boy_free.html?cat=5

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