"Why don't doctors offer alternatives to treat ADHD before prescribing strong stimulants? Since starting his treatment, my son's behavior and appetite have changed."
by Larry Silver, M.D.
The reason that medications are used, rather than special diets or food supplements, is that these alternative treatments do not work. For instance, the Feingold diet was first proposed 25 years ago. Extensive research showed that the theory and the diet do not work for individuals with ADHD.
Another thought: One side effect of stimulant medication is loss of appetite. Another side effect — if the dose is too high for a child — is zombie-like behavior. Your child appears to have had both side effects. Your physician should have changed from the use of stimulants to another family of medications. You are correct: No child should have to live with such side effects.