We Asked: Your Favorite Alternative Therapies
Our readers are curious, determined, and always looking for effective ways to control ADHD symptoms. Here’s proof — and some new ideas for you to try.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends treating ADHD in children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 with FDA-approved medications, plus parent training in behavior modification and behavioral classroom interventions. Various research studies have found that “stimulant medications are most effective, and combined medication and psychosocial treatment is the most beneficial treatment option for most adult patients with ADHD.” All ADHD treatment decisions should be made in consultation and coordination with a licensed medical provider.
ADDitude asked its readers: Which therapy, other than ADHD medication, helps you or your child manage symptoms?
I boost my son’s self-esteem by telling him he can make it with ADHD. Recently, I told him about a star baseball player who took ADHD meds before every game. -Dolly, California
A balanced approach helps me the most: cutting down on sugar and increasing protein; exercising outdoors and getting eight hours of sleep; and doing 10 minutes of meditation daily. -An ADDitude Reader
Cognitive behavioral therapy has given my daughter the responsibility to “own” her feelings and avoid meltdowns. -An ADDitude Reader
My boys speed-skate, play hockey, and take karate. The exercise, plus working on their balance and coordination, keeps them focused. -Gretchen, Wisconsin
I try to control my son’s sugar intake. I don’t buy foods that contain high fructose corn syrup, and I make sure he eats a breakfast full of protein and doesn’t drink a drop of soda. -Christine, Illinois
[Free Download: The ADDitude Guide to Alternative ADHD Treatment]
I parent him differently. I don’t make him go to bed at a certain time. I don’t insist that he does his chores. I don’t harangue him to join us at the dinner table. I expect his sister to do these things, but he is different, and so are my expectations. -Tara, Washington
My mom is a teacher. To get kids to calm down in her classroom, she has them do jumping jacks and pushups. -Meghan, Ohio
Nothing helps more than medication, although attending a military school for six months did a lot, too. -Sally, Oklahoma
Talking with a counselor and a good workout at Curves — both do wonders for me. -Angela, South Carolina
Routine, routine, routine. I know we ADHDers don’t want to hear it, but that is what helps us move forward. Plenty of sleep and time for myself work well for me. -Ben, Virginia
Structure is the key to managing ADHD. Therapists probably spend 90 percent of their time emphasizing positive parenting and medication, and 10 percent on structure and routine, to help organize the day. It should be the other way around. -Tonya, Utah
My daughter and I are taking a therapy course that gives her tools to regulate her moods. She learns to redirect her thinking with “self talk,” to be more mindful and present, and to recognize ways to self-soothe when she is agitated or out of sorts. All I can say is that it works. -An ADDitude Reader
[Mindful Awareness: How to Combat ADHD Symptoms with Meditation]
We use omega-3’s and a multivitamin. We also realize how important daily exercise is. A sense of humor helps an awful lot, as well. -Helene, California
Slowing things down and cutting back on activities helps my daughter — and me — calm down. -An ADDitude Reader
Taking a walk in the woods after school or on weekend mornings turns my son into a different person. -Brenda, Texas
Spending time with my son makes all the difference in the world. Also, setting limits for him that never change! -Lora, Florida
Positive reinforcement works wonders with my daughter. Even when she is in the middle of a meltdown, if I hold her and tell her I love her, she calms down. -Cynthia, Oregon
We swear by fish oil, ginseng, and ginkgo biloba. Exercise and working with an ADD coach are also key for managing many symptoms. -Barbara, Maine
[10 Foods (and Supplements and Vitamins!) to Boost Your ADHD Brain]
Playing music for my boys while they work helps them focus. -Sue, Ohio
Keeping consistent sleep hours helps my children the most. There are times, though, when I have to give them melatonin to get them to fall asleep. -Linda, Texas
