Mallika Chopra, IntentBlog

Question: My 9-year-old son has just been diagnosed with ADHD and his pediatrician has suggested he take Adderall. Are there other ways to treat this, or am I stuck having to use medication?

Answer: A number of alternative approaches have been suggested for ADHD. Several studies suggest that children will respond to behavioral and cognitive behavioral therapies if they are reinforced both at school at home. A diet free from preservatives, food additives and colorings has been demonstrated to be helpful in some, but not all children.

Sleep disturbances have been shown to be fairly common in children with ADHD. Encouraging regular sleep wake cycles may benefit both the attention problem and overall health. To encourage sound sleep at night, try a cup of valerian tea before bedtime. Alternatively, warm milk with nutmeg is a timeless remedy from the Ayurvedic tradition.

Having white noise in the background while a child is studying can help with focusing. At his age, he should be able to practice a simple meditation technique – either observing the breath or a mantra meditation procedure. Yoga, Tai Chi, dance and martial arts classes can also be helpful in channeling overflow energy.

Self-esteem is a critical issue in kids with ADHD. Parents and
schoolteachers should do everything in their power not to compound the child's problems by evoking feelings of inadequacy or ineptitude.

Although ADHD is usually a lifelong issue, most adults are able to
live successful, fulfilling lives, consciously compensating for their
underlying problems with attention.