How is add/adhd treated?

Clinical experience has shown that the most effective treatment for ADD/ADHD is a combination of dietary
intervention, medication, the necessary supplementation, therapy and/or counselling to learn coping skills and adaptive behaviours, as well as academic accommodations for children and students with ADD/ADHD.

Elimination diet, which involves:

• Avoiding foods containing artificial ingredients, MSG, preservatives and at first fruit and vegetables containing high levels of salicylates.
• If the child/teenager/adult is allergic and/or thirsty the diet needs to be supplemented with Essential
• Fatty Acids (Omega 6 and 3) as well as co-factor nutrients.
• Restrict the amount of refined carbohydrates (white flour, white rice and especially white sugar).
• Replace the refined carbohydrates with protein and complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, whole grains and vegetables.

Medication:

There is a wide range of medications available to help in the treatment of ADD/ADHD, the most commonly
being Ritalin. It is known that 70% of ADHD children respond well to medication. There are side effects but most of them can be managed. The most likely side effects are appetite suppression, headaches, tummy aches, irritability, nausea and sleep disturbances. The most serious side effect, but not seen very often, is a tic of some description. Up to 30% of children being diagnosed with ADD/ADHD will not be able to tolerate chemical medications and for these children working with the diet could be the way to go. When a child responds well to the diet, very often they may need less medication. A combination of the diet and medication often helps many of the ADD/ADHD children to cope far better with school, home and social situations. Each child is different and each family will have to work out through trial and error what works best for them and their child. You may need to try different medications and dosages to find the right one that suits your child. A trial period for medication is recommended with keen observation from parents and teachers while undergoing the trial. Having ADD/ADHD is not a sentence to a bad life. When properly treated, people with ADHD can lead fulfilling, happy lives. There are many positive aspects to this condition. ADD/ADHD people may be imaginative, talented, creative, lateral thinkers and people with boundless energy!