natural ADHD health alternative
Posted By Vic on October 28, 2010
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a complex and controversial condition, with no clear scientific consensus. Different scientists interpret the facts in various ways and even choose different sets of facts That is why there are such differences of opinions.
Confused by the claims and counterclaims by the learned doctors out there?
Attention deficit is not that difficult to understand if we have an open mind. We need to cut through the hype and separate the truth, the facts, and what are myths and assumptions. Most of the differences of opinion on ADHD are philosophical and not purely scientific.
The diagnosis of ADD and ADHD is only a list of behaviors. Interestingly the diagnostic manual used to diagnose Attention Deficit Disorder; the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Revision) leaves the term disorder open to interpretation, as the DSM-IV specifically does not define the word disorder (Introduction page xxxi).
Further, regarding a medical diagnosis for ADHD the DSM-IV states:
“There are no laboratory tests, neurological assessments, or attentional assessments that have been established as diagnostic in the clinical assessment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.”
(DSM-IV page 88)
So what is ADHD? This is a good question, especially as there are over 101 causes or conditions that have symptoms, which overlap, or mimic Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms. We need to unravel these issues and look at ADHD and the conditions and disorders that give ADHD-like behaviors and /or symptoms in a rational and logical manner. We need to translate some of the scientific gobbledygook into intelligible language.
What is confusing in the ADHD controversy is that assumptions are driving ADHD research, not facts. The facts are interpreted to fit the assumptions. The main assumption is that this is one condition with one treatment – medication.
What is the best cure for ADHD?
Medication has a valid place in the treatment of attention deficit and hyperactivity, mainly when the symptoms are so severe that alternative treatments are not possible. Apart from those cases, medication is a crutch, and a dangerous crutch at that. The symptoms disappear during the few hours while the ADHD medication is working, but then the attention deficit hyperactivity is back as it was before the drug was taken, together with any side effect.
Side effects of stimulant drugs last longer than the beneficial effects, sometimes lasting for life. That is not a cure. The long-term effects on mental health in later life of chronic use of stimulant drugs are unknown.
The doctors and scientists looking at alternative treatments for ADHD do have cures. Cognitive training is a cure. Taking supplements is like eating food; we need to eat. The reasoning behind supplements is that people with ADHD have a metabolism, which requires certain extra nutrients. These nutrients are natural (as in food) and so give no side effects, besides general wellbeing.
There are natural herbal and holistic products that are as effective as the conventional stimulant drugs. The best among these products are:
- Attend (for attention difficulties)
- Memorex (for memory and clear thinking)
- Extress (for natural stress relief)
These products have been scientifically tested and proved as effective as the stimulants, but without side effects, they work 24/7, and do not disturb sleep.
