Experience with ADHD (Inattentive-Type) Treatment Medications?

Ironically, Dr. Mercola's Newsletter today has an article re ADHD. He has something to sell usually, so I read with a critical eye...however this article may be beneficial to you. I don't know how to send you the link as I think it usually won't be allowed through this site...but email me directly for it ____@____.com is an interesting excerpt:
In my medical practice at the Natural Health Center, here’s what I recommend for kids, and adults, who suffer from ADHD:

• Increase your intake of omega-3 fat from krill oil. This is the single most important nutrient for ADHD children and adults.
• Drink only water for a beverage, taking care to avoid fruit juices, soda, and pasteurized milk.
• Restrict or eliminate all processed foods, sugars and most grains from your diet.
• Avoid processed foods, especially those containing artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which may aggravate or cause ADHD symptoms.
• Spend more time in nature.

Another important element that you can teach your children, or do right along with them, is the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). This is a form of psychological acupressure that you can perform anywhere (it involves only tapping with your fingertips and repeating some positive phrases), and that would make an excellent addition to any type of behavioral therapy your child is receiving.

Most cases of ADHD will resolve naturally when you follow the recommendations above. So rather than relying on a dangerous quick-fix like Ritalin, teach your child that they can excel in life, and overcome their symptoms, by taking control of their health.

I would definitely look into the diet factor despite the fact that not much research has yet been done. Elminating Red Dye #40 has been anecdotally shown to improve the symptoms of ADHD. Who knows what could happen if you tried a diet of natural (not processed, dyed, chemicalized) foods? Can't hurt! Good luck!

I have a blog of information on the inattentive subtype of ADHD. For the primarily inattentive type sometimes behavioral and diet interventions work as well or better than stimulants. I have written about the behavioral and diet interventions that scientist have proven help ADD and ADHD. The URL is http://primarilyinattentiveadd.blogspot.com.

I would like to respond to Laurie S's response below. I have a 6 year old boy in first grade. I've been in communication with his teacher quite a bit, and we suspect he has ADHD. I have a dr. appt for him in 2 weeks. I am currently reading "Driven to Distraction" & also suspect I have ADD (the daydreaming, get sidetracked easily kind, not the hyper kind that my son seems to have). I am not opposed to medication, but definitely would like to try all other alternatives first. So, I am interested in the excerpt Laurie posted. I'm also interested in seeing what other responses come in for B. W. That is definitely important to know about the growth stunting. Thanks B. for posting the question. If anyone has good information about ADD/ADHD, diagnosis, treatment, etc.. I would be interested in hearing more. I've often suspected I had it, but just kind of laughed it off. But now that I am trying to raise children, I see how hard it is for someone with low-energy ADD to raise a high-energy ADHD kid! My husband said it's like the blind leading the blind. Ha! But, seriously... I do want to take care of it early, so I can do the best for my family. My email is: ____@____.com if anyone has any good info for me. Thanks! ~ E.

My son was diagnosed with ADD, not the H and is taking Concerta which works great for him. He does have trouble focusing for long periods, organizational problems, poor penmanship etc. The concerta probably inhibits his growth a little, but he has been on for 5 years and is now taller than my husband. Thin yes, but not an issue.
I would definately take food dye out of his/your diet completely. In my family it clearly caused aggression and hyperactivity. I don't think it is a problem with sugar. We also drink lactaid milk because the nutritionalist said milk causes brain fog. That has shown to be true here.
Good Luck! L.

You might really want to consider working with a psychologist who has expertise in the area of ADHD to help address your concerns. While the first individual who responded provided information that will benefit one's diet, none of those approaches have clinically been proven to reduce the effects of ADHD. Based on the research the best approaches to managing ADHD is medication and/or behavior management techniques. The specific course of treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms being manifested. If you are familiar with CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), you ought to get further information and suggestions from them. www.chadd.org. Best of luck as you pursue the best form of treatment for your son.

B.:
Yes, the two most significant side effects are reduced appetitie and sleep. Recent studies have also documented that another long-term side effect is lessened growth (about 1/2-1 inch). There are some promising studies on fish oil and neurobiofeedback, but nothing conclusive. I have two boys with AD/HD, have served as the local coordinator of CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit) and own and operate an in-home tutoring service in Fairfax. Many of our students have AD/HD and receive educational coaching to help with academic issues such as organization, time management and study skills. If you're interested in more information, please feel free to contact me at ____@____.com or visit our website at www.ectutoring.com. Good luck!