Integrative medicine for ADHD?

[Anonymous]

Wondering if anyone has tried Chinese Medicine for their child with attention, hyperactivity and focus issues. My son has HFA and we are considering giving him medication for ADHD. I however would like to try any other medications that don't cause as many side effects. As long as they are safe and using a skilled and reputable doctor.

[Anonymous]

The FDA doesn't regulate herbal supplements, but they will remove something if it proves dangerous, e.g., kills someone:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/herbal-supplements/art-20046714

I know lots of people that try to raise the level of Omega 3s for their ADHD kids through fish oil supplements/flax seeds. However, I'd talk with your pediatrician first (and there's little evidence that it makes a difference for ADHD although in general the American diet is lacking in Omega 3s).:

http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/vitamins-supplements-adhd

That said I do use melatonin for sleep with our ADHD kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The FDA doesn't regulate herbal supplements, but they will remove something if it proves dangerous, e.g., kills someone:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/herbal-supplements/art-20046714

I know lots of people that try to raise the level of Omega 3s for their ADHD kids through fish oil supplements/flax seeds. However, I'd talk with your pediatrician first (and there's little evidence that it makes a difference for ADHD although in general the American diet is lacking in Omega 3s).:

http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/vitamins-supplements-adhd

That said I do use melatonin for sleep with our ADHD kid.

Not to judge but the OP was specifically asking about TCM.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The FDA doesn't regulate herbal supplements, but they will remove something if it proves dangerous, e.g., kills someone:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/herbal-supplements/art-20046714

I know lots of people that try to raise the level of Omega 3s for their ADHD kids through fish oil supplements/flax seeds. However, I'd talk with your pediatrician first (and there's little evidence that it makes a difference for ADHD although in general the American diet is lacking in Omega 3s).:

http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/vitamins-supplements-adhd

That said I do use melatonin for sleep with our ADHD kid.

Not to judge but the OP was specifically asking about TCM.

Glad you're not judging, but Chinese Medicine uses herbal remedies that aren't regulated by the FDA:
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/chinesemed.htm

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The FDA doesn't regulate herbal supplements, but they will remove something if it proves dangerous, e.g., kills someone:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/herbal-supplements/art-20046714

I know lots of people that try to raise the level of Omega 3s for their ADHD kids through fish oil supplements/flax seeds. However, I'd talk with your pediatrician first (and there's little evidence that it makes a difference for ADHD although in general the American diet is lacking in Omega 3s).:

http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/vitamins-supplements-adhd

That said I do use melatonin for sleep with our ADHD kid.

Not to judge but the OP was specifically asking about TCM.

Glad you're not judging, but Chinese Medicine uses herbal remedies that aren't regulated by the FDA:
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/chinesemed.htm

Yes, I understand that. But you can lump all herbal remedies unto one category based on that, or you can answer what the OP was asking. She wasn't asking about Omega 3's or Melatonin.

[Anonymous]

My understanding, talking to several developmental peds, is that meds are the gold standard for ADD, and they wouldn't advice alternative medicine as the sole treatment (or in lieu of meds). Though they all like Omega's too.

Not sure about HFA.

[Anonymous]

I've been pumping my kid full of Omega for a year now, nothing changes. I am really scared of the side effects traditional ADD/ADHD meds have. So far, his extra energy outlet has been swimming but he can only do that before or after school. What can I give him while he's in school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've been pumping my kid full of Omega for a year now, nothing changes. I am really scared of the side effects traditional ADD/ADHD meds have. So far, his extra energy outlet has been swimming but he can only do that before or after school. What can I give him while he's in school?

I understand not wanting to give traditional "western meds" for ADHD but trust me, if such a thing existed I am willing to bet 100% of the parents on here would have their kids on it. When my DS was first diagnosed in 1st grade I was dead-set against medication. I was "one of those parents" who judged and played armchair quarterback. Well, I got a real dose of reality pretty damn quick once I realized he could not function in a normal classroom without meds, and lets not even mention his inability to focus and learn without meds.

I don't believe anything like what OP is asking about exists. Yes, you will find a sprinkling of anecdotal observances here and there - but even those I think are purely coincidental occurrences. Such as Omega 3 or Feingold etc,.

Save your money and your time. Don't shove a bunch of supplements down your child's throat. Either medicate or don't- but wishful thinking that something nontraditional will help your ADHD child perform in school is just that....wishful thinking.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the PP. I know it's not a popular opinion, but I agree with it 100 percent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wondering if anyone has tried Chinese Medicine for their child with attention, hyperactivity and focus issues. My son has HFA and we are considering giving him medication for ADHD. I however would like to try any other medications that don't cause as many side effects. As long as they are safe and using a skilled and reputable doctor.

Has your DS been diagnosed with ADHD? I would not bother with ADHD meds for HFA unless your DC actually has ADHD which is often comorbid with HFA but not always.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The FDA doesn't regulate herbal supplements, but they will remove something if it proves dangerous, e.g., kills someone:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/herbal-supplements/art-20046714

I know lots of people that try to raise the level of Omega 3s for their ADHD kids through fish oil supplements/flax seeds. However, I'd talk with your pediatrician first (and there's little evidence that it makes a difference for ADHD although in general the American diet is lacking in Omega 3s).:

http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/vitamins-supplements-adhd

That said I do use melatonin for sleep with our ADHD kid.

Not to judge but the OP was specifically asking about TCM.

Glad you're not judging, but Chinese Medicine uses herbal remedies that aren't regulated by the FDA:
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/chinesemed.htm

Yes, I understand that. But you can lump all herbal remedies unto one category based on that, or you can answer what the OP was asking. She wasn't asking about Omega 3's or Melatonin.

Yes, dear you can lump all herbal remedies together. None of them are regulated by the FDA. (I was just sharing what I know what friends and myself personally do b/c it's related.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wondering if anyone has tried Chinese Medicine for their child with attention, hyperactivity and focus issues. My son has HFA and we are considering giving him medication for ADHD. I however would like to try any other medications that don't cause as many side effects. As long as they are safe and using a skilled and reputable doctor.

No, just no. This is your kid. Don't experiment on them!