The problem with medicines for ADHD is that they are now regarded with some suspicion.
That is, of course, justified in that they come with a whole range of side effects and the long term risks for our health seem like a skeleton in the cupboard.
They are never mentioned! So, are these medicines for ADHD any use at all? Yes, they are very beneficial for providing some relief of ADHD symptoms but really, they are limited to that.
Hyperactivity, distractability, inattention and impulsivity can all be kept under control, to a certain extent.
Unfortunately many people still do regard them as a cure-all and that is the problem.
The main defect in that argument has now been demonstrated very clearly in that the effects of these medications, mostly amphetamines, tend to wear off after three years.
This has been amply demonstrated by Dr.
William Pelham and his team at The University of Florida.
The other alarming fact about these medicines for ADHD is that nobody can explain exactly how they work in stimulating the brain and yet in calming hyperactivity.
It seems like a paradox but the greater paradox is that the effects on the central nervous system, the heart and the brain itself are just not understood fully.
Are there any safe alternatives? First, there should be much less reliance on an ADHD med such as Ritalin which is just basically an ampehetamine and has troublesome side effects.
Another ADHD med is a non stimulant one which is known as Strattera but that may have equally disturbing side effects such as suicidal thoughts or other psychotic episodes.
The good news is that there are alternatives such as herbal and homeopathic remedies.
These are regarded as complementary medicines in the UK and that is a good name for them.
They are not always suitable for every illness but they can complement other medicines and that is the key, I think, to understanding what is really needed here.
We need to restore balance in the mind of child with ADHD.
That is exactly what homeopathy does as it acts holistically and can set up positive vibrations so that whole organism can get back into harmony again.
In the case of ADHD these alternative medicines have a fantastic track record and that is where they have a definite advantage over the conventional medicines for ADHD.
There are no side effects and there is no need for close health monitoring or worrying about a heart attack.
Why not check these out now? Your doctor will not tell you about them but it is imperative that you are aware of all the choices available for your child so that he has the best possible chance in life.