So, continuing on with our look at studies published and available through PubMed regarding ADD/ADHD and outcomes, we are looking at a few studies today regarding more “natural” treatment methods (from the medical/research perspective).

Here is the first one, for the younger crowd:  “Treatment of Preschoolers with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder” out of Duke University Medical Center.  The thing I found most intriguing about the results of this article, which was a review of the current treatment literature for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in preschoolers, is that “ Parent training studies show consistent behavioral improvements reported by teachers and observers as well as parents, with evidence of clinically significant improvement in ADHD symptoms for up to 2 years.”    The other interesting quote I found was the author’s statement that:  “There is evidence to support the benefit of immediate-release stimulant medication for up to 1 year; however, effects do not seem to be as large, and some of the side effects may be greater than for school-age children. With regard to nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, there are literally no controlled outcome data for children with ADHD who are younger than 5 years of age. Overall, a great deal remains to be learned about the safety and efficacy of pharmacotherapy in this age group.”

Has anyone out there had experience with parent training for dealing with children with ADD/ADHD?  What did that look like, and how did it work for you and your family?  Please do leave a comment below and get the word out to other families if this was helpful to you.

Moving on to study number two, out of the University of British Columbia :  “Nutritional status of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a pilot study”.   This study with a small sample number essentially showed that  children with ADHD showed a predisposition for low zinc and copper status in ADHD.  I also found another preliminary study that talked about the need for a randomized clinical trial of “micronutrients” as a way to improve mood and impulsivity in ADHD, but I cannot find which study that was to quote it verbatim for you all.

Study number three:  “Children with Attention Deficits Concentrate Better After Walk in the Park.”  This study is from the University of Illinois in Urbana and looked at 17 children diagnosed with ADHD.  The children, ages 7-12, walked in a park, downtown, and in a neighborhood. The study found that “twenty minutes in a park setting was sufficient to elevate attention performance relative to the same amount of time in other settings. These findings indicate that environments can enhance attention not only in the general population but also in ADHD populations. “Doses of nature” might serve as a safe, inexpensive, widely accessible new tool in the tool kit for managing ADHD symptoms.”

These studies may at least provide a starting point for parents to dialogue with their health care providers and discuss treatment options that can assist their children from a holistic perspective.

On another holistic note, I recently saw this book for sale by Aviva Jill Romm and  Tracy Romm entitled: “ADHD Alternatives:  A Natural Approach To Treating Attention Deficit  Hyperactivity Disorder”.  Here is a link to it on Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/ADHD-Alternatives-Approach-Attention-Hyperactivity/dp/1580172482/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1284851852&sr=8-1.    I was wondering if anyone out there had read this book, and if so, what did you think?  Please leave a comment below!

Many blessings,

Carrie