Stimulant Free Children
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- Date Submitted: 05/02/2011 02:03 PM
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STIMULANT FREE CHILDREN
Stimulant Free Children
In the United States, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) have become an epidemic among our children. In some schools, there are as many as 30% of students who are on Ritalin or similar medications (J. Reichenberg-Ullman & R. Ullman, 1996). Although medication definitely has its place, there are many serious side effects that parents need to be aware of when treating their child. ADHD and ADD are believed to be genetic neurological disorders. However, what many people do not realize is there are also many studies that point to diet and nutrition as being an additional contributing factor in both the cause and treatment of ADHD and ADD.
There are many natural remedies available as well. It is the intention of this paper to show the reader that the best management of ADHD and ADD happens when one employs a combination of all treatment and management options available as opposed to using medication alone.
The most common drug family used to treat ADHD and ADD are stimulant drugs such as Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine. These are believed to work by increasing Dopamine levels in the brain. These drugs can be very helpful. Most of these drugs are on the controlled substances list and require identification and a signature in order to be filled. There are also many side effects associated with this class of drugs such as:
a) Feeling restless and jittery
b) Difficulty sleeping
c) Loss of appetite
d) Headache
e) Upset Stomach
f) Irritability and mood swings
g) Depression
h) Dizziness
i) Racing heartbeat
j) Tics
In addition to these side effects, they have also been known to cause people to become withdrawn and less spontaneous. For others, they may become aggressive or even develop obsessive-compulsive disorders. Worse still is the fact that many researchers now believe these medications interfere with normal...
Stimulant Free Children
In the United States, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) have become an epidemic among our children. In some schools, there are as many as 30% of students who are on Ritalin or similar medications (J. Reichenberg-Ullman & R. Ullman, 1996). Although medication definitely has its place, there are many serious side effects that parents need to be aware of when treating their child. ADHD and ADD are believed to be genetic neurological disorders. However, what many people do not realize is there are also many studies that point to diet and nutrition as being an additional contributing factor in both the cause and treatment of ADHD and ADD.
There are many natural remedies available as well. It is the intention of this paper to show the reader that the best management of ADHD and ADD happens when one employs a combination of all treatment and management options available as opposed to using medication alone.
The most common drug family used to treat ADHD and ADD are stimulant drugs such as Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine. These are believed to work by increasing Dopamine levels in the brain. These drugs can be very helpful. Most of these drugs are on the controlled substances list and require identification and a signature in order to be filled. There are also many side effects associated with this class of drugs such as:
a) Feeling restless and jittery
b) Difficulty sleeping
c) Loss of appetite
d) Headache
e) Upset Stomach
f) Irritability and mood swings
g) Depression
h) Dizziness
i) Racing heartbeat
j) Tics
In addition to these side effects, they have also been known to cause people to become withdrawn and less spontaneous. For others, they may become aggressive or even develop obsessive-compulsive disorders. Worse still is the fact that many researchers now believe these medications interfere with normal...