Comments on: Do I Only Care About Medication?

By: holly

holly — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 19:19:22 +0000

I think medication is the most popular treatment because most of us go to doctors for help and that is what they are trained to do- write prescriptions. Teachers also promote medication because it makes their job easier. But for those of us that do not like to use the medications, we need to find other community resources or web based resources for other alternatives. Why rush into something with dangerous side effects?

Alternative methods are just as effective. Look at research online on Attend ( the most complete ADHD supplement)and bio-feedback. I always go with the safest treatment possible with every health issue my daughter has. At least give the safer-treatment alternatives a chance.

By: Darin

Darin — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:29:08 +0000

I am against medication, when possible. Medical advancements and technology have increased recently and I am glad for societies sake. I came down with shingles a few years ago and in this instance I was happy to take medication for the condition. On the other hand, I am a true believer in exercise and I believe you need to break down the body in order for it to rebuild. If I am feeling restless, I expend the energy on a bike or lace up my running shoes and when I go to sleep at night I am thoroughly exhausted.

By: Danette Schott

Danette Schott — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:02:21 +0000

I’m so glad to see that you talk with your patients about alternative treatments. Medications have their place, but there are alternative treatments and parents need to assess if these may work for their child. They include biofeedback, a dietary approach, brain exercises, behavioral strategies, a Gluten Free and Casein Free diet, physical activities, cognitive training, and much more. A lot for parents to consider, but they do have options.

By: B. Russell

B. Russell — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 05:09:04 +0000

John, I’m not familiar with Dr. Bender’s neck/crawling exercises. I can tell you that I have 3 adult children with ADD or ADHD. They all just came in under the wire of normalcy with developmental milestones. The 2 boys, in particular, continued to have very poor gross motor skills and poor hand/eye coordination. I believe this is quite common with ADHD. Interaction improves all children’s abilities; however, I don’t think exercises will prevent ADD/ADHD.

By: BioVeda

BioVeda — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:54:39 +0000

I think a lot more could be said about Diet Changes and ADHD/ADD. Would love to see more info and studies out there on how exactly it seems to help and why. Here is a great article that talk specifically about changes one can make in the diet of a child with ADHD.

By: Tess Messer

Tess Messer — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:31:38 +0000

I have two sons with ADHD. One is medicated and one is not. My primarily inattentive son does well on a cup of coffee a day, Omega-3, L-carnitine and a flinstones multivitamin with 12mg of zinc. My younger son is on Vivanse and Paxil. He was not controlled on diet alone but his diagnosis is more complicated. He has hyperactive/impulsive adhd with depression and oppositional defiance disorder. I have found that he is much better controlled on his meds when he in on the Omega-3s and the Flintsones with zinc. There are now several published studies that have confirmed the beneficial effect of Zinc and Omega-3s. There are several studies with some positive findings being reported for L-Carnitine for inattention but not for hyperactivity or impulsiveness.

Tess http://primarilyinattentiveadd.com

By: Byron Scheider LCSW

Byron Scheider LCSW — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:02:47 +0000

Hello Dr. Kenny,

I appreciated your article on medication for ADHD being coupled with other forms of treatment. I am a clinical social worker who has been in practice for 30 years. I work with urban children in Little Rock, AR under the supervision of a good psychiatrist. We use every treatment modality we can to help the children under our care. In working with inner city youth and their families, one of the greatest problems is non-compliance with treatment plans. It makes it very challenging to get consistency going in their care.
I was diagnosed recently with ADD inattentive type and have been working with my doctor on a trial of medication. I have found it helpful yet I realize medication is not for everyone who has the problem. In dealing with this problem, it is important to work with a physician who is knowledgeable about the diagnosis and its variables so a wise decision on treatment modalities is made.
Thanks for your opinion on the subject.

By: Dr. Kenny Handelman

Dr. Kenny Handelman — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:31:48 +0000

Marilyn,
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Just to answer a couple of points of your comment: I teach hundreds of doctors each year in ADHD. Some are just in a one hour session, some for longer. Step by step, hopefully my efforts, along with many others will make a difference.
Regarding my ‘random age policy’ – I work at a hospital based child psychiatric clinic, and those are the hospital’s policies. Most child clinics ask 18 year olds to go to adult services.
Best,
Dr. Kenny

By: Dr. Kenny Handelman

Dr. Kenny Handelman — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:25:02 +0000

John,
I’m sorry, I’m not aware of that system, or if it works.
Dr. Kenny

By: John

John — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:00:59 +0000

Does the Systemic Tonic Neck Reflex method by Dr. Bender cure
ADHD as advertised by performing crawling exercises for 8 or so months? Is crawling less than 6 mos. a leading cause or indicator for ADHD?

Thank you in advance for your input.