Natural treatments for ADHD and ADD in Children

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are common neurodevelopmental disorders in children, presenting unique challenges to those affected and their families.

In recent years, the production of drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has seen a dramatic rise. based on a national survey[1] of parents, the estimated number of children aged 3 to 17 who have been diagnosed with ADHD is about 6 million (9.8%), using data from 2016 to 2019.

For those who prefer alternatives to medication for managing this disorder, there are more natural treatment options available. this topic will be explored in depth later in the article.

Understanding ADHD and ADD

ADHD and ADD are characterized by a range of behavioral symptoms. ADHD includes hyperactivity and impulsivity, whereas ADD is marked by inattention and distractibility. These disorders can significantly impact a child’s academic performance, social interactions, and overall quality of life.

Statistics

According to a cohort study[2] involving adult patients and children aged 5 to 11 years receiving care at Kaiser Permanente Northern California from 2007 to 2016.

ADHD is not the exclusive domain of those with high energy levels.

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The prevalence of ADHD in adults was found to be 1.12%, increasing from 0.43% in 2007 to 0.96% in 2016. Among children aged 5 to 11 years, the prevalence increased from 2.96% in 2007 to 3.74% in 2016.

The study also noted that the annual prevalence of adult ADHD increased for every race/ethnicity during this period, with white individuals consistently having the highest prevalence rates

ADHD in the Dutch Population

A study[3] on the prevalence and consequences of ADHD among adults in the general Dutch population found that 2.9% of respondents had ADHD in childhood, with 70.0% of them continuing to have the disorder in adulthood.

ADHD in adulthood was associated with lower socio-economic status, mental disorders, poor functioning, and increased use of treatment facilities, highlighting the substantial impact of ADHD on individuals and the importance of recognizing and treating ADHD in adults​​.

Illustrative Case Studies

Case 1: Alex’s Struggle with ADHD

Alex, a lively 9-year-old, finds it impossible to sit still. In school, he’s often seen fidgeting, tapping his feet, or daydreaming during lessons. His impulsive outbursts and inability to wait his turn make group activities challenging.

Alex’s parents worry about his academic performance and social interactions.

Case 2: Bella’s Battle with ADD

Bella, a 7-year-old girl, is often lost in her thoughts. She struggles to focus on her homework and frequently forgets instructions.

Bella’s teachers note her potential but are concerned about her lack of participation and tendency to drift away mentally during class discussions.

known Causes

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, the causes of which involve a blend of genetic, environmental, and biological factors. Scientific research has contributed significantly to understanding these diverse influences.

Genetic Influences

ADHD is widely recognized as a heritable condition. Studies have shown that the disorder often runs in families, indicating a strong genetic component.

The manifestation of ADHD can vary at different stages of life.

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For instance, family studies have found a 2- to 8-fold increased risk for ADHD in parents and siblings of children with the disorder.

Twin and adoption studies[4] further underscore its heritable nature, with heritability estimates around 0.77, comparable to other neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

A study[5] involving a large sample of twin pairs from the Twins Early Development Study assessed the proportional impact of genes and the environment on ADHD symptom development from childhood to adolescence.

It found strong additive genetic influences on the developmental course of hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms (81%) and substantial nonadditive genetic influences on inattention symptoms (54%).

Environmental Factors

Various environmental factors have been proposed as risk factors for ADHD. These include food additives/diet, lead contamination, exposure to cigarette and alcohol, maternal smoking during pregnancy, and low birth weight.

Many recent studies[6] have examined the relationships between ADHD and these extraneous factors, highlighting the potential gene-environment interactions that increase the risk for the disorder.

Biological Mechanisms

Recent neuroimaging and functional brain studies[7] have revealed significant insights into the biological underpinnings of ADHD.

These studies have shown volumetric reductions and decreased neural activities in key brain areas such as the frontal lobe, basal ganglia, limbic system, and cerebellum.

Impairment of executive function and the reward system (referred to as the dual pathway model) and dysfunction of the default mode network are proposed as biological changes underlying ADHD.

Dysfunctions in catecholamine-regulated neurotransmission, particularly in dopamine transporters, have also been observed. The therapeutic drug methylphenidate, commonly used in ADHD, is thought to modulate these dysfunctions.

ADHD cannot be remedied through medication.

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Additionally, the role of epigenetic modification in ADHD is gaining attention, indicating a complex interplay between environmental factors and genetic polymorphisms.

Conventional Medical Treatments

Conventional medical treatments for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) primarily involve pharmacotherapy, which is considered the first-line treatment for ADHD in children and adolescents. The main classes of medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants.

Stimulants

Methylphenidate and amphetamine salts are the primary stimulant drugs of choice for treating ADHD. They act by increasing the presynaptic release of dopamine and other biogenic amines in the brain[8].

Methylphenidate specifically inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. Another stimulant, Lisdexamfetamine, is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine and is notable for its lower potential for abuse.

Non-Stimulants

Atomoxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, is a non-stimulant alternative for ADHD treatment, though it is generally considered less efficacious than stimulants. Other non-stimulant medications include guanfacine and clonidine[9].

These medications have been shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD and improving functional outcomes such as quality of life and academic performance.

While generally safe, they are associated with adverse effects including headache, insomnia, anorexia, weight loss, and potential cardiovascular and psychiatric risks. Stimulants, in particular, have a high potential for abuse and dependence.

Moreover, recent research[10] has continued to explore the efficacy and safety of these medications, particularly in children and adolescents with ADHD and common comorbidities.

However, limited information is available from placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy of medication in children with ADHD and psychiatric comorbidities, necessitating further studies to support evidence-based drug selection for these populations.

Natural Treatments

The use of herbs and nutritional supplements in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) has gained interest as alternative or complementary treatments to conventional pharmacotherapy.

Herbs and Dietary Supplements in ADHD Management

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs): Supplementation with PUFAs, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, has shown [11]modest benefits in improving ADHD symptoms. These fatty acids are essential components of neural membranes and are thought to influence neurotransmission and brain function.

ADHD is a condition that persists throughout one’s lifetime.

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Melatonin: Although primarily used for treating chronic insomnia in children with ADHD, melatonin has shown[12] minimal effects in reducing core ADHD symptoms.

Minerals: Preliminary evidence[13] suggests[14] that minerals such as zinc might have beneficial effects on ADHD symptomatology. Mineral supplementation is generally indicated for those with documented deficiencies.

Probiotics: There is emerging interest in probiotics as novel strategies to prevent or treat ADHD, though more research is needed in this area.

Few-Foods Diet: This dietary approach involves the elimination of individually identified food items and has shown to substantially improve behavior and cognitive functioning in children with ADHD who respond to it.

Herbal Medicines in ADHD Treatment

Ginkgo Biloba and Pycnogenol: These have shown some efficacy in treating ADHD. Ginkgo Biloba is known[15] for its neuroprotective and circulation-enhancing properties, while Pycnogenol is an antioxidant.

Valeriana officinalis, Melissa officinalis, and Ginseng: The evidence[16] for these herbs is mainly inconclusive, and more research is needed to establish their efficacy.

Passiflora incarnata, Crocus sativus, and Prunus dulcis: These herbs have shown[17] similar efficacy compared to the conventional ADHD medication methylphenidate in some studies.

Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort): This herb was not found to be ineffective for ADHD in clinical studies[18].

Nutritional Supplements

Zinc: There is good evidence[19] for the efficacy of zinc in the treatment of ADHD, with two positive randomized controlled trials supporting its use.

Carnitine[20], Essential Fatty Acids[21] and Pycnogenol: The evidence[22] for these supplements is mixed. While some studies indicate potential benefits, more research is needed for definitive conclusions.

Vitamins, Magnesium, Iron, SAM-e, Tryptophan, and Ginkgo Biloba with Ginseng: There is insufficient evidence[23] to draw conclusions about the efficacy of these supplements in treating ADHD symptoms.

Editor’s note

While various herbal and dietary supplements show promise in the management of ADHD, the evidence varies widely, and in many cases, it is sparse or mixed.

For some supplements like zinc and essential fatty acids, there is more substantial evidence of efficacy, whereas for others like vitamins and certain herbs, more research is needed.

It is crucial for clinicians and patients to carefully consider the risk-benefit balance of these treatments, especially when used as standalone treatments or in combination with conventional ADHD medications.

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