Learning and Behavior Series Part 4: Alternative Treatments for ADHD

This is the 4th article in a series of learning and behavioral problems. It will focus on non-prescription medicine treatments, natural treatments, psychological and occupational therapies, and complementary alternative therapy for the treatment of ADHD. This is a bigger topic than I initially thought, so there are many links that go more in depth with each subtopic.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

The first treatment for ADHD in children under 5 years should be cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with a licensed therapist. It also helps those of all ages learn techniques to control behaviors, screen thoughts before speaking, organize things, and more. Studies show that the best benefits for ADHD are a combination of medication and CBT for those over 5 years of age. CBT for younger kids involves a parenting style that is clear, consistent and has rewards and consequences. Working with a therapist involves parents more than the children. As kids get older, the therapist works with them to work on their own behavior.

Exercise and Going Green

Getting kids outside has many benefits for kids with ADHD. First, they are off all screens - which increase aggressiveness and impulsivity. Second, they are getting exercise. Studies show that when kids play outside their focus, attention, and behavior improve.

Exercise is beneficial to everyone on many levels, and in those with ADHD it is essential to help with overall focus and attention. Exercise helps to elevate the same neurotransmitters that are increased with stimulant medications, which helps with focus and attention and executive functioning skills (sequencing, working memory, prioritizing, inhibiting, and sustaining attention). Any exercise helps, but studies show the best are martial arts, ballet, ice skating, gymnastics, yoga, rock climbing, mountain biking, skateboarding, and whitewater paddling (I know not all of these are practical on a regular basis, but most are). These activities require sustaining attention, balance, timing, fine motor adjustments, sequencing, evaluating consequences, error correction, and inhibition.

Sleep

Sleep problems are common in many children, especially those with ADHD. Fixing the sleep cycle can have extreme benefits in learning and behavior. Sometimes it is as easy as getting a routine for sleep to ensure the proper number of hours for a child, but often they suffer from insomnia, nightmares, sleep apnea, restless leg, or other medical conditions that impair sleep time and/or quality. Symptoms of chronic sleep deprivation in kids are hyperactivity, poor focus, and irritability. There are many kids who can have all of their ADHD symptoms relieved when they simply get better sleep. I see this in many teens who suddenly "develop ADHD"- only it's really not ADHD at all. They are running on 4-5 hours of sleep a night. If your child has sleep troubles not improved with these Sleep Tips, talk to your child's doctor.

Occupational Therapy and Sensory Training

There are many kids with ADHD who benefit from using techniques that occupational therapists use with sensory processing disorder (SPD). In some kids, SPD might be the real diagnosis causing symptoms of ADHD, but in others they may co-exist. Treating SPD is usually fun for the kids, and there is no harm in doing their techniques even if a child doesn't have the disorder. Schools have started integrating these ideas into their classrooms as needed, such as having kids sit on stability balls or using tactile objects at their desks. Therapy for SPD involves playing in ways that use sensory input (such as with sand or play doh, rolling down a hill, manipulating tactile objects, and more). For a great list of ideas visit Sensory Integration Activities, but working with an occupational therapist is recommended.

Biofeedback and Neurofeedback

Biofeedback and neurofeedback are both approved therapies for ADHD. Children and adults with ADHD often have abnormal patterns of brain electrical activity on electroencephalographic (EEG) testing. EEG biofeedback is aimed at normalizing EEG activity by correcting the brain’s state of relative under-arousal and optimizing cognitive and behavioral functioning.

Neurofeedback trains kids to become more aware of their physiological responses and improve their executive functioning. Each neurofeedback session lasts 30-60 min and children usually need 10-20 sessions. Patients wear a cap that measures their brain activities, and it helps them train their brain to maintain focus during video games specific to this purpose.

The significance of most findings on neurofeedback and EEG biofeedback is limited by study design flaws that include small study sizes, heterogeneous populations, absence of a control group, inconsistent outcome measures, self-selection bias, and limited or no long-term follow-up. While this doesn't mean they don't work, I would like to see more studies showing their benefit.

Working memory training

Working memory training has been shown in studies to help with symptoms of ADHD, though there are some conflicting studies out there. Cogmed is the company that has studies showing benefit. It is a computer program that kids play like a video game, but it reportedly trains their brain to remember things. It is intensive: 1 hour a day, 5 days a week for 5 weeks, but can be done at home. It is expensive and not covered by insurance. About 70-80% of children show improvement immediately after the training, and of those who improved, 80% maintained the benefit over a 6 - 12 month window. Cogmed is designed to be used with medication, such as stimulants.

Herbs and other supplements

There are some studies (only 16 as of June 2011 -- 11 for nutritional supplements and 5 for herbal supplements, which in the research world is pretty small) supporting nutritional supplements or herbal medicines for ADHD, but many reported treatments have not been found effective. Pinus marinus (French maritime pine bark), and a Chinese herbal formula (Ningdong) showed some support. Zinc and iron both show benefit, but as discussed in Part 3 of this series, both can be dangerous at high doses. There was only mixed (mainly inconclusive) evidence for omega-3 and l-acetyl carnitine. Current data suggest that Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) and Hypercium perforatum (St. John's wort) are ineffective in treating ADHD.

ADHD Coaching

Just like anyone who needs help improving a skill, such as a pitcher or golfer, working with a coach with experience helping others in that area, working with an ADHD coach can help many with certain aspects of their life. ADHD coaches can help with organization, motivate a person with ADHD to finish tasks, or help them learn techniques that makes them more effective at life skills. Coaches do not do psychotherapy or counseling, which is beneficial for people who are against therapy, but agree that coaches can help people improve skills. It does not work if the parent makes the child go. The child must be motivated to make changes in his or her life and be willing to work on things, then coaching can be great. Tips on finding an ADHD coach can be found on PsychCentral.

Nutrition

Nutrition is very important for learning and behavior in all kids. For more on components of nutrition, elimination diets, and supplements, see Part 3 of this series.

No strong evidence exists for the following: 

There are many alternative treatments out there that do not have scientific proof that they help. Many parents try these treatment programs in hope that their child's symptoms will go away. In general, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don't be fooled into thinking "alternative" or "natural" treatments are without risk. There are always risks, including the lost time not being on a proven therapy, leading to a child falling further behind academically and suffering emotionally from symptoms related to ADHD.

Brain Balance has a center in our city, and I've seen more than a few parents who waste time and money on their program. I don't know of any that noted significant and continued benefit. Although their website might look like there's impressive evidence to use it, there really isn't. Please see Science Based Medicine: Brain Balance for more information.

Caffeine is a stimulant but since it is available from grocery stores instead of pharmacies some parents feel more comfortable using it instead of a medication. If you're using it as a drug, it is a drug. Whether it comes in a beverage or a pill, it is a chemical with properties that act like other drugs in our bodies. Unfortunately studies don't really support its use. It is difficult to dose since it comes in so many forms, and most people develop a tolerance for it, requiring more and more, which can increase side effects. For details, see Science Based Medicine: Caffeine for ADHD.

I have not been able to find any valid scientific studies for chiropractic medicine for the treatment of ADHD.

Other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies that have been tried for ADHD but fail to show benefit include vision training and applied kinesiology. Insurance usually does not cover these and they can be quite expensive. I do not recommend them.

Remember...

There is no alternative medicine. There is only medicine that works and medicine that doesn't work. ~ Richard Dawkins

If it stays alternative, that must say something. Once an alternative treatment is shown to work, it becomes a preferred treatment, no longer an alternative...

Things to consider when choosing treatment plans: 

• First, be sure your child is properly assessed to make the best diagnosis on which to base the treatment plan.
• Natural isn't necessarily safe. Evaluate all the risks and benefits known before making a decision. Even exercise (which is always recommended) comes with risks, such as injury and at times sleep problems due to scheduled activity times.
• Talk with your doctor about any treatments you are doing with your child-- including vitamins, supplements, herbs, brain training, therapies, etc.
• Choosing one treatment doesn't mean you are married to it. If response doesn't prove to be beneficial, re-think your approach.
• There is no cure for ADHD known at this time. If someone claims that they can cure your child, don't buy into it. 
• Learn your costs. Does insurance cover it? Insurance companies often prefer certain treatments due to their cost and other factors. They also do not cover many treatments. Sometimes this is again due to cost, but other times it is because there is no evidence to show the treatment is effective. (Hint: This is a good clue to look at other treatments!)
• Is the treatment something your child can do and is your family willing to put in the time? CBT is proven to help, but it doesn't work if the child and parents don't work on the techniques at home. Neurofeedback and Cogmed take many hours of treatment over weeks of time and are not guaranteed to work in all children.  Medications must be titrated to find the most effective dose that limits side effects. This requires frequent follow up with your doctor until the best dose is found.

Sources:

The ADDitude Guide to Alternative ADHD Treatment
WebMD: Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder: Alternative Treatments 
American Psychological Association: Easing ADHD Without Meds
Psych Central: Neurofeedback Therapy an Effective, Non-Drug Treatment for ADHD

Psychiatric Times: Integrative Management of ADHD: What the Evidence Suggests

More Quest for Health blogs on ADHD:

• Why get diagnosed?
• Who's Who in ADHD Treatment
• Nutrition, Elimination Diets, and Vitamins
• Alternative Treatments
• Medications
• Generic Methylphenidate HCl ER (for Concerta)
• Red Dye #40 and Hyperactivity
• Homework Battle Plan

Learning and Behavior Series Part 3: Nutrition, Elimination Diets, and Vitamins

This is the third article in a series on Learning and Behavior. It covers some diets that have been recommended for various learning and behavioral benefits, including elimination diets and supplements that might benefit. There will be another part focused on supplements.

Most of us have heard of the claims of cures for all sorts of ills, including behavioral problems (especially ADHD and autism) with simple dietary changes (with and without supplements).

Fears of side effects from long-term medication or a history of medication failures cause families to look for alternative treatment options for child behavior issues. Diet modification and restriction is intriguing for parents since it fits into the ideal of a healthy lifestyle without added medicines and their potential side effects. However, there is a lot of controversy as to whether these restrictions help except in a small subset of children who have true allergy to the substance.

In general if a simple solution through diet was found, everyone would be doing it. That just isn't happening.

I do think that we all benefit from eating real foods -- the ones that look like they did when they were grown, not processed and packaged. Fruits, vegetables, protein sources, whole grains, and complex carbohydrates should be the basis for everyone's diet. It's just good nutrition. But the direct effect of special diets on learning, behavior, and conditions such as ADHD shows limited effects.

Natural does not equal safe. When my kids were young and picky eaters I never would have considered stimulating their appetite with organically grown marijuana. While it is all natural (even organic!) and it might increase their appetites, it would have risks, right? In this case I don't think the risks would outweigh the benefits. But so often parents think that if it's natural, it's healthier than something made by man. Drugs have been tested. They have risks too, but those risks are a known. Some natural therapies have not been as thoroughly tested and they are not regulated, so the label might not correctly identify the contents. For this reason, I think that healthy foods are a great option for everyone, but I hesitate to recommend a lot of supplements, especially by brand.

Over the years there have been many foods or additives that have been blamed for causing learning and behavioral problems. Some of the proposed problematic foods:

• food dyes
• refined sugars
• gluten
• salicylate and additives
• dairy products
• wheat
• corn
• yeast
• soy
• citrus
• eggs
• chocolate
• nuts

I'm sure the list goes on, but I've got to move on.

Food additives have long been blamed for learning and behavior problems. Back in 1975, Dr. Ben Feingold hypothesized that food additives (artificial flavors and colors, and naturally occurring salicylates) were associated with learning disabilities and hyperactive behavior in some children. Since then many case reports of similar claims have continued to surface, but those do not have the same weight as a double-blinded control study. Most studies done in a scientific manner have failed to show a benefit. There are studies that show improvement in some children who avoid artificial dyes. In my opinion it never hurts to eliminate artificial dyes in your child's diet. If it helps, continue to avoid them. But if no change is noted, don't continue to rely on dye avoidance as a treatment plan.

Another elimination diet that I would not recommend is the GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) diet, designed by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. She asserts that a wide variety of health problems  (autism, ADHD, schizophrenia, depression, and more) are from an imbalance of gut microbes. Not only has it not been proven to work, I worry that it restricts healthy foods, such as fruits, and kids will develop other problems on this diet. I cannot go into details in this space, but for more information visit Science Based Medicine: GAPS diet.

Gluten is in the news to be the base of many problems. It seems to be a fad to go gluten free for just about any ailment you can think of. There are a subset of people who are really sensitive to gluten, and they benefit greatly from a gluten free diet. But the large majority of people gain no direct gluten free benefit from this expensive and restrictive diet. One indirect benefit of the diet is that it is nearly impossible to eat pre-packaged and processed foods, which leaves real fruits, vegetables, and other high quality foods. (As more people are going gluten free there are more pre-package products made gluten free. I wonder if the benefits people have noticed previously will wane when they eat these foods. ) Talk with your doctor before deciding if going gluten free will work for your child.

Sugar is often blamed on hyperactivity. By all means, no child needs extra sugar, so cut out what you can. Well controlled studies did not find a behavioral difference in kids after refined sugars. Interestingly though, parents still perceived a change (despite researchers finding none) in at least one study (Wolraich, Wilson, and White. 1995).

Food allergies are now commonly thought to be related to behavior and learning problems. In some children with true allergies, foods can affect behavior. However, most children do not have food allergies and avoiding foods does not alter behavior. It can be challenging to determine if there is a food allergy since some of the tests offered are not reliable. It is a small subset of kids that food avoidance helps, but in the large majority studies do not support avoidance of foods. If you think your child benefits from avoiding one or two foods, it probably isn't a big deal to restrict those foods. But if you suspect your child is allergic to everything under the sun, you will need to work with your doctor and possibly an allergist and a nutritionist to determine exactly what your child must avoid and how they can get all the nutrients they need to grow and develop normally. 

Supplementation with vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids [arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexanoic acid (DHA)] is gaining popularity. There are some studies that show people with ADHD have low levels of certain vitamins and minerals. More studies are being done to determine if supplementing helps symptoms. There is growing evidence for vitamin supplementation, but there are no standard recommendations yet. For children without a known vitamin deficiency, a standard pediatric multivitamin can be used. Clinical trials using various combinations of high dose vitamins such as vitamin C, pantothenic acid, and pyridoxine suggest that these have no effect on ADHD. I don't recommend high dose vitamin supplements unless a specific deficiency is identified (and I don't routinely screen for deficiencies at this time). I have no problems with anyone taking a multivitamin daily, but cannot recommend any specific brand since none of them are regulated by the FDA and there are many reports that show the label often misrepresents levels of what is really in the bottle. My advice is to buy a brand that allows independent lab testing of their products if you choose to buy any vitamin or supplement.

The following is adapted from the University of Maryland Medical Center with the help of ADDitude Magazine and Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.

• Magnesium -- Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include irritability, decreased attention span, and mental confusion. Some experts believe that children with ADHD may be showing the effects of mild magnesium deficiency. In one preliminary study of 75 magnesium-deficient children with ADHD, those who received magnesium supplements showed an improvement in behavior compared to those who did not receive the supplements. Too much magnesium can be dangerous and magnesium can interfere with certain medications, including antibiotics and blood pressure medications. Talk to your doctor. 

• Vitamin B6 -- Adequate levels of vitamin B6 are needed for the body to make and use brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These include serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, the chemicals affected in children with ADHD. One preliminary study found that B6 pyridoxine was slightly more effective than Ritalin in improving behavior among hyperactive children - but other studies failed to show a benefit. The study that did show benefit used a high dose of B6, which could cause nerve damage, so more studies need to be done to confirm that it helps. If it is found to help, we need to learn how to monitor levels and dose the vitamin before this can be used safely outside of research centers. Because high doses can be dangerous, do not give your child B6 without your doctor's supervision. 

• Zinc -- Zinc regulates the activity of brain chemicals, fatty acids, and melatonin, all of which are related to behavior. Several studies show that zinc may help improve behavior, slightly. Higher doses of zinc can be dangerous, so talk to your doctor before giving zinc to a child or taking it yourself.  

• Iron -- Iron deficiencies can occur in children due to inadequate dietary sources (kids are picky!) and many other causes. Iron is needed for the synthesis of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin- all neurotransmitters in the brain. Low iron has been linked to learning and behavior problems. Too much iron can be dangerous, so talk with your doctor if you want to start high dose supplements. (Regular multivitamins with iron should not cause overdose if used according to package directions.) It is important to follow labs to be sure the iron dose is not too high if supplementation with higher than standard doses of iron are given. For information on sources of iron in the diet, labs done to check for iron, and more, visit Iron Deficiency Anemia.

• Essential fatty acids -- Fatty acids, such as those found in fish, fish oil, and flax seed (omega-3 fatty acids) and evening primrose oil (omega-6 fatty acids), are "good fats" that play a key role in normal brain function. The results of studies are mixed, but research continues. If you want to try fish oil to see if it reduces ADHD symptoms, talk to your doctor about the best dose. Some experts recommend that young school aged kids take 1,000-1,500 mg a day. Kids over 8 years should get 2,000-2,500 mg daily. For ADHD symptom control it is often recommended to get twice the amount of EPA to DHA.

• L-carnitine -- L-carnitine is formed from an amino acid and helps cells in the body produce energy. One study found that 54% of a group of boys with ADHD showed improvement in behavior when taking L-carnitine, but more research is needed to confirm any benefit. Because L-carnitine has not been studied for safety in children, talk to your doctor before giving a child L-carnitine. L-carnitine may make symptoms of hypothyroid worse, and may increase the risk of seizures in people who have had seizures before. It can also interact with some medications. It should not be given until you talk to your child's doctor. It is not generally recommended at this time.

• Vitamin C -- Vitamin C can help modulate the dopamine levels in the brain. It can affect the way your body absorbs medications (especially stimulants for ADHD) so it is best to avoid vitamin C supplements and citrus fruits that are high in vitamin C within the hour of taking medicines. Preliminary evidence suggests that a low dose of vitamin C in combination with flaxseed oil twice per day might improve some measures of attention, impulsivity, restlessness, and self-control in some children with ADHD, but more evidence is needed before this combination can be recommended.

• Proteins -- Proteins are great for maintaining a healthy blood sugar and for keeping the brain focused. They are best eaten as foods: lean meats, eggs, dairy, nuts and seeds, legumes, and fish are high protein foods. Most people in our country eat more protein than is needed. If your child does not eat these foods in good quantity, there are supplements available, but talk with your doctor to see if they are appropriate for your child. Many of the supplements are high in sugar and other additives. Some have too much protein for children to safely eat on a regular basis.

In general I think we all should eat a healthy diet that is made up primarily of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates. If children are on a restricted diet due to allergy or sensitivities to foods or additives (or extreme pickiness), be sure to discuss their diet with your doctor and consider working with a nutritionist to be sure your child is getting all the nutrition needed for proper growth. If supplements are being considered, they should be discussed with your doctor so he or she can help decide which are right for your child.

More Quest for Health blogs on ADHD:

• Why get diagnosed?
• Who's Who in ADHD Treatment
• Nutrition, Elimination Diets, and Vitamins
• Alternative Treatments
• Medications
• Generic Methylphenidate HCl ER (for Concerta)
• Red Dye #40 and Hyperactivity
• Homework Battle Plan

Complimentary and Alternative Medicine

Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) means many things to many people, but the truth is  that many people use it to try to help a broad range of ailments without much guidance from their physicians.

Why?  Reasons vary.  Some feel that "natural is better."  Others feel that mainstream medicine is not working.  Many people see CAM as a lifestyle choice.  Some don't have access to (or money for) a doctor visit, and CAM is readily available at many locations.  There are many other reasons that people use CAM.

Is it safe? Is it reliable?  Depends on the CAM.

What is CAM?

CAM includes any form of medical treatment that is not a part of mainstream medicine.  It has gained popularity because it is holistic, and people like the idea of treating the whole person and not simply one condition.  It includes many categories of treatments, including natural products (vitamin supplements, herbal medicines, minerals, and probiotics), homeopathy (diluted substances that would typically cause symptoms used to treat those symptoms), acupuncture and manipulative treatments, Oriental medicine (energy fields), and mind-body medicine.

What are potential problems with CAM?

• Homeopathic medicines and natural products are not regulated by the FDA.

• Some therapies have been shown to be contaminated with heavy metals (such as lead)
• Products have been shown to be inconsistent in the amount of active ingredient from bottle to bottle
• Studies to show the appropriate dose have not been done in most instances 

•  Studies to show effectiveness have not been done in many cases

• Many don't share CAM use with their physicians.  Why?

• Don't want to admit in case doc disagrees

• Don't think about it and aren't asked specifically 

• Don't think it will make a difference

• Many docs don't know how to advise about CAM.

• If parents ask about herbs, spinal manipulation, or other CAM treatments, physicians often don't have the answers.  
• Physicians are taught to advise based on an evidenced based platform.  If studies haven't shown a treatment to benefit, we are less likely to recommend it. For many complementary and alternative medicines studies have not been done to show safety and efficacy.  
• Studies that have been done typically were done in adults, not children.  Children handle medicines and therapies differently than adults, but research is often not done on them. 

• CAM information does not often make news in medical journals and is not typically discussed at conferences, the places at which your physicians learn. 

Do I recommend CAM?


While there are many CAM treatments that I am not comfortable recommending, I often recommend things that are CAM.

The first and foremost form of alternative medicine I recommend to everyone is healthy diet and lifestyle.  This is widely accepted among mainstream medical doctors.  Healthy diet and exercise helps prevent many health problems, treat some health problems, and even helps mental focus and overall mental health.  

I believe there is solid research supporting fish oil, probiotics, and other vitamin supplements.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends Vitamin D for all children. 

I think that relaxation techniques, biofeedback, yoga, prayer, and meditation can all be beneficial and I cannot see how they would be detrimental if used properly.  

In the category of manipulative medicine, I have not been trained specifically, but I refer to physical therapists and sometimes chiropractors.  Massage therapy is a growing field, and has been recommended for children with muscle tightness affecting gait and for those with sports injuries.

Other CAM therapies are difficult for me to recommend.

Herbal therapies might be beneficial, but there is also potential risk of interactions with other therapies.  They are not regulated by the FDA and have been known to be contaminated with things such as lead. There also have been reports of the strength of the supplement to vary widely from what is listed on the bottle and non-listed ingredients to be in the supplement.  This can lead to unknown interactions and consequences.

Most studies of CAM therapies have been done on adults.  Children are not little adults.  Therapies such as lifestyle changes are safe, but those with herbal or homeopathic medications might not be.  There simply is not enough scientific data to support the use of these in children.

Studies do show that about 50% of children have used complementary or alternative medicine (higher numbers if you include vitamin supplements).  Unfortunately most of the time the physician is unaware of these treatments.  Many of the kids using these therapies are those with chronic conditions for which there is no traditional medical therapy that manages the condition well.  This means that more research is needed to show if they are safe or effective.  Are they worth the cost? Is there something better? Should physicians recommend them because they do work?

Why would parents use a treatment that isn't proven? They just want to help. Many parents think "natural" is better.

My answer to that: I would never give my kids organic marijuana to stimulate their appetite.  It is natural.  Organic even.   And it does stimulate the appetite, so it might work.  But I know there are risks to marijuana.  We've all heard those because it is a well known (and unfortunately misused) substance.  Many herbs and other treatments aren't as well known.

How to improve the safety of CAM use in your children:

• Discuss any therapy you are using with your health care provider. If you have more than one provider, be sure all know each treatment you are using.
• If you use a CAM provider, be sure to check the education and training of that person.  Are they licensed to practice?  Be sure they have experience with the age group of your child.  (This actually goes for any health care provider you choose!)
• Ask your pharmacist if there are any known interactions with the supplements and medications you are giving your child.  Be sure to list all prescription, over the counter, and supplements given.
• Store all medications, supplements, and vitamins out of reach of children.
• If you notice any ill effects that might be related to CAM or other treatments, be sure to discuss with your provider!

Resources:

AAP News 2008; 29;1
PEDIATRICS Volume 120:1, July 2007
PEDIATRICS Volume 125:2, February 2010
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)