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Dr. Roy Benaroch
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adhd?
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2flowermamma posted:
My 5 year old seems to fit the characteristics of a child with ADHD. I am currently working with her school to get her evaluated. What non-medicinal options do we have for treatment?
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MagPrincess responded:
Having had Adhd as a child I applaud the non medicated approaches.

It was how my parents chose to treat my adhd.

Here are some ideas:

http://www.drquesenbery.com/files/NEUROFEEDBACK.pdf

I am a big believer in supplements helping

http://www.mental-health-matters.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=236

http://www.adhdnews.com/alternative-adhd-treatment.html


I still see a therapist and have to stay fairly strict on supplements to help.

Also I also applaud you for even admitting that there maybe a problem. SOOOO many children remain undiagnosed because there parent's won;t consider anything is wrong. I used to teach preschool and saw it all the time.
 
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Andrew Adesman, MD replied to MagPrincess's response:
Although there are proven effective treatments besides medication, they usually focus on behavior therapy and/or educational interventions and accommodations. Five year olds are very responsive to behavioral incentives, so this is likely a great way to start. Also, at age 5, it is quite possible that she may not have ADHD.

Neurofeedback is at best controversial as an intervention. Although there are some preliminary studies supporting its effectiveness, there are three major concerns: first, the studies themselves are often not very well designed so one cannot be sure the benefit shown is specifically due to the neurofeedback. Second, the neurofeedback intervention that you get in the community is likely not same as the treatment provided in the research trial since it is not well standardized or protocolized. Third, insurance often will not cover this treatment because of its experimental nature, and the cost is typically several thousands of dollars.

As for suppliments, there are many products being promoted for ADHD, with little if any research to support their effectiveness. There is limited data to support fish oil and pycnogenol.

You might do well to seek out an ADHD specialist in your community. I would encourage you to go to www.help4adhd.org or www.chadd.org .

Good luck.
 
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2flowermamma replied to Andrew Adesman, MD's response:
Thanks to both of you for your wonderful ideas. Since posting the original question the school has completed the eval. She scores in the 99%ile for hyperactivity and 95%ile for impulsivity. She also has a very strong need for control. I spoke with her doctor and we are going to go ahead and try some of the less invasive things first, ie. herbals, supplements, dietary changes.... We will also be working even closer with the school councilor next year. We would have been doing that all along, but I was the only one that looked at her and thought, 'she has ADHD'. Ironically, I am also the one who spent the most time with her. At our latest meeting with the teacher, principle and councilor, they said that I was right on in October and that they just didn't see it at the time, blaming that on the fact that you don't see ADHD as often in girls. I hope that the more natural approach works as I know my cousin did not like taking the prescription meds. I think that if we can get a handle on her behavior, she and I will have a better relationship.
Thanks again for your responses. I will be looking into all the resources available as we make our decision of how to treat her.


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