Most doctors prescribe ADHD pills such as amphetamines (Adderall, Ritalin and company), non stimulants (Srattera) or even an anti depressant (Welbutrin) for children with ADHD. The big problem is that while these stimulants will act on certain neurotransmitters in the child's brain and make them better focused, the downside is that as these medications are basically amphetamines, there is not only a risk of becoming addicted to them but also being dependent on them. The major issue is that while ADHD pills such as these can indeed reduce ADHD symptoms and help a child to become more attentive and calmer,they will not cure the condition, because there is no cure.
Obviously ADHD pills are not going to teach skills and that is where any parents fall down on the job. Medication can be useful and sometimes even necessary but parents have to look at the wider picture and assess the risks and look at ADHD alternative treatments, rather than just pills for ADHD. Amphetamines were given to the GIs in World War to help them combat fatigue and exhaustion. When they came back home, there was a great demand for these drugs simply because they had become a little addicted. The same thing then happened to housewives who called them 'mother's helpers' !
So, to answer the question in the title of this article which asks if ADHD pills are the answer for hyperactive kids. Research now shows that children with ADHD, after some green time and contact with nature, can concentrate and focus better. That, coupled with exercise is probably the healthiest and safest way to approach the vexed problem of how to treat ADHD. Hyperactive kids need an outlet for their energy and there are also ways of improving their diet (more Omega 3) and helping them in many other ways such as introducing some behavior modification in your family home.
I also know that ADHD homeopathic remedies are much safer and cheaper than the ADHD meds and there is no risk of addiction. Why give your kid some pills for ADHD which were given to GIs, which students use to stay up all night and which other teenagers and kids use to get a 'high' ? Why introduce him to a world where his pills can be sold on the school parking lot? Look at alternative treatments for ADHD and give your child a better chance in life.
Robert Locke is a Health enthusiast who specializes in Children's Health. He has written extensively on ADHD. Discover the secrets to alternatives for ADHD pills .
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