What types of treatments are available for ADHD? Are there holistic treatments? I know there are other things besides Ritalin.

-- Valencia

Yes, there are other treatments besides Ritalin for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD (sometimes called attention deficit disorder, or ADD). Some of the non-medication approaches include therapy, nutrition and diet changes and biofeedback. Some of these approaches have more empirical (research) validation than others, but they all may be worth checking out. Keep in mind that studies have shown that up to 90 percent of patients with ADHD benefit from medications, either alone or in combination with other treatment.

Many children and parents benefit from some form of therapy or skills training from professionals who specialize in ADHD. This may include individual behavioral therapy for the child or family therapy for the child and parents. Training sessions on social skills for the child or parenting skills may also help. Such sessions can help parents provide ways to help their child at home by providing more structure or organization to a child’s activities and learn how to manage difficult situations.

Many parents are interested in changing their child’s diet or adding supplements to treat ADHD. Although no specific foods have been linked to ADHD, you can test your child yourself. If you suspect a food is affecting your child’s behavior, eliminate that food for a period of time and see if you notice any difference. Be sure to remove foods one at a time so you can identify the culprit. Some parents have also tried diets that eliminate or reduce preservatives and artificial ingredients from the diet, but none of these have been proven to be helpful in research studies. Moreover, diets that are too restrictive may result in nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition in children.

Many supplements are being studies in clinical trials to help children with ADHD, although none have yet been proven to be effective. If you're interested in herbal or "natural" approaches to ADHD treatment, you might want to consult with a naturopath (someone with a doctor of naturopathy, or N.D., degree) for recommendations, in combination with the doctor or other professional who is managing your child’s ADHD treatment.

Methods such as biofeedback have also been tested, usually in combination with medication, but are still considered experimental for ADHD.

Many of the methods used in treating children with ADHD can also be used with adults, sometimes more effectively. Finding a therapist or even an ADHD coach can help you identify your particular issues with ADHD and learn the skills to manage them.