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Dr. Mercola
December 01 2007
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Drugs Are Not the Answer for ADHD

Research has shown that treating children who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) with drugs is not effective in the long-term. After three years of treatment, drugs such as Ritalin and Concerta work no better than therapy.

Long-term use of the drugs can also stunt children‘s growth, and the benefits of the drugs have been exaggerated.

An influential 1999 study seemed to find that medication worked better than behavioral therapy for ADHD after one year of use. This finding caused a vast increase in prescriptions.

But now, after longer-term analysis, the report‘s co-author, Professor William Pelham of the University of Buffalo, has stated, "I think that we exaggerated the beneficial impact of medication in the first study. We had thought that children medicated longer would have better outcomes. That didn‘t happen to be the case. There‘s no indication that medication is better than nothing in the long run."

Pelham said that medication had "no beneficial effects" and that in fact, the drugs had a negative impact in terms of growth rate.

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence in England is currently revising their treatment guidelines for ADHD to include strategies that will likely involve training for parents as well as "behavioral interventions".

"The important thing is that we have an approach which doesn‘t focus just on one type of treatment," Dr. Tim Kendall, chair for the working group, said.



Dr. MercolaDr. Mercola's Comments:

The number of children being harmed, perhaps for life, by unnecessary drugging is truly heartbreaking. Especially when there are so many simple, safe, and healthy options. Many are reluctant to adopt unproven alternatives, but the great news is that  scientific proof supports these non-drug, non-invasive alternatives.

Even if Ritalin, the primary drug used for ADHD, were proven effective, would you really want to give your child a drug that is very similar to cocaine?

More Scientific Proof Food is the Answer – Not Drugs

For example, research by the University of Adelaide in Australia confirmed that fish oil improves the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) without any of the side effects of drugs like Ritalin and Concerta -- and more effectively at that!

They gave 130 children, between the ages of 7 and 12 with ADHD, daily fish oil capsules. The children’s behavior improved dramatically within three months. They also found that:

  • After seven months, the children were not as restless and showed improvements at school
  • Improvements in concentration and attention improved by one-third
  • After 15 weeks, 30-40 percent of the children taking fish oil had improvements
  • After 30 weeks, 40-50 percent improved
  • Children taking placebo capsules were later switched to fish oil and subsequently also experienced improved behavior

Improvements were still being seen after the study ended, which suggests that fish oils may have long-term effects.

What’s the Real Price of ADHD Drugs?

ADHD drugs are known to carry serious side effects, including:

So, why – if these alternatives work – treat millions of children with drugs that are more powerful stimulants than cocaine?  

Money! Huge Profits!

And, as you may already have noticed, more and more adults are now “diagnosed” with ADD/ADHD. And why not? As Matthew Emmens, chief executive of Shire Pharmaceuticals (a British manufacturer of Adderall) stated in a 2005 article, "The adult market is three times the size of the 1.14 billion-a-year children's market and is ripe and moving in the right direction." This should be a telling statement for anyone under the illusion that these drugs are created for the betterment of society.

But can it really be said that a community of drugged adolescents and adults is a good thing? Using brain imaging, scientists have found that, in pill form, Ritalin occupies more of the neural transporters responsible for the 'high' experienced by addicts than smoked or injected cocaine… We’re essentially creating a generation of legalized drug users.

Strattera, the only ADHD drug approved for use in adults, was found to cause serious liver damage. In 2005, Eli Lilly agreed to put a “black box” warning label on the drug, listing the following signs and symptoms that might indicate potential liver problems:

  • Pruritus (Itchy skin)
  • Jaundice
  • Dark urine
  • Upper right-sided abdominal tenderness
  • Unexplained "flu-like" symptoms

Does Anyone Know What Causes ADHD?

Most would answer no, we don’t. However, we do know the food choices of most children are beyond poor. How could you possibly expect a child to have normal behavior if he is fed refined grains, sugars, processed foods loaded with chemicals, and juices and sodas instead of pure water? Add to that 90 percent fewer vegetables than what is required for health, along with an overabundance of omega-6 fats and a virtual lack of omega-3 fats.

If you are a cook you will immediately recognize that this is a recipe for disaster. You simply cannot have a healthy functioning brain in a child that is not given the proper ingredients to develop optimal brain function.

This is not rocket science, folks. But it is easy to understand why there is so much confusion regarding this issue when the drug companies spend BILLIONS of dollars to confuse you with direct-to-consumer ads on TV, in addition to brainwashing physicians to stick to the belief system that drugs, not foods, are the answer for children with behavior problems.

Five Powerful Tools to Virtually Eliminate ADHD!

  • Eliminate most grains and sugars from your/your child’s diet
  • Replace soft drinks, fruit juices and pasteurized milk with clean water
  • Increase omega-3 fats by taking an effective form of omega-3 oil like krill oil or fish oil
  • Minimize your use of nearly all vegetable oils -- they are loaded with omega-6 fats, which distort the powerful omega-6:3 ratio
  • Avoid all processed foods, especially those containing artificial colors, flavors and preservatives

Additional helpful techniques:

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Community Comments ( 75 )
 Comment on this Article
  
  
ailedsange
 [ Joined on 11/07 ] [ Posted on November 30, 2007 ]
10 Points        
   
 
Novice User

I have a 13 year old son who has been on a gluten, casein, polysacharide (which limits carbs greatly), sugars, yeast, red meat, artificial anything, as organic as possible, diet for over four years. He never eats fast food except for an occasional baked potato which has only recently been re-introduced to his diet. He has been taking a number of supplements, including fish oil among many others I've researched or his DAN! physicians have recommended, for over 10 years. He has had behavior therapy, sensory integration therapy, sensory learning, occupational therapy, interactive metronome, biofeedback, and auditory integration therapy. We have done hyperbaric oxygen treatments, enrolled him in different sports and/or martial arts programs over the years, followed homeopathic recommendations, tried acupuncture, take him still to counseling weekly, done NAET, and reflexology. Yet, inspite of all this, he remained very, very bright, but very, very difficult to manage. He has been diagnosed ADHD, with Oppositional Defiant Disorder characteristics, has Asperger's characteristics, but not enough to be diagnosed, and has mood disorder characteristics, but again, not enough to be diagnosed. The result is a young man who cannot live up to his potential because he forgets where he is standing, cannot keep track of his life, is disorganized beyond belief, is temperamental and usually angry. When his emotional and academic existence became stressed to near breaking points, after more than 10 year of trying consistently everything we could research to help him, we gave in and put him on Concerta. It has helped with his mood - he is actually affectionate now, a bit more able to concentrate, although still very lacking in organization, maturity of thought, and common sense.  I hate having him on medication even though we continue with diet and supplementation, but feel we are against a wall. Any thoughts ?

 [ Reply ]
Mercola
  
TMZDDZ
 		[ Joined on 06/06 ]  [ Posted on November 30, 2007]
4 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola

Wow, you have done SO MUCH to help your child and I applaud you for that. I have two boys ages 12 and 15 that are on the autism spectrum and I haven't tried even half of the treatments you have...Something we wanted to try, but we ran out of money, was chelation for the heavy metal toxicity. My oldest sounds a lot like your son. He is very intelligent but has great difficulty dealing with the day to day routine of life. I know that I will have to take care of the younger one for the rest of his life as his disability is severe and I fear for the older that, despite his intelligence, he will not be able to make it in the real world. Anyhow, big hugs to you from a mom that knows what you are going through. I think you are doing a fantastic job and I applaud your efforts!
Mercola
  
kimkc
 		[ Joined on 06/06 ]  [ Posted on December 1, 2007]
3 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola

Wow, you are a super parent!  Just wondering...have you tried chelation therapy through a DAN! doctor?  My daughter is 4 1/2 and we are currently using EDTA to chelate for lead.  Next, we hope to try DMSA again for mercury since we "had our child back" while she chelated with DMSA last summer but needed to stop due to diarrhea, lethargy (low iron) and loss of appetite.  I would love to hear from other parents who found success with chelation through Mercola's website.  
Mercola
  
cydwatts
 		[ Joined on 06/07 ]  [ Posted on December 1, 2007]
3 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola

The psychologist who diagnosed my son with ADD/ADHD/Dyslexia (yes, all of them separately) told me that allergic reactions to some random environmental exposure (in one case, eggs, in another a household chemical) can cause the symptoms of all the problems you have listed, and has urged me to get my son to an allergist.  I can't afford to, but is certainly worthwhile to do so if you can.  If you can eliminate one or more things from his environment and stop using the drugs, you and he are both way ahead.

The other thing is that organization, maturity of thought and common sense are all learned; putting him on a drug that improves his emotional level will not teach him these things.  In those respects he's starting at square one.  Now, maybe, he has a chance to learn them.  Just be patient.
Mercola
  
jharr101
 		[ Joined on 12/07 ]  [ Posted on December 1, 2007]
5 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola

I just read your experieinces with your son, Ailedsnge....I have a similar son. I adopted him two years ago (he is 16) and tried most of the natural methods to help him that you described.  Finally, after being "anti-drugs" we tried Concerta. His best traits can come out now - he went from flunking out of literally ever school he has attended to getting A's!!!!!!!!!  He has friends for the first time and he is a loving and sensitive kid.  I hope this will not be a long-term option but there are cases when one has to weigh up the consequences and we both decided together that he has a better life with the drug...at least for now! (And this IS a kid who comes home and asks for carrots, not sugar!)
Mercola
  
INKY DINKY
 		[ Joined on 10/07 ]  [ Posted on December 1, 2007]
3 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola

Concerta seems to be the best treatment for my daughter who is nine years old.  We tried others and are getting the best results with the Concerta.  Best Wishes!
Mercola
  
healthym2010
 		[ Joined on 06/06 ]  [ Posted on December 3, 2007]
       
   
Novice User
  Mercola

I have heared that sleeping on magnetic and sun's energy  bed,and wearing  magnetic insoles and necklace during the day helps with ADHD.

You can go to this website if you would like to know more about these products.

www.nikken.com/5star
Mercola
  
Jaxmom
 		[ Joined on 06/06 ]  [ Posted on December 4, 2007]
-1 Points        
   
This user is BELOW novice level and all their comments need to be reviewed with great caution.
  Mercola

Hi Ailedsange,

We are in a similar situation.  I have tried nearly all the same "remedies" as you, the diets, supplements, OT, biofeedback, even the unusual ones like NAET and metronome, for my 9 y.o. son.  But still, without the Concerta, my son is a mess.  When I even try him on a lower dose, he starts to lose friends, can't keep up with school, and gets in trouble for being hyperactive and crazy.  And his self-esteem goes in the toilet because he knows everyone is frustrated with him.  It is very hard to be around him without the medication.

I am still searching for the "solution" that will help him fit in without drugs, but for now, it is the only way my son can have the life of a typical 9 year old boy.  

I really trust most everything Dr. Mercola says, but on this issue he needs some more research!

You might like to join a listserv for parents of gifted kids with special needs.  I have found it very helpful.  google: gt-special

Amy  
Mercola
  
healthisachoice
 		[ Joined on 10/07 ]  [ Posted on December 6, 2007]
       
   
Novice User
  Mercola

I have had great results with my son using glyconutrients and phytonutrients. There are also some great products that remove heavy metals without the side effects of chelation.

Mercola
  
Laharoo
 		[ Joined on 07/08 ]  [ Posted on July 30, 2008]
       
   
Novice User
  Mercola

I know this is an old post but have you heard of Quantum Techniques?  It is a form of healing that gets to the core of issues when nothing else works.  I have personally done it for myself and think that maybe this may be a missing link for you son.  www.quantumtechniques.com  You would have to go to the website and read about it because it is hard to explain what and how it works.  You have already done most of the dietary changes that are important parts of the healing but there is something that is deeper that Quantum techniques may be able to help.  It may be that your son has hidden bacteria or viruses that are contradicting his healing to full potential.  The web page is very informative and helpful and they are wonderful.  I personally have worked with Stephen and Beth. Many blessings on your journey to good health.  
  
  
foxtroter
 [ Joined on 09/06 ] [ Posted on November 13, 2007 ]
10 Points        
   
 
Savvy User
What a surprise, what a surprise!  Another drug found to be useless after drug companies have made buckets of money.  If I sold something that was harmful and worthless, the government would likely put me in jail. 

Let us again thank the FDA for their wonderful protection of our health.  Lets put even more effort into radiated almonds and raw milk protection.  Sorry, my cynical side keeps coming up.
 [ Reply ]
  
  
Cheryl Rounds
 [ Joined on 10/06 ] [ Posted on December 1, 2007 ]
8 Points        
   
 
Apprentice User

Let's not forget that even before the children in this country are given unhealthy food, they are injected with vaccines that contain a cocktail of chemicals and heavy metals. And in most places the water they drink and bath in contains fluoride and chlorine.

 [ Reply ]
Mercola
  
dgriddell
 		[ Joined on 07/06 ]  [ Posted on December 1, 2007]
4 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola

AMEN!!!!!!!
  
  
DizzyIzzy1
 [ Joined on 06/07 ] [ Posted on November 14, 2007 ]
8 Points        
   
 
Savvy User
Every ADHD child I know on ritalin turns into a zombie. Their parents worry and panic, they hate seeing their children turned into soporific, emotionless drones, but they get assured by their doctors that this is normal - children should be 'placid' and 'calm'. So they continue feeding it to their kids, upping the dosage as the effects wear off, and the cycle goes on doing untold damage.

The few who stop the doses and go to allergists or other alternative practioners who put them on additive-free diets are all amazed by the changes in their kids for the better. Amazing what a natural diet and bit of common sense can do, isn't it?
 [ Reply ]
Mercola
  
KathieJamisonCote
 		[ Joined on 04/07 ]  [ Posted on November 17, 2007]
9 Points        
   
Savvy User
  Mercola
What is so very sad and criminal is the "industry" knows, but has failed to make public the correlation between:
1)  zombyfied young adults who are lethargic and motivationless having been on these drugs for years........
2)  school shooters.......how many have been on these drugs?  Most
3)  suicidal teens......how many are on these drugs?  Many
Mercola