ADHD therapy without medication: great benefit, low risk

A multimodal therapy for ADHD that addresses as many points as possible is the norm today. However, drug treatment with methylphenidate is still frequently used as a therapeutic component from the outset. However, due to the increased health risk and low therapeutic effect, this therapeutic component should only be used if the other therapies prove to be ineffective in the long term and the child is suffering.

Therefore, multimodal therapy without medication should always be the first choice for children diagnosed with ADHD. The more pronounced the ADHD symptoms, the more strategies should be pursued. This article focuses on the most important building blocks that are recommended as basic therapy for all affected children and involved adults due to their scientifically proven effectiveness.

Change of diet

Industrialised foods lead to a lack of micronutrients, without which nerves function poorly. In children, malnutrition of the nerves leads to ADHD symptoms. Unfortunately, children's bodies develop a craving for precisely those substances that can cause damage: refined carbohydrates, sugary foods, juices and convenience products. The family should avoid these substances and change their diet. Exceptions are allowed.

Learning to play an instrument can greatly reduce the symptoms.

Artificial colourings should also be avoided for sensitive children. The rule of thumb is: eat the food that your grandmother used to eat. Nuts, lentils, eggs, fish, vegetables and fruit are good for stressed nerves.

Supplements

In addition to a change in diet, preparations from the pharmacy are also recommended. Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids are effective against ADHD symptoms. Children who are deficient in vitamins and trace elements are recommended vitamin B complex, vitamin D, biotin, niacin, zinc, iodine, potassium, copper, magnesium and pantothenic acid. These substances are available in the form of combination preparations with different compositions and correct dosages, which can be alternated.

You should talk to your pharmacist to find out exactly what is suitable for your child. The costs are not covered by health insurance. Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids are indicated for all children.

Important to know: An improvement in symptoms only occurs after one to four weeks when nerve food is taken as a three- to four-month cure.

Sport and exercise

Children have a great urge to be active. However, the amount of sport at school is low and should be increased. A lack of exercise can cause ADHD symptoms. With more exercise, the symptoms disappear or are reduced in a short time.

Children with ADHD are sometimes worse at performance-oriented sports because of inattention, impulsive behaviour, low body awareness, tension and weaknesses in fine motor skills. Specialised training can compensate for this.

According to studies, exercise in the form of interval training, children's yoga, tai chi or aerobics about five times a week leads to a reduction in ADHD symptoms in children. In general, all types of exercise that raise the heart rate to around 100 to 140, last at least 20 minutes and are suitable for the child are recommended.

Psychoeducation: Learning about ADHD

The term psychoeducation refers to the systematic communication of pedagogical knowledge about ADHD, the development and progression of symptoms. Teacher training and school support measures can compensate for a variety of learning disorders and social behavioural problems.

Simple basic principles should make it easier for parents and teachers to deal with the affected child and improve the situation:

• Clear rules and expectations, prompt consequences
• Positive relationship with the child, praise, active listening every day
• Time management of learning, breaks, free time
• Fixed place in the classroom
• Quiet conditions for sleeping and doing homework
• Strict reduction of media and mobile phone use to a maximum of 30 minutes a day, no devices in the children's room

Behavioural therapy

Behavioural therapy is a combination of parent coaching or educational training and ideally also teacher training as well as training to strengthen the affected children's ability to concentrate, structure and regulate their emotions.

To this end, problematic behaviour patterns are identified for specific situations at home and at school and rules for de-escalation are developed for all those involved for each specific case.

Other possible therapy components for ADHD

Without claiming to be exhaustive, the following therapy modules are listed below:

• According to current research, music therapy at school and learning to play an instrument can greatly minimise ADHD symptoms.
• The effect of physiotherapy on ADHD is currently being researched in more detail in order to identify effective programmes that relieve tensions and train fine motor skills.
• Speech therapy is recommended for speech disorders.
• Cognitive therapy and social behaviour training are recommended for deficits in this area.
• Neurofeedback is a special form of behavioural therapy that can reduce ADHD symptoms. The aim here is to actively control brain activity, as children with ADHD can have difficulty achieving an attentive state of consciousness. This can be achieved in around 20 sessions over three to four months. It is important to note that children with ADHD do not have abnormal brain waves.
• Movement therapy, occupational therapy and psychomotor skills can strengthen the child's self-awareness, body awareness and attention; their effectiveness should be investigated more systematically.
• Alternative approaches such as homeopathy and acupuncture can activate the body's own self-healing powers. Approaches such as kinesiology, therapy with animals, art therapy and drama therapy have not yet been systematically investigated.

Conclusion

How can a therapy component be assessed? It is important to weigh up the benefits and health risks of each therapy. Multimodal therapy without medication is a safe and sustainable choice from this perspective. The main focus should be on scientifically effective strategies.

Which combination is effective in an individual case will only become clear over time. Therefore, every form of therapy requires careful observation by parents and specialists.

Fascinating interview on the subject of ADHD and Ritalin:

Mrs Walitza, why do so many schoolchildren take Ritalin?

The active ingredient methylphenidate, contained in Ritalin, is the most commonly administered drug for ADHD. Previously, it was considered to be prescribed only in severe cases. Now a new guideline recommends that the drug should already be administered in moderate cases. Susanne Walitza, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, talks about the correct dosage, alternative treatment methods and «eye diagnoses».