Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is what some would consider an epidemic in America. Between the ages of 3 and 17, there are about 5.2 million children diagnosed with the disorder. This equates to a little more than 8% of of this age group.

ADHD is characterized by restlessness, impulsivity, emotional outbursts, and lack of focus, making it difficult for any student to remain on task in school, or at home. As a result, these children often deal with low self-esteem, behavioral problems, and anxiety.

Treatment of ADHD has fallen to medication more often than not, as well as ADHD coaching, counseling for ADHD, cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD, and life management coaching.

But over-medicating is a concern for many parents and educators who feel that physicians are pumping these children with medication without considering ADHD alternative treatments.

There are several ADHD alternative treatments that can be effective in reducing the symptoms of the disorder. Here are just a few of them.

• Diet. It is well-known that what a person eats affects his or her mental state and body functioning. For example, consuming too much sugar can send someone on an energy overload temporarily, and then ultimately drop the person into a “crash.” For children with ADHD, sugars, foods with additives, and foods with an excess of chemicals can actually worsen hyperactivity. By eliminating stimulants, the symptoms of ADHD could significantly be reduced.
• Just Enough Exercise. ADHD is a condition that often fills children up with loads of energy, and they have a hard time sitting still. For this reason, many of them benefit from being able to run, jump, and play in small intervals throughout the day. Once they get home from school, allowing them to spend some more time exercising freely could also reduce symptoms of ADHD, as it helps to release tensions. But too much exercise could also be harmful, as it can send a child’s system into overdrive.
• Nighttime Massage. With the amount of pressure children with ADHD feel at school, and their inability to relax their system, a massage before bedtime could be a great solution. It is common for these children to have difficulty sleeping as well, and massages can help to relieve them of knots or pent up energy that prevents them from getting a good night sleep.

While these ADHD alternative treatments are not a cure for the disorder, they can bring a sense of relief to these children, and help them feel more confident about facing each day. Find out more here: coachjuli.com