Alternate remedies for inattention (ADD) in kids

Hi,  We went through several medication before finding one that worked.  There were some really disturbing side effects along the way - OCD, obesity.  I really wavered on whether or not we were doing the right thing by medicating, but our son's team of psychiatrist and therapists insisted that he needed it and we had picked them for their balance and moderation, so stuck with it.  He is now doing well on the lowest dose of Focalin (5mg extended release)  It has cut back his appetite but not too much and gives him just enough of a boost in focus and verbal control that he is able to successfully navigate middle school.  Since he started struggling I have been pursuing parallel paths of western and alternative medicine.  He sees a wonderful osteopath (was 2x month, now monthly) who works not only on soft tissue tension but also keeping his nervous system under control and has prescribed several homeopathic remedies for him that support the functions of liver and heart.  Additionally, he has been going for occupational therapy for the last few years and has made great progress with connecting better with his body and his emotional regulation.  He attends social communication classes too, and sees a therapist every other week.  We also moved to a mostly paleo diet.  After several years of intense struggle with depression and ADHD, he is now a more reasonable, even-keel, happier and academically successful kid.  It has taken a lot of work (and money) on my part and especially on his part, but some combination of these things turned the tide for him.  He is a different kid than two years ago and we are so very grateful.  I think he is too though he struggles sometimes with how much is asked of him.  He will always struggle with certain things, and he still has some areas to work on, but we are in a much more manageable place and he is happy which is what matters most.

Without knowing the age of your son, it's a bit difficult to say what might work. Are there any things that hold his interest? Any things he can hyperfocus on? People with ADD can focus some of the time when they are interested in something. Exercise helps with focus. It kind of wakes up the brain. If he has a short attention span, it helps to break things down into small bits that fit his attention time frame. Also, sometimes games work. For example using a timer or hour glass and challenging him to do something within or for a specific amount of time.

My son has severe ADHD and ODD. Katie Reid of unblindmymind.org changed his life by changing his diet. Check out her Ted talk. Absolutely amazing! 

J

You did not note the age of your child.  I have a 16-year-old son with ADHD combined type.  Side effects from stimulant medication were severe, although he tried to hide them from me because he liked the laser focus he experienced in regard to his schoolwork.  After he narrowly escaped hospitalization, we agreed stimulants are not for him.  The experience scared him to the point that he does not want to try any other medications, including non-stimulants.

We've gone back to the alternative methods we had used for years, before my son asked to consider medication.  The approach changes as he grows and changes, but includes regular psychotherapy for him and parenting training and support for me, structured homework time, and thoughtful coordination with the school in regard to a meaningful 504Plan.  It's required a lot of soul-searching and adjustment of expectations on my part, particularly around school (although very bright, his grades may never reflect his full aptitude and that's ok) and home (he gets a lot more slack around responsibilities than his sibling).  When he was younger, he thrived with a lot of structure around sleeping, eating, etc.  Now it's important he learn by trial and (a lot of ) error.  When he was younger we tried numerous supplements, but they did not seem to have any noticeable effect.  The biggest impact in regard to school performance has been his girlfriend!  He helps her with the concepts, she makes sure he cranks out his homework.

If you've not looked into it CHADD is a wonderful resource.  Good luck.

I've never used it, but I knew a mom who swore by Hyland's Calms Forte homeopathic. She only gave it to her kid in the evenings (her kid was ADHD with ODD), it seemed to work well for her, although I can say it was in conjunction with an anti-depressant.

My teenage son has inattentive ADD and he really cannot do anything that requires focus without the meds, not just at school but also outside the school day - having a conversation with him or interacting with friends or participating in a sport are often impossible when he loses focus. We tried a lot of different things before we finally settled on meds. They have been a lifesaver for our kid. However we also experienced many of the side effects you have.

My advice is to work with your doctor to try different brands and dosages and delivery methods (like extended release vs. not) until you find something that works for your kid.  Keep a daily log as you change meds -- appetite, mood, focus, bedtime -- so you know what's working. Try to be patient.

After a few years of trying different things, we have settled on a particular dose of Adderal that is enough to keep him focused during the day, but doesn't keep him up at night and lets him eat lunch. The downside is it's super hard to get him going in the mornings until the meds kick in. And the afternoons are very challenging because the meds have worn off by 4.  He really can't do homework or any kind of activity after school because he has no focus. But he's doing fine in school 8-3 and we don't have to worry now about him eating or getting enough sleep, so it's a fair trade-off.  Hang in there!