The conventional treatment for ADHD revolves around prescription stimulant medication such as Ritalin and Adderall (short term) and Adderal XR and Concerta (long term). It seems to be a plausible idea that perhaps other stimulants such as caffeine laden coffee might produce similar effects.
In the late nineties this theory seemed to be gaining some traction due to the presumption that Brazilian children seemed to have a lower incidence of ADHD. Researchers were quick to link this assumption with the incidence of ADHD. So is it actually possible that giving your child a cup of coffee daily might enhance their ability to focus and concentrate singular tasks longer?
To do this subject justice lets take a paragraph straight out of the book titled ADHD, by Paul H. Wender, M.D.
“A few years ago someone proposed that ADHD might be less common in South American countries – because, children there drank coffee. Because coffee contains caffeine, a recognized stimulant of the brain, and because stimulants seem to help ADHD, it was inferred that caffeine might be useful in treating ADHD. A few studies have been conducted and they seem to indicate that caffeine, by itself, is not useful in treating ADHD. When caffeine is combined with stimulant drug treatment, the overall response is better than with stimulant drugs alone, but the same good response can be obtained simply by increasing the amount of stimulant drug. Because caffeine is less effective than the stimulant medication and has a variety of side effects that are considered undesirable, coffee does not have a useful place in the treatment of the ADHD child.”
The conclusion drawn by Dr. Wender seems like a logical one when approaching the treatment of ADHD from a mainstream medical point of view. It is also true that millions of children are taking both long and short term prescription medications such as Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta and Adderal XR good results. For those children for whom these drugs have worked well it is difficult to find fault but for others who have experienced such side effects as depression, headaches, stomachaches, insomnia, eating disorders, and social withdrawal it is a not such a rosy picture.
Generally speaking the side effect concern is the biggest reason why many parents are searching for alternative treatments. One of the most popular options is homeopathy.
So there you have it. It does appear that coffee with a notable amount of caffeine, consumed under the perfect set of circumstances, could help your child with certain aspects of their ADHD. The problematic concern is you would be adding to the already long list of harmful side effects associated with ADHD meds. The harmful short-term and long-term side effects of ADHD prescription drugs are reason enough to seek out alternative treatment options for your child.
R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate of alternative natural health products and supplements with over 10 years experience. To learn more about homepathic natural health visit Purchase Remedies.com
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
