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1 Savannah Dunham ENG-105 November 27, 2018 Amber Kovach

Say No to Drugs According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and into adulthood” (NIMH, 2018). Without treatment, ADHD can overcome one’s life and make simple daily tasks very difficult. Most of the time, medication is the first treatment doctors suggest because it is believed to be the most effective, but there are serious side effects. Some side effects are less harmful such as sleep issues, loss of appetite and headaches, but there can be long term side effects, such as tics. As more research has been done, the side effects of medications have become more apparent and make the parents worry about administering the medications to their children. In order to avoid such side effects, parents are spending more time looking into alternative treatments for ADHD. The trend of treating ADHD without drugs has increased over time as parents have become aware of the harsh side effects of the drugs, better treatments such as therapy, healthy eating and exercise have increased in popularity. One treatment alternative that has been used to treat ADHD is therapy. There are many types of therapies that have been used to treat ADHD, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and art therapy. These are just two of the many therapy types that are out there. According to Stephan A. Lee and Delaney M. Edget, “cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based approach used to treat a variety of mental health concerns” (2012). CBT is used to teach children how to work through their difficulties and conquer the tasks that are in front of

2 them. One specific cognitive behavioral therapy is called the Young-Bramham Programme, “the objectives of the Young-Bramham Programme are: 1. to provide information about ADHD; and 2. to provide psychological strategies for coping with symptoms and associated problems” (2012). This program wants to get children talking about their feelings and behavior in order to get them feeling more confident about themselves and making better decisions. Art therapy is another great alternative to medication when treating ADHD; “Art therapy uses the process of drawing, painting, and sculpting to improve well-being and confidence in kids” (Nelson, 2018). By allowing the child to be expressive on their own terms in their own way, the feel in control and direct all their focus to their artwork. According to Stacey Nelson, “a centering art activity, such as color a mandala, before a group activity has been shown to increase an individual’s attention span and decrease impulsive behavior, promoting better decision-making and focus during tasks” (Nelson, 2018). Art therapy can be done not only at home but also in an art class where the child is able to socialize with others his or her own age. CBT and art therapy are two types of therapy that can help treat the symptoms of ADHD, which are both better alternatives than medication. Another treatment alternative than using medications to treat ADHD, is healthy eating. Dietary changes can be made in order to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Many studies have been conducted as to what needs to be increased and decreased in one’s diet in order to make a difference. According to the Harvard Health, “a healthful diet may reduce symptoms of ADHD by reducing exposure to artificial colors and additives and improving intake of omega-3 fats and micronutrients” (2009). By changing up the child’s diet and insuring that he or she is eating more fresh items and staying away from processed items, this will help. Adding supplements and better nutrients to the child’s diet “provide the building blocks required for optimal brain functioning” (Rucklidge, Taylor & Johnstone, 2018, p. 2). One thing a parent must be careful

3 with when adding new items to their child’s diet, is their sensitivity to that item. They may see that some items make their ADHD symptoms worse, while some help them. By keeping a journal and keeping track of what is being given to them, the parent will be able to identify specific items that their child should not eat. Medication does not have to be the only answer, healthy eating can make a huge difference in the lives of children who have been diagnosed with ADHD. Exercise is another treatment alternative that many parents are using for their children instead of medication in order to control the symptoms of ADHD. The Mental Health Weekly Digest suggests that “psychical activity (PA) has been demonstrated to improve cognitive functioning in health populations and that it can be hypothesizes that there are similar beneficial effects in children with ADHD” (2015). The University of Regensburg conducted a study of 43 children with ADHD and “the outcomes indicated that regular PA can be used as a complementary or alternative non-pharmacologic treatment for ADHD” (Mental Health Weekly Digest, 2015, para. 3). There are many types of exercise that can help a child with ADHD such as running, playing a sport and yoga. There are many mental and physical benefits to exercise, Kristen Stewart states that “exercise not only encourages the product of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain, but by doing so has the same effect on the brain as the stimulant methylphenidate (Ritalin)” (2013). This proves that exercise can be equal to the harmful medications that doctors want to prescribe to ADHD children. Exercise can teach the child to focus and can improve their attention. Exercise is a great alternative for medication when it comes to treating ADHD. The trend of treating ADHD without drugs has increased over time as parents have become aware of the harsh side effects of the drugs, better treatments such as therapy, healthy eating and exercise have increased in popularity. By taking a more holistic approach to treating

4 children with ADHD, the parents are enabling them to depend more on themselves and allow them to learn why their brains work the way they do. Children do not have to be defined by ADHD or stuck in the pharmacological world by taking medication after medication until one works for them. Cognitive behavioral therapy, art therapy, diet changes and exercise are all great ways to treat the symptoms of ADHD while still allowing the child to function as normal as possible and not risking the side effects of medication.

5 References Harvard Health. (2009). Diet and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - Harvard Health. [online] Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/Diet-andattention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder [Accessed 28 Nov. 2018]. Lee, S. A., & Edget, D. M. (2012). Cognitive behavioral therapy : applications, methods and outcomes. Hauppauge, New York : Nova Science Publisher’s, [2012]. Retrieved from https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=cat01182a&AN=gcu.261563&site=eds-live&scope=site National Institute of Mental Health. (2017) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Retrieved November 27, 2018, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/attention-deficithyperactivity-disorder-adhd.shtml Nelson, S. (2018). How Art Therapy Tames Impulsivity, Distractibility, and Anxiety. [online] ADDitude. Available at: https://www.additudemag.com/art-therapy-for-adhd/ [Accessed 28 Nov. 2018]. New Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders Findings Has Been Reported by Investigators at University of Regensburg (Effects of physical activity on executive function and motor performance in children with ADHD). (2015, April 13). Mental Health Weekly Digest, 161. Retrieved from https://link-galegroupcom.lopes.idm.oclc.org/apps/doc/A415179398/OVIC? u=canyonuniv&sid=OVIC&xid=6f0b32cf Rucklidge, J. J., Taylor, M. R., & Johnstone, J. M. (2018). Do Diet and Nutrition Affect ADHD? Facts and Clinical Considerations. Psychiatric Times, 35(9), 15–16. Retrieved from https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=ccm&AN=132037262&site=eds-live&scope=site

6 Stewart, K. (2013). How Exercise Works Like A Drug for ADHD. [online] EverydayHealth.com. Available at: https://www.everydayhealth.com/add-adhd/can-you-exercise-away-adhd-s ymptoms.aspx [Accessed 28 Nov. 2018]. Young, S., Bramham, J., & Young, S. (2012). Cognitive-behavioural therapy for ADHD in adolescents and adults : a psychological guide to practice. Chichester, West Sussex ; Malden, MA : Wiley-Blackwell, 2012. Retrieved from https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login? url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=cat01182a&AN=gcu.259625&site=eds-live&scope=site...