ADHD Treatment

Attention deficit disorder: most commonly involves impulsive behavior, the inability to stay focused, and possibly hyperactivity. ADHD can sometimes include mental and behavioral disorders that can keep one from learning or performing well. About 5-10 percent of children in the US are affected, and 10 times more frequently seen in boys. ADHD can begin between the ages of 4 and 7 years of age and can sometimes go into ones adulthood.

The American Psychiatric Association lists 14 signs of which at least 8 must be present to be officially diagnosed as Attention Deficit Disorder. The 14 signs are:

*often fidgets with hands or feet (restlessness)

*Has difficulty remaining seated when required to do so

*easily distracted by extraneous stimuli

*has difficulty in following instructions

*has difficulty awaiting turn in games and group activities

*has difficulty playing quietly

*often talks excessively

*often shifts from one uncompleted task to another

*has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks

*often interrupts or intrudes on others

*often loses things necessary for tasks

*often engages in physically dangerous activities with considering consequences

*often does not seem to be listening to what is being said

*often blurts out answers before questions are completed

Conventional treatment: usually consists of stimulants such as amphetamines, most commonly in the form of Ritalin. Common side effects of Ritalin according to the Merck Manual may include sleep disturbances, depression or sadness, decreased learning, reduction of growth, behavioral changes, headache, stomachache, suppressed appetite, and elevated blood pressure, not to mention amphetamines can be an additive drug.

Natural Treatment: Pycnogenol an extract from the bark of the French maritime pine, consisting of phenolic acids, catechin, taxifolin and procyanidins, has shown significant reduction of hyperactivity and improvement of concentration in children with ADHD.

Results Show: According to a 4 week randomized, placebo-control double-blind study, sixty-one children were supplemented with 1 mg /kg/day of Pycnogenol. After one month of treatment with Pycnogenol, results were superior to that of placebo. In the placebo group no positive effects were found. One month after termination of Pycnogenol administration a relapse of symptoms was noted. Our results point to an option to use Pycnogenol as a natural supplement to relieve ADHD symptoms of children. European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 2006;15:329-335.

Best Source for Pycnogenol: A natural supplement Isotonix OPC-3 (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins) is an isotonic-capable food supplement that is made from a combination of bilberry, grape seed, red wine, pine bark extracts and citrus extract bioflavonoids, all found to be potent antioxidants. Isotonix OPC-3 contains the only isotonic form of Pycnogenol in the world.