It seems like every time you turn your head you hear about how traditional ADHD medications are causing negative side effects. Individuals diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are usually prescribed stimulant medications (e.g., methylphenidate and amphetamines) which are very strong and addictive.

Did you know that ADHD Medications are stimulants that can increase blood pressure and heart rate, decreases sleep and decreases appetite.

High doses of traditional adhd medication can lead to serious cardiovascular complications, including stroke. Continued use of stimulants can lead to feelings of hostility and paranoia. Addiction to stimulants can occur for anyone taking them with or without medical supervision. If used continually, withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue, depression, and disturbed sleep patterns can surface when the adhd medications are discontinued.

There are many different causes and explanations for the symptoms of ADD / ADHD including diet, allergies, food intolerances, low muscle tone, anxiety, depression, family problems, poor discipline and even some forms of illness.

Unfortunately some doctors and therapists do not do a thorough assessment and simply prescribe potentially harmful psychiatric drugs without considering what the causes of the problem might be.

Herbs and Minerals Can Help Alleviate ADHD Symptoms

Rather than prescribing strong and sometimes addictive ADHD medications such as psychiatric drugs, (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall) naturopathic approaches to the treatment of ADHD and ADD take a more holistic look at the individual and take into account diet, lifestyle, personality type, surroundings and emotional factors.

There are herbs and natural remedies as an alternative to traditional adhd medication that can help to control over-excitability and disruptive behaviors, calm irritability, equalize destructive tendencies, and restlessness, help control tantrums, anxiety, overwhelming aggravation, produce emotional stability and calms nervous tension.

Natural remedies are used to gently and effectively treat the symptoms, while at the same time helping the person to heal and to reach a state of balance and health.

The natural approach is less harmful and more thorough and has a greater chance of curing the problem altogether, instead of keeping the individual on ADHD medications for many years.

This is very important, especially in the case of children, because of the frequent side effects of adhd medication prescription drugs and the risk of addiction.

Author's Bio: 

Rebecca Shelly is a health enthusiast who has been researching natural remedies for various health conditions for many years. Find out more about some of the most effective treatments for ADHD on her site, www.prescriptiondrugalternative.com/add-concentration.htm