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Alternative Treatment OptionsAlternative treatments for ADHD, bipolar and learning disabilities come in several forms. On this page I cover two of the more mainstream and cost effective options, supplements and diet. If you have already attempted these (successfully or not) or are simply interested in other options as well, please check out
Neurofeedback for ADHD treatment
and
Physio-neuro therapy for LD and ADHD.
Research seems to indicate the good possibility that children suffering from ADHD, bipolar and learning disabilities might also be lacking in bodily nutrients. This is not to say they eat poorly, though we know some might. But for whatever reason, sometimes their bodies don't naturally produce and/or store enough quantities of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids thus causing deficiencies. The addition of supplements is still considered an alternative treatment because it is not something commonly suggested by the doctors who medicate our children. For all these kids, and probably children in general, a HIGH quality multi-vitamin with minerals is a must. I say high quality because I'm not talking about your basic over the counter gummy bear vitamins. Though I have never tested this theory, if you ask your standard doctor, they would probably tell you these vitamins and minerals are fine. However, I know a naturopathic doctor who said he would never feed those things to his own kids, much less suggest them for his patients. Frankly, I think I like his answer. It makes sense to me that someone who's job it is to consider the whole body and whole person would have done his research. High quality vitamins tend to eliminate things kids don't need like sugar, gluten, dyes, and fillers, and by virtue of those exclusions they are hypo-allergenic. Meaning that if you have a child who seems very reactive or allergic to lots of things, this is good for you.
In his book (which is an extensive collaboration between traditional and alternative treatment), Dr. Daniel Amen cites a study where children between 12 and 13 were divided into three groups; no supplement, supplement, and placebo. The group that took the supplements showed a significant increase in nonverbal intelligence and there was no change at all for the other two groups. He also is a big believer in amino acids like L-tyrosine, L-tryptophan, and 5-HTP. The first is an amino acid building block for dopamine. The next two are building blocks for serotonin. The thing is, these are present in everyone's body to some extent anyway and the chemicals they assist in your brain are the very same chemicals affected or impacted by traditional medications. If the side effects of medication worry you, find a doctor who is knowledgeable in alternative treatments. Side note - you might have to find a homeopathic or naturopathic doctor to accomplish this task. It is also possible to find products specifically formulated to address whatever specific symptoms or diagnosis you are treating. The benefit being you can focus on exactly what might be helpful. Also beneficial is the fact that natural remedies are not likely to be accompanied by unpleasant side effects the way traditional medication can be. 
Another vital supplement consideration are the omega-3 fatty acids. One of the more well known books about this is
"The Omega-3 Connection: The Groundbreaking Antidepression Diet and Brain Program" by Andrew Stoll.
Fatty acids make up the membrane's of nerve cells. Without enough high levels, the membranes are less fluid. This can possibly cause them to react slowly or misfire altogether. You can obviously increase you dietary intake of omega-3 by eating more cold water fish like salmon and halibut. You can also work some flaxseed oil into your daily intake. Or you can take a supplement, which sometimes is easier for children.
By the way, OmegaBriteŽ offers gelcaps and children's liquid. I recommend the gelcaps if your child can swallow pills. Again, more bang for the buck. This is the one my son takes. For even further info on the use of vitamins and minerals, visit TJ Chambers' page on ADHD alternative treatment. He has had good success with this line of intervention in his own life and tells all about it. Get More Info on Focus ADHD for Children and Adults with ADHD
Dietary changes can be a difficult alternative treatment to implement but one that is worth exploring. There is a push to consider big diet changes for these children. Some will suggest that this alternative treatment by itself can cure a disorder. We do live in a fast food nation so I suppose it makes sense. Maybe the most commonly known diet is the
Feingold Diet.
The other popular diet choice is a gluten-free, casein-free (found in dairy) diet. The theory is that these children are one or both of these things; 1. They are allergic to wheat and similar products and their behavior and learning challenges are the reaction to the allergy and/or 2. Their bodies do not properly control the yeast that naturally exists inside it, therefore leading to an overgrowth. The second idea is an especially popular theory among the autism community. There is an every increasing number of stores and websites dedicated to gluten and casein free foods. This is not something we have tried with my son and I will tell you why. He is an incredibly picky eater! Getting him to eat at all sometimes is a challenge and the thought of revamping everything is too overwhelming for me. But maybe not for you? Again, you can ask your doctor for direction on this matter but you might have to find a naturopathic doctor to get someone with more experience.
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