Posted by psychobot5000 on October 4, 2006, at 21:16:13
In reply to Re: ADD Help Needed For Teenage Daughter!, posted by BUCKEYE FAN on October 4, 2006, at 9:17:50
Fish oil may help.
There are two important oils in fish oil (at least), called EPA and DHA. Right now, researchers seem to think that EPA is more important.
It's quite safe, though a few people complain it causes things like anxiety and insomnia. I'd suggest you get ahold of some fish oil from a good source (there are threads of discussion on this page that you can search for, telling which are best), one that has had the toxins from the fish cleaned out, and try it for a few weeks.
You could also try the herb Rhodiola Rosea, but less is known about it. (It's safe, too).
Improving diet, and getting more exercise could help, too. Has she tried traditional medical approaches? Stimulants (methylphenidate/Concerta/Ritalin, or dexedrine/adderall) work about 3/4 of the time. They are heavily researched, and have been used in various illnesses for over 50 years. While there are some risks, they are well-known, and considered to be small in comparison to the medications' positive effects (if they work).
There are other medications that can work as well, if you are too wary of those, or if they didn't work out: desipramine, nortriptyline, and SSRIs (prozac, paxil, etc).Some others on this board may be able to give you more information on herbal ideas. But I think fish-oil has pretty good evidence behind it.
Best of luck--hope you find something that helps!
poster:psychobot5000
thread:691738
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20060817/msgs/691919.html