Question:

My son is seven years old and has had a lot of problems with medications. Are there any natural things I can try instead of stimulants? I read about ginseng tea and listol. Do you have any suggestions?

Carmen

Answer:

Dear Carmen;

I am not a medical doctor and cannot suggest medications to you for your son, however, perhaps some review of the literature about possible natural remedies for ADHD would be helpful.

In short, the only treatments proven by research to be effective are behavior therapy and stimulant medications. Treatment effectiveness is proven by one of two methods: 1) scientific investigation and 2) case studies, anecdotal report, and testimonials. Unfortunately, unlike diseases such as diabetes, AD/HD cannot be identified by laboratory tests such as blood or urine sampling. Scientific investigation is the preferred method because these studies include standardized methods that decrease the chances of reaching faulty conclusions. Case studies have questionable generalization because only one individual is studied, while scientific research compares groups of people. Comparisons of groups are more likely to generalize to the larger population than a study of a single person. Testimonials and anecdotal evidence, while seemingly persuasive, lack objectivity; only one perspective is presented. Scientific investigations, on the other hand, are subject to review by scientists other than the researcher before being made public. More than one study needs to be completed before a particular finding is accepted as true. Scientific investigations also involve random assignment of participants to treatment or comparison treatment groups and whenever possible, evaluators and participants are blind as to what treatment they are receiving until the results are completed. In testimonials and anecdotal reports, however, persons receiving treatment usually know the treatment they are receiving and often have a personal stake in the outcome. For example, many testimonials and anecdotal reports are collected by the organizations selling a given substance. Often, only those that were purportedly successful are reported.

Treatments can be taken in addition to conventional therapies (complimentary treatments) or in place of scientifically proven therapies (alternative treatments). The best way for you, as a parent, to safeguard your child’s health is to carefully evaluate the treatments you are considering. Some so-called “natural” treatments are not without side effects and should not be given in combination with other medications. For example, gingko biloba when taken with aspirin, anticoagulants, or antidepressants, can increase their effects to a dangerous level. If you are considering an alternative or complementary treatment, be sure to inform your child’s physician. The National Institute of Health provides information about alternative treatments through the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). This office can be reached toll free at:

888-644-6226

Website: http://nccam.nih.gov/

In addition, as suggested by CHADD, consider asking the alternative health care provider the following questions:

1. Have clinical trials (scientific investigations) been conducted regarding your approach?
   
2. Can the public obtain information about your alternative approach from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)?
   
3. Is there a national organization of practitioners? Are there state licensing and accreditation requirements for practitioners of this treatment?
   
4. Is your alternative treatment reimbursed by health insurance?

Regarding your specific question about Listol and Ginseng, the efficacy of both of these products to treat AD/HD has not been scientifically researched. According to one website selling Listol, the substance supplies minerals that are often missing in children with AD/HD. As evidence for Listol’s efficacy, the author cites a research study from Lancet completed in 1985. This citation is accompanied by a testimonial and the research study cited is twenty years old. Since that time, the field of neuropsychology has developed exponentially. We now know that AD/HD symptoms are related to problems with the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. From the information presented, I would question whether Listol truly targets the primary medical condition associated with AD/HD.

One source, advertising American Ginseng as effective for treating AD/HD, cites “clinical trials” however, the researchers and date for these trials is not listed. In addition, we don’t know if the trial cited has be replicated. Generally, more than one study proving the effectiveness of a product needs to be completed for that product to be considered effective. If I were you, I would ask more questions before giving my child this substance and also check with his doctor.

Because there have been so many questions about alternative and complimentary treatments for AD/HD, I would like to extend this discussion to a three part series.

Next month: What effect can diet have on AD/HD symptoms?