ADHD Questions from a Student Parent
What is the worst "type" of ADHD to have? Can any of the "types" be treated alone with alternatives? If I do not wish to medicate my child, what is the best alternative to go with? Please reply, I'm working on reserch paper; as well as information for my own children.
Thanks for writing to us at the ADHD Information Library.
What is the worst "type" of ADHD to have? I guess the "worst type" would be what I call the "troubled type" or what Dr. Daniel Amen calls the "Ring of Fire" type. (Or else it would be whatever type YOUR child has ;-) Any "type" of ADHD can be serious, or slight. Any type can be just a mild problem, or a severe problem. Think "spectrum".
But there is no question in my mind that when a child or teen, or adult, has ADHD with Temporal Lobe involvement that creates tremendous problems for that person and his family. Dark moods, angry outbursts, and other impulsive behaviors characterize this type of ADHD.
Can any of the "types" be treated alone with alternatives? Any of these types, except for the "troubled type" could be treated alone with alternatives. I just wouldn't recommend it for "Temporal Lobe type ADHD" as the alternatives take longer to work, and typically this type needs to be stabilized as soon as possible. If you insist on only using alternative treatments, we discuss this on the Temporal Lobe ADHD page. But please be very careful. Some situations just require medications.
If I do not wish to medicate my child, what is the best alternative to go with? I recommend (1) determining what "type" of ADHD is involved, (2) using our eating recommendations, (3) using the specific treatment recommendations with the VAXA formulas for they "type" of ADHD involved. If people can afford it, I also like EEG Biofeedback training, with talented providers, as another effective alternative treatment. And, finally, homeschooling is a great alternative treatment option if families can do that as well.
Good luck with your paper. Let me know if there are more resources that you might need, and feel free to use whatever is on any of our websites:
http://newideas.net
http://www.addinschool.com
http://www.add101.com
Doug Cowan
