| Description |
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental condition that often begins in childhood, and rates of diagnosis have been on the rise over the past few decades due to advances in research and guidelines for diagnosis. ADHD may contribute to low self-esteem, troubled relationships, and difficulty at school. Children with ADHD can suffer from patterns of developmentally inappropriate levels of inattentiveness and hyperactivity. ADHD has a significant impact on children and their families, and there remains a treatment gap in effective treatment options that are accessible to all individuals. Current treatment guidelines recommend stimulant therapy as the primary treatment of ADHD. Although stimulants have proven to be effective, they are not the optimal treatment option for every individual patient. To accommodate these patients, complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) have the potential to bridge barriers in treatment. CAM therapies encompass a diverse range of natural practices, approaches, and treatments that fall outside the conventional Western medical approach. Evidence has shown that CAM therapies do not have a major impact on social relationships, mental health, and education when used independently. However, when used in addition to stimulant therapy CAM therapies such as exercise, yoga, meditation, and massage have been found to enhance cognitive, emotional, attentive, and hyperactivity symptoms in individuals with ADHD. |
