When it comes to treating kids with ADHD,  the biggest bone of contention and concern is the use of prescription drugs.  The issue is a complex one with both camps feeling very passionate about their position in the "to medicate or not to medicate debate."   There's plenty of information about the medications to treat  ADHD  including Ritalin, Concerta, and Adderal to name a few, but what about alternative or complimentary therapies that are helpful to children?  While most health organizations DON'T endorse these options (and we highly recommend you talk to your doctor before trying any of them!)  we wanted to offer up a list of seven of the most popular treatment options parents have been exploring to help their kids deal with ADHD:

1) The Feingold Diet:  The Feingold diet, which cuts out artificial colors and flavors, as well as some naturally occurring substances, has been widely used and closely studied. The diet is based on the premise that allergic reactions or sensitivities to certain types of foods cause or contribute to ADD/ADHD symptoms.  While some kids show marked improvement, it's a rigorous, restrictive diet and there isn't enough data yet to endorse widespread use. Still, it probably makes sense to avoid large doses of artificial food dyes, which do seem to make some children hyper.

2) Reducing sugar - Many, many parents report that sugar makes their children hyper, but no well-done study has shown that cutting out processed sugar effectively treats ADHD. Bottom line: Common sense says children with ADHD (and everyone else) should eat sugary foods in moderation.

3) Supplements

Fatty acids Preliminary research shows that supplementing a child's diet with the essential fatty acid omega-3 (commonly called "fish oil" because it's found in fish) can help him manage his ADHD symptoms. People believe that the brain needs certain fatty acids to function properly and that ADHD symptoms like inattentiveness and impulsivity result from a deficiency of omega-3. In fact, children with ADHD do appear to have naturally lower levels of these lipids than other children do, but researchers are continuing to conduct studies to test the accuracy of this theory.  As long as you stick to the recommended dose, Fatty acid supplements are considered fairly safe. 

Megavitamins and nutrients Some proponents claim that giving a child with ADHD large amounts of certain vitamins (such as B6 and B12), minerals (such as zinc), trace elements, and other nutritional elements can alleviate symptoms. Currently, very little reliable research exists to support this theory. Giving your child large doses of certain vitamins and minerals can, in fact, be dangerous. Offering a balanced and nutritious diet is the best way to ensure that he's getting the nutrients he needs.

Herbs While you may be tempted to try giving your child herbs, such as valerian and ginkgo, that are thought to calm the nerves and increase the ability to focus, no research currently exists to show that taking herbs can reduce the symptoms of ADHD. And although herbs are "natural," they can be as potent as prescription drugs, especially for children. Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates herbs only minimally, you can never be sure that you're even getting what the label indicates. 

4) Art therapy

Some experts believe that engaging in creative activities such as drawing, listening to music, or dancing helps children with ADHD calm down and focus better.  Several studies suggest that music can help children with ADHD concentrate more easily, but more research needs to be done to confirm this. Still, some therapists and parents of children with ADHD say that these kids often do have an affinity for music and other kinds of artistic expression, and finding a creative outlet that allows your child to excel and express himself can be a great self-esteem booster.

5) Biofeedback

Biofeedback can help teach a child to calm down and focus by training him, through the use of a special machine, to control his body's responses to stress, including pulse rate, breathing rate, and muscle tension. When the child is "hooked up" to the machine, it will tell him when his pulse rate is up, for example, indicating that he's upset or excited, and when it's coming back down, indicating that he's succeeding in calming himself. With practice, proponents say, he may learn to calm himself without using the machine. Preliminary research shows that biofeedback may be helpful in reducing the symptoms of ADHD, although much more needs to be conducted to say for sure. Biofeedback takes a number of sessions to show results, the results may not last beyond the sessions, and it may not work well in young children, who tend to have less control over their emotions.

6) Acupuncture.

Widely used in Chinese medicine and gaining acceptance in Western medicine, it involves stimulating certain points on the body with thin needles to improve the way the body functions. In 1993, the National Institutes of Health funded a grant for researchers to examine acupuncture's potential in treating ADHD. The results of the very small controlled clinical trial proved promising: More than half the children showed improvement in their symptoms. Still, more research is needed to determine whether acupuncture will be a safe and effective treatment for ADHD.

7) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This form of psychotherapy attempts to teach a person to think about his motivations before he acts. Many experts contend that, while CBT works well for many adults, there isn't any evidence that it's effective for kids with ADHD. However, a few experts have found CBT to be helpful, especially when it's incorporated into certain discipline techniques. 

Source

*If you've tried these therapies or others, please share you comments here!

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