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Non-Drug Treatments for ADHD: New Options for Kids, Adults, and Clinicians
Winner of a 2013 Nautilus Gold Award, this book introduces safe and effective complementary treatments for managing ADD/ADHD.
The prolific use of drugs to treat ADHD stirs heated debate in therapy and parenting circles today. Is this medication really going to improve my son’s symptoms? How best can I help my patient and her parents manage this difficult disorder? Will the side effects of this drug outweigh the benefits? What are my other options?Because ADHD affects every facet of life, from psychosocial development and peer relationships to family dynamics and academic and job performance, the need for better—that is, safer and more effective—treatments is urgent. Here, seasoned clinicians Pat Gerbarg and Richard Brown, known for providing the latest breakthroughs in integrative mental health treatments, draw on over 30 years’ clinical experience to offer a range of scientifically-grounded complementary and alternative treatments for parents and professionals alike.Studies show that children with untreated ADHD are at greater risk for substance abuse, unemployment, accidents, and criminal behavior, in addition to learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, social phobia, depression, and bipolar disorder. And yet, individuals with ADHD often bring a great deal of energy, enthusiasm, and creativity to the tasks they undertake. Gerbarg and Brown focus on these intrinsic strengths, encouraging parents and professionals to help children with ADHD fulfill their potential by overcoming distraction, restlessness, and impulsivity in order to focus on learning, task completion, and understanding social cues. To accomplish this, they argue, we need to implement a variety of alternative approaches.Drawing on stories and anecdotes from their own clinical practice, Gerbarg and Brown address the questions that are particularly important to those dealing with ADHD. Early chapters provide information about diagnostic issues and the scientific foundation for understanding the known causes of ADHD, as well as how different treatments may work and why. Multiple contributing causes of ADHD exist—genetic, nutritional, chemical, psychological, trauma-based, and environmental—and the authors explain how treatments need to be strategically combined and tailored to patients’ unique needs and sensitivities.Later chapters present integrative strategies that combine the best practices of psychological treatments with herbs, nutrients, cognitive enhancers, mind–body practices, and brain stimulation.Throughout, the authors draw on the work and methods of many talented clinicians, yoga therapists, and teachers who have found creative, effective approaches to helping their own clients who struggle with attentional problems.A comprehensive resources section at the end of the book features a compilation of need-to-know websites, journals, books, and supplement brands with dosing recommendations. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and other therapists are equipped with access to the very latest research in both conventional and complementary and alternative approaches.With this book, the authors of How to Use Herbs, Nutrients & Yoga in Mental Health have taken their extraordinary scholarly and healing talents to a new level, helping parents and therapists alike to better understand and manage a complicated and multifaceted disorder.
The prolific use of drugs to treat ADHD stirs heated debate in therapy and parenting circles today. Is this medication really going to improve my son’s symptoms? How best can I help my patient and her parents manage this difficult disorder? Will the side effects of this drug outweigh the benefits? What are my other options?Because ADHD affects every facet of life, from psychosocial development and peer relationships to family dynamics and academic and job performance, the need for better—that is, safer and more effective—treatments is urgent. Here, seasoned clinicians Pat Gerbarg and Richard Brown, known for providing the latest breakthroughs in integrative mental health treatments, draw on over 30 years’ clinical experience to offer a range of scientifically-grounded complementary and alternative treatments for parents and professionals alike.Studies show that children with untreated ADHD are at greater risk for substance abuse, unemployment, accidents, and criminal behavior, in addition to learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, social phobia, depression, and bipolar disorder. And yet, individuals with ADHD often bring a great deal of energy, enthusiasm, and creativity to the tasks they undertake. Gerbarg and Brown focus on these intrinsic strengths, encouraging parents and professionals to help children with ADHD fulfill their potential by overcoming distraction, restlessness, and impulsivity in order to focus on learning, task completion, and understanding social cues. To accomplish this, they argue, we need to implement a variety of alternative approaches.Drawing on stories and anecdotes from their own clinical practice, Gerbarg and Brown address the questions that are particularly important to those dealing with ADHD. Early chapters provide information about diagnostic issues and the scientific foundation for understanding the known causes of ADHD, as well as how different treatments may work and why. Multiple contributing causes of ADHD exist—genetic, nutritional, chemical, psychological, trauma-based, and environmental—and the authors explain how treatments need to be strategically combined and tailored to patients’ unique needs and sensitivities.Later chapters present integrative strategies that combine the best practices of psychological treatments with herbs, nutrients, cognitive enhancers, mind–body practices, and brain stimulation.Throughout, the authors draw on the work and methods of many talented clinicians, yoga therapists, and teachers who have found creative, effective approaches to helping their own clients who struggle with attentional problems.A comprehensive resources section at the end of the book features a compilation of need-to-know websites, journals, books, and supplement brands with dosing recommendations. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and other therapists are equipped with access to the very latest research in both conventional and complementary and alternative approaches.With this book, the authors of How to Use Herbs, Nutrients & Yoga in Mental Health have taken their extraordinary scholarly and healing talents to a new level, helping parents and therapists alike to better understand and manage a complicated and multifaceted disorder.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2012
23 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 22, 2012
Genre: Health & Non-Drug Treatments
Title: NON-DRUG TREATMENTS FOR ADHD
Authors: Dr. P. Brown and Dr. L. Gerbarg
“ADHD impacts every facet of life.” Pg 1
“The treatments we describe include special herbs, nutrients, mind-body practices, brain stimulation and neurofeedback techniques.” Both of these quotes from the authors Dr. P. Brown and Dr. L. Gerbarg are well written and best describe the valuable contents of this comprehensive resource book. As the medical field advances in knowledge they uncover more reasons to eliminate stimulant medications and their toxic chemical side effects.
ADHD is a life altering affliction experienced by thousands of children, many of whom carry it into their adult lives. Some people spend their whole lives battling a barrage of symptoms never to find the right medication, the right dosage or the right combination. Sadly it is not just the patient who suffers personal and professional havoc but all of whom enter his/her life.
ADHD patients have differences in the part of their brain that controls attention and activity. They have extreme difficulty staying focused, controlling their behavior or emotions.
Research has proven that some ADHD symptoms are genetic and have also proved there are definite changes in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Through relentless medical research they have discovered the brain is capable of neuroplasticity, which with the right mind training may repair or even build new neural pathways. There is also an association with reduced brain tissue volume in ADHD patients in the area responsible for attention.
Without knowledge and successful treatment the disorder attracts detrimental life experiences. Due to impulsive behavior and missed social cues they may experience peer rejection, without understanding why. They may be seen as bossy and argumentative leading to lowered self esteem, eventually resulting in self-destructive behavior. As a rule they have few friends, multiple relationships, and are prone to indulging in illegal substance. I believe marijuana is the preferred choice due to it’s relaxing effect.
The doctors’ introduce useful herbs that have proved to enhance aspects of brain function. An ancient medicinal herb, Rhodiola Rosea (golden root, arctic root) has shown positive results in improving alertness, attention and accuracy. They provide awareness to Melatonin, a natural sleep hormone and the importance of eliminating food additives such as dye. Mindfullness a challenging practice and coherent breathing along with meditative activities such as Yoga are encouraged.
Dr. Brown and Dr. Gerbarg have combined their 30 years of practice and experience to write this must read resource book. The Tables, the resources and personal touch included are plentiful and irrefutable. They have held my attention from start to finish. With Regards I Highly Recommend this book whether for medical knowledge or personal hope.
Reviewer: Cheryl Heinrichs, Allbooks Review International @ www.allbooksreviewint.com
Title: NON-DRUG TREATMENTS FOR ADHD
Authors: Dr. P. Brown and Dr. L. Gerbarg
“ADHD impacts every facet of life.” Pg 1
“The treatments we describe include special herbs, nutrients, mind-body practices, brain stimulation and neurofeedback techniques.” Both of these quotes from the authors Dr. P. Brown and Dr. L. Gerbarg are well written and best describe the valuable contents of this comprehensive resource book. As the medical field advances in knowledge they uncover more reasons to eliminate stimulant medications and their toxic chemical side effects.
ADHD is a life altering affliction experienced by thousands of children, many of whom carry it into their adult lives. Some people spend their whole lives battling a barrage of symptoms never to find the right medication, the right dosage or the right combination. Sadly it is not just the patient who suffers personal and professional havoc but all of whom enter his/her life.
ADHD patients have differences in the part of their brain that controls attention and activity. They have extreme difficulty staying focused, controlling their behavior or emotions.
Research has proven that some ADHD symptoms are genetic and have also proved there are definite changes in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Through relentless medical research they have discovered the brain is capable of neuroplasticity, which with the right mind training may repair or even build new neural pathways. There is also an association with reduced brain tissue volume in ADHD patients in the area responsible for attention.
Without knowledge and successful treatment the disorder attracts detrimental life experiences. Due to impulsive behavior and missed social cues they may experience peer rejection, without understanding why. They may be seen as bossy and argumentative leading to lowered self esteem, eventually resulting in self-destructive behavior. As a rule they have few friends, multiple relationships, and are prone to indulging in illegal substance. I believe marijuana is the preferred choice due to it’s relaxing effect.
The doctors’ introduce useful herbs that have proved to enhance aspects of brain function. An ancient medicinal herb, Rhodiola Rosea (golden root, arctic root) has shown positive results in improving alertness, attention and accuracy. They provide awareness to Melatonin, a natural sleep hormone and the importance of eliminating food additives such as dye. Mindfullness a challenging practice and coherent breathing along with meditative activities such as Yoga are encouraged.
Dr. Brown and Dr. Gerbarg have combined their 30 years of practice and experience to write this must read resource book. The Tables, the resources and personal touch included are plentiful and irrefutable. They have held my attention from start to finish. With Regards I Highly Recommend this book whether for medical knowledge or personal hope.
Reviewer: Cheryl Heinrichs, Allbooks Review International @ www.allbooksreviewint.com
April 5, 2021
While I wouldn’t say I thought the book was bad, I’m a bit too skeptical to try most of their advice. My child had been medicated for several years and we decided together to stop medication during the pandemic. That was an incredibly great choice. Teachers weren’t even aware of ADHD being a diagnosis. Grades have never been better. Graduated from special education services. More self confident and started in student council and several other after school activities. We still battle with falling asleep but once asleep, sleeping is spot on. I wouldn’t say we have a “mild” case either. I think our traditional approaches with medication, CBT, tutoring, support from the school and a self determination to put in all the effort available made huge strives. I do full support breathing techniques & yoga. I don’t see them as silver bullets. I’m very wishy-washy on herbs & minerals. I’ve had just as many side effects from herbs as medications. The quality control from an unregulated business always worries me as well.
July 1, 2020
I don't like to be the reviewer who rates the book lower due to a discrepancy of expectations. Unfortunately, this was the case for me. Given the go to treatment for ADHD is medication, the authors explore alternative options and take a more holistic approach to treatment. Given that I was reading this from a psychotherapy perspective, I was hoping for how therapy could help those with ADHD. However, the authors lump psychotherapy with the "traditional" treatment approach. So while others might find this to be a great resource (it is packed with a lot of potentially useful info), it wasn't what I was looking for. Nonetheless, it was interesting to see how vitamins/supplements, diet, mind body practices, and neurofeedback therapy can be options to treat and reduce ADHD symptoms. Overall, this book wasn't as helpful for psychotherapy purposes, but gives an alternative insight to treating ADHD.
December 24, 2022
Not everything in this book seems super useful, but the couple of things that I came out of it with intent to try (or to return to, in the case of yoga) are interesting enough for me to recommend it to friends of mine looking for options for treatment that don't involve medication.
May 24, 2025
A little too technical for me to comfortably understand, but a lot of good information and things to try.
September 27, 2016
gives well-rounded information and explores the benefits of holistic approaches without the usual anti-drug agenda, which is really nice to see.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews