Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is the most commonly reported childhood behaviour disorder, and is characterised by poor attention span, impulsive behaviour, and hyperactivity in some children.  It is most common in childhood but some sufferers carry the condition on into adulthood.  While the most common treatment for this condition is a medication called Ritalin, there are some natural therapies that can be of great help.  Read on to learn more.

Causes of ADD

While the exact cause or precursor of ADD is unknown, there are some major contributors, such as food intolerances, adverse reactions to food additives, sensitivities to environmental chemicals, moulds, and fungi, and exposure to neurodevelopmental toxins such as heavy metals and organohalide pollutants.  Nutritional deficiencies are common in ADD and supplementation can be of help.  This will be discussed in a later section.

Characteristics of ADD

There are several characteristics of ADD.  These include:

• Difficulty organising tasks and finding it difficult to get started
• Mental restlessness
• Easily distracted
• Difficulty completing tasks
• Moving from task to another
• Trouble keeping attention
• Constantly losing belongings
• Forgetting things easily
• Trouble keeping track of events or sequences

Natural Treatments for ADD

There are many natural treatments that can assist in managing Attention Deficit Disorder including nutrition, herbal medicine, counselling, cognitive therapy, behaviour therapy and Traditional Chinese Massage (TCM). Find out about these and other natural ADD treatments.