Janet Hall
Can Herbal Medicine Aid Concentration In Those With Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder?
Abstract
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (AD/HD) is a condition characterised by persistent and excessive actions in which the individual is unable to focus and pay attention or, conversely, displays hyperactive, disruptive and impulsive behaviour. It is estimated that at least one in 20 schoolchildren, 360,000 in England and Wales alone, are thought to have some degree of AD/HD. Prescriptions for the standard treatment, Ritalin, have doubled in the last four years. In Scotland prescriptions for drugs indicated for AD/HD grew by 11.7% between 2003/04 and 2004/05, up from 38,350 to 42,832 prescribed items.
This dissertation examines aspects of AD/HD including; treatment by conventional, orthodox means, treatment by alternative and complementary strategies and areas in which herbal therapeutics may be used to aid the concentration of the individual with AD/HD and so improve the individuals learning experience.
Research suggests that many herbs have been identified as having potential benefits to the aid various aspects of the disorder, although most of the studies carried out have used standardised herb extract. Anecdotal and experiential evidence indicates that there may be some herbs that are valuable in the treatment of particular aspects of the disorder and when combined with appropriate dietary and lifestyle strategies are as effective, or even superior to standard orthodox treatment.
