What types of treatments are available for ADHD? Are there holistic treatments? I know there are other things besides Ritalin.

-- Valencia

Yes, there are other treatments besides Ritalin for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD (sometimes called attention deficit disorder, or ADD). I'm assuming you're interested primarily in non-medication approaches. These include family therapy, neurofeedback (EEG biofeedback), and even nutrition and allergy interventions. Some of these approaches have more empirical (research) validation than others, but they all may be worth checking out.

Neurofeedback is a noninvasive procedure in which biofeedback equipment is connected to the outside of the head. The biofeedback readings help the individual learn to alter brain waves to influence his or her brain functioning. Sounds kind of Star Trek-like, doesn't it? You can find information on neurofeedback for ADHD on the site for a neurofeedback company called EEG Spectrum.

The ADHD Outreach website offers information and resources on alternative approaches to ADHD. And psychiatrist Peter Breggin, a vocal critic of biological psychiatry, has written a new book called Talking Back to Ritalin, cataloging the problems with ADHD diagnosis and pharmacological treatment. Breggin thinks ADHD is not a legitimate diagnosis and that children tagged with the label and given the typical pharmacological treatment are often harmed by it. I understand the book contains chapters on non-medication approaches to ADHD treatment.

If you're interested in herbal or "natural" approaches to ADHD treatment, you might want to consult with a naturopath (someone with a Doctor of Naturopathy, or N.D., degree) for recommendations. iVillageHealth's own Alternative Medicine Expert Elizabeth Burch has discussed this topic in her column titled Diet for ADD.

If you're asking about help for an adult (such as yourself) rather than a child, you might want to check out "ADHD coaching." I understand that there are personal and professional coaches who specialize in working with adults with ADHD to coach them in building skills to achieve what they want and need out of life. (I've never known anyone who's hired an ADHD coach, but I've found "regular" coaching helpful in many respects.) You can search a database of coaches (specify you want one specializing in ADHD coaching) at the website of the International Coach Federation. Good luck!