Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a common mental disorder affecting up to 5% of children and 2.5% of adults.
Symptoms of ADHD include the inability to pay attention and focus on tasks, difficulty sitting still for long periods of time, and high levels of activity [1].
ADHD can occur in three different forms: inattentive type, hyperactive/impulsive type, and combined type.
Those who suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD usually forget to do daily tasks (like the laundry or grocery shopping), have trouble focusing on lectures and projects that involve paying attention to details, often loses items necessary for daily life like wallet or keys, and are easily distracted.
Those who suffer from the hyperactive type of ADHD usually fidgets or squirms in their seats, talks too much, is always "on the go", and interrupts or intrudes on others. ADHD can be debilitating to those who suffer from it, causing them to all behind in school work and have strained relationships with family and friends.
ADHD is usually managed with behavioral therapy and pharmaceutical medications especially in adults but is there anything else that can be done when it comes to improving the symptoms of ADHD?
Acupuncture is an ancient medical practice involving placing needles in strategic points on the
body to alleviate pain and treat many different conditions like infertility.
Can acupuncture be used effectively for a condition like ADHD?
It seems likely.
Research shows that acupuncture is turning out to be an interesting treatment when it comes to improving the symptoms of ADHD.
A recent Chinese study has shown that acupuncture combined with medication and behavioral therapy was more effective in treating ADHD than medications or behavioral therapy alone [2].
Another study reported that scalp acupuncture along with EEG biofeedback was superior in treating ADHD compared to EEG biofeedback therapy alone [3].
Acupuncture has also been shown to improve grades and academic success in children with ADHD [4].
Acupuncture can be extremely effective in helping children and adults with ADHD.
If you or a family member is struggling with ADHD, acupuncture may be extremely beneficial in helping to alleviate your symptoms.
References
1.What Is ADHD?". Psychiatry.org. N.p., 2017. Web. 11 Apr. 2017.
2.Ni, XQ, JY Zhang, and al et. "[A Meta-Analysis On Acupuncture Treatment Of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder". When Ci Yan Jui 40.4 (2015): 319-25. Print
3.He, CD, and et al. "[Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Treated With Scalp Acupuncture And EEG Biofeedback Therapy In Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial].". Zhongguo Zhen Jui34.12 (2014): 1179-83. Print.
4.Tas, D, and HV Acar. "Does Acupuncture Have A Positive Effect On School Success In Children?". Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 34.4 (2014): 450-4. Print.
