ADHD and Alternative Medication

So began my investigation and research into natural supplements I could try so that I could cope with life. And, well… just remember where my keys are. That’s the dream, right?

Chloe Gunn

Let’s start with some context. I’m Chloe, a 27 year old female – who has been on quite a journey. Diagnosed early with anxiety and depression – which in all honesty never sat right with me. I’m a positive person who is naturally upbeat, but my gosh – my brain is chaos.

After trialling anti-anxiety medication and feeling no difference my doctor said it could be adultADHD – which stumped me until I learnt about the way this can show up in females. Which is when the penny dropped, I found my tribe and I focused on getting an assessment. But, we have waitlists – not just a couple of weeks or months, but my assessment was six months away and I needed support yesterday.

So began my investigation and research into natural supplements I could try so that I could cope with life and focus at work. And, well… just remember where my keys are. That’s the dream, right?

In this blog, I’m going to explore what there is out there for us and whether these may help you.

Creatine – How did I go so long not knowing about the incredible brain benefits that a well known ‘weight lifting’ supplement could provide. That’s right creatine is meant to help working memory and intelligence (intelligence? Here’s hoping.) Creatine may improve inattentive symptoms by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the ATP function in our brains and in our muscles. One study reported that, in animal studies, Ritalin increases creatine kinase. This increase in creatine kinase may be one of the ways that Ritalin improves the symptoms of ADHD and Inattentive ADD.

L-Tyrosine – The body uses tyrosine to make chemical messengers that are involved in conditions with the brain such focused around as mental alertness. Studies aren’t super strong on the link between improving ADHD and taking this, but it is shown to improve memory, alertness and mental performance, which I feel would help counteract some of the ADHD related symptoms.

L-theanine and Caffeine – Cute couple alert, L-theanine and caffeine together have been shown to improve sustained attention, impulsivity and cognition. It has also been shown to support relaxation, focus and improve sleep. Now if that’s hasn’t won you over, it’s also been shown to protect against anxiety! What’s not to love, even if it just helps a little bit – that’s a wide variety of small improvements that could buy a little patience in your time of need.

Some of these are present in pre workout products however we urge you to try these with care. Here’s unatural one I recommend. Check it out here. – Dan

Ginkgo biloba – Made from a Chinese herb, studies show Ginkgo biloba treatment lead to patients improving significantly in their overall hyperactivity, inattention, and immaturity factors. Short, sweet and maybe our saviour?

Omega 3 – This is not ground-breaking news, but get your omega threes! Fish oil is good for brain function and if you are not getting it in your diet, it’s great to take as a supplement. Numerous studies, including two meta-analyses, have found benefit in the area of hyperactivity, attention and impulsivity. Available here.

Now let me just say, I am not an expert. I have a degree and masters in Health Psychology, but I am not a medical professional and as always ‘results may vary from individual to individual’. But if you are struggling – what’s to lose? Just make sure that if you are on any medication – these won’t interact poorly with your current state. Be sure to comment below anything you’ve found helpful!

Contribution by Chloe Gunn

We hope this post offers valuable info. I know for sure there are many of you out there that are undiagnosed and have so many questions. Options like natural health products can really offer a great interim symptom management system in lieu of or combined with prescribed medication from a medical professional.

Dan – ADHDlounge.com