When your child is diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, deciding on the best form of treatment can be an extremely draining and intensely personal process.

Recent headlines about dangerous side effects of commonly prescribed drugs such as Ritalin and Concerta can leave parents feeling ashamed of their decision to give their children these medications. It is important to remember that while some children who take these drugs do experience alarming side effects, many are treated effectively. But it is also important to be informed of alternatives, and to know about natural medications and ingredients that have shown to be both highly effective and safe.

In order to make the best decision about treating your child, you need to understand what the most commonly doctor-prescribed drugs are and what they do.

Stimulants (such as Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta) increase brain activity and tend to increase a child