Jun 10, 2008 8:30 pm US/Eastern
HealthWatch: Herbal Supplements As ADHD Treatment
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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ADHD can be difficult to treat, leaving some parents looking into alternative medical options. Now, new information shows one popular herbal supplement may not be a good choice.
AP
ADHD can be difficult to treat, leaving some parents looking into alternative medical options.
Now, new information shows one popular herbal supplement may not be a good choice. Many worry about side effects or addiction, so some have turned to the herbal supplement St. John's Wort instead - but a study released on Monday reveals it may not be effective.
"There's like 30 percent or so of kids who either don't respond to the pharmaceutical agents, or do, but have side effect problems," said Dr. Stephan J. Quentzel of Beth Israel Medical Center.
However, a new study in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" looked at 54 children with ADHD, from ages 6 to 17, and the results weren't so promising.
The study shows that St. John's Wort by itself compared to placebo or sugar pills did not show benefits in treating the disorder.
Researchers found symptoms actually persisted in diagnosed patients.
Doctors said children still experienced restlessness, hyperactivity and lack of concentration.
Dr. Quentzel says some parents assume a natural treatment is always safe. But Dr. Holly Phillips says that's not so.
"Just because something is natural does not automatically mean it's safe or effective or the lead choice," explains Dr. Quentzel.
The study looked at the use of St. John's Wort alone to treat ADHD.
Researchers say more studies need to be done to see if combining the supplement with other medication gives better results.
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