Alternative non-medicinal treatments for ADHD/OCD

[terrie60]

I have a 16 year old daughter who is a Junior in high school diagnosed with ADHD (Attention type) in elementary school and OCD and processing issues at the end of Middle School.  She has tried every imaginable medication for both and due to adverse side effects ranging from incapacitating fatigue to personality changes she vehemently refuses to take any medication.  And to be honest, I don't blame her.  When on medication her entire personality went from carefree, happy go lucky, energetic youngster to flat affect, angy, depressed, and tired.  The problem is the medication dramatically improved her grades at the cost of the side effects.  She cannot focus long enough to read and assignment, in fact falls asleep when she tries to read.  Also, if she reads she does not absorb the material.  In Middle School she was straight A student on medication, however due to her OCD she was not sleeping.  She was obsessing over perfecting her school work.  We ended up stopping her from doing any school work outside the classroom because she was not sleeping at night.  She was up all hours doing homework.  For example, a 2 hour assignment would take her 24 hours..and only took 24 hours because I made her stop.  She now blames me for her not being able to do homework, because we successfully treated her OCD to decrease most of her obsessions... She says she wishes she still had them because it made her do better in school.  I, obviously, do not agree.
She would like to be a nurse.  And personality wise, she would be an awesome nurse because she is very sweet, empathic, and caring.  She is capable of learning if her ADHD is treated...it just takes her longer processing issues.  Does anyone know any other options for treating ADHD that do not involve medication?  I have read a few sites regarding biofeedback but it does not specifically state what exactly the patient does...

A desperate and frustrated mom who wants the world for her daughter!

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

There are other techniques for treating this, and also other medications, and other doses..( she may have been on too much for her sensitivity).  You should consult with a neuropsychologist for retraining options and testing to determine what type of retraining is indicated. You can also explore newer medications at the lowest possible dose.

[azalea82]

Has your daughter tried a non-stimulant medication such as Straterra (atomoxetine)?