Four Natural Therapies for ADHD (with Richard Brown)
Nov 27, 2023
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Richard Brown, MD, discusses natural therapies for ADHD including Pycnoginol, Rhodiola rosea, Racetams, and American Ginseng. The podcast explores the use of adaptogens, medications for cognition and working memory, the benefits of American Ginseng for memory improvement, and the importance of therapy in patient care.
Certain minerals and vitamins, such as B vitamins and minerals found in fishworks, have shown to reduce aggression and improve attention in teens with ADHD.
Pycnogenol and Rhodiola-Rosea may offer natural and side-effect-free options for individuals with ADHD, potentially improving cognition and attention.
Deep dives
Natural Therapies for ADHD
Psychiatrist Richard Brown shares his top natural therapies for ADHD and associated cognitive problems. He highlights the use of certain minerals and vitamins, such as B vitamins and minerals found in fishworks, which have shown to reduce aggression and improve attention in teens. He also discusses the effectiveness of pycnogenol, a French maritime pine bark extract high in polyphenols, which corrects copper and zinc imbalances in boys with ADHD. Additionally, he explores the potential benefits of Rodeola-Rosea, an herb known for improving cognition and attention. While the herb hasn't been directly studied in ADHD, Dr. Brown shares anecdotal evidence of its positive effects. Pycnogenol and Rodeola-Rosea may offer natural and side-effect-free options for individuals with ADHD.
Racetams for Dyslexia
Dr. Brown discusses the potential use of racetams, a class of drugs, in treating dyslexia. He mentions a controlled trial in the 1980s that showed improved reading ability in children with dyslexia who were given racetams. He recommends anaracetam, premaracetam, and oxaracetam. Dr. Brown also points out that levatiracetam, a seizure medication, has shown cognitive improvement in patients with epilepsy and potential as a cognitive enhancer in dementia. Racetams and levatiracetam have glutamatergic action through NMDA, demonstrating their interesting therapeutic potential. These medications may offer alternatives for improving reading ability and cognition in individuals with dyslexia.
Natural Treatments for Working Memory
Dr. Brown shares his favorite treatments for working memory deficits. He mentions Clonidine and Guanficine, commonly used for ADHD, which have shown promise in improving working memory. He also explores the benefits of American ginseng, which has been found to enhance working memory, processing speed, and problem-solving abilities in healthy adults. American ginseng's effects have even been observed in small placebo-controlled trials in children with ADHD. Dr. Brown recommends a brand called SUS Genimax American ginseng and suggests a dosage of 500 to 1,000 milligrams twice a day. These natural treatments provide potential cognitive benefits for individuals with working memory deficits.
Chris Aiken, MD, Richard Brown, MD, and Kellie Newsome, PMHNP have disclosed no relevant financial or other interests in any commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.
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