The lingering stimulant medication shortage has prompted some individuals with ADHD to seek alternatives to first-line treatments that are no longer readily available. The shortage has also sparked widespread marketing by companies selling alternative “treatments” to ease the symptoms of ADHD.
Here, we examine the effectiveness of three of these:
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Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane is a mushroom marketed as delivering “brain-boosting benefits.” As with many proposed alternative treatments, it claims to treat many symptoms and conditions, including anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, and multiple sclerosis. Given the vastly different causes of these conditions, it is highly improbable that one intervention could provide universal benefit.
The websites we reviewed, which touted the shaggy white mushroom, acknowledged the dearth of published research studies examining the use of lion’s mane for ADHD. No research shows that it impacts the production or transmission of dopamine, the primary neurotransmitter involved in ADHD. Instead, the product’s marketers cite research done on animals or in test tubes that suggest the potential for general cognitive or health benefits and propose that it could benefit ADHD.
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Studies done on humans are limited, and more research is needed to determine if lion’s mane has therapeutic effects. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-groups study published in Nutrients, mixed results were found for the effect of Lion’s mane on cognitive function in healthy young adults without ADHD.1
Micro-Dosing Psychedelics
The use of very low (micro) doses of psychedelics, such as LSD and psilocybin, is gaining renewed interest for treating anxiety and depression. Some experts say these psychedelics might also show promise for treating symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, cluster headaches, and ADHD. These treatments are not without risks, however, at least at higher doses. It is important to know that psychedelics can potentially exacerbate symptoms of bipolar disorder or lead to psychosis. These drugs are illegal unless they are administered in medical or research settings.
[Download: Best Natural Remedies for Managing ADHD Symptoms]
Some studies have examined micro-dosing psychedelics for ADHD. A self-report study published in European Psychiatry found that micro-dosing psychedelics decreased the severity of ADHD symptoms more than medication users over four weeks.2 The use of psychedelics over an extended period of time has not been studied, but it would be beneficial to determine ongoing effectiveness and safety.
Mega-Dosing Caffeine
Caffeine is the most popular brain-altering chemical that improves alertness, attention, and focus, at least briefly, for many people. Caffeine may improve memory, learning, complex problem-solving, mental stamina, and more. If you are sleep-deprived, mentally fatigued, or experiencing a mid-day dip in energy, caffeine may provide a temporary boost.
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But the faster you consume caffeine, and the more concentrated it is, the quicker your blood levels of caffeine rise. Generally, caffeine has a six-hour half-life, meaning half of the blood levels are metabolized every six hours. Drinking more coffee than your system can tolerate may cause irritability, higher heart rate, jitteriness, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, or restless sleep. The combination of caffeine and prescription stimulants can worsen these side effects.
There isn’t enough research-supported evidence to recommend caffeine as a valid treatment for ADHD.3, 4 While some studies suggest general cognitive benefits, caffeine doesn’t activate the parts of the brain that improve executive functioning, as prescription stimulants do.5
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Lion’s Mane, Psychedelics, & Caffeine: Next Steps
- Download: 5 All-Natural ADHD Supplements
- Watch: Lifestyle Changes with the Biggest Impact on Kids with ADHD
- Readers Share: Favorite Non-Medical Therapies for ADHD
- Read: 10 Foods (and Supplements and Vitamins!) to Boost Your ADHD Brain
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