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ADD IN THE NEWS
 
Doctor Offers Alternative To Ritalin For Kids With ADD, ADHD
 
Program Uses Exercise, Movement
 
POSTED: 11:31 am EDT July 7, 2006


BOCA RATON, Fla. -- The use of drugs to treat mood and behavior disorders in children is rising dramatically. It's estimated that nearly 10 million school-age children are on stimulant drugs such as Ritalin to treat Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

While some experts say medication is the best treatment option, a South Florida doctor is pushing a different approach.

Boca Raton psychologist Dr. Brian Sheen has developed a program called Clear Minded Children.

"We teach them how to relax," Sheen said. "We teach them how to focus. We teach them how to concentrate and direct their mind -- how to interact and make better choices."

The program focuses on exercise and movement. Kids mimic some of their favorite activities and relax through fluid yoga poses.

"Every parent with a kid who's been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD knows if you want to get a quick change in their behavior and attitude, get them out doing a bunch of exercises," Sheen said.

But Sheen said that the key to success is parental involvement.

"Without fail, the kids whose families get involved in these programs improve without ever having to go on medications," said Sheen.

It worked for 14-year-old Keenan Roth. At one point, his teachers urged his mother to put him on Ritalin. Instead, she brought him to Dr. Sheen. Since then, Keenan's grades and attitude at school have improved dramatically.

"I'm not a hundred percent," Keenan said. "But I'm a lot better!"
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