Would like to ask about giving supplements for mild ADD, any experience?

[stuffitllllama]

Hi, I've a droopy unself-motivated teenager who I suspect has either undiagnosed mild ADD or depression. He seems to be unable to focus on anything really, and for example still at fourteen cannot carry out a series of requests in a row (eg can you have a shower and clean your teeth, or could you button your shirt and find your shoes) without becoming distracted. These aren't instructions I should be having to give any more, and sometimes I have to take him by the arm and do them with him. Along with irrational flash temper outbursts and a profound and upsetting (to everyone else) reluctance to change what he's doing (none of which is new to him being a teen, he has always had them) I think I've missed a trick somewhere.

Anyway, there is no hope of diagnosis, treatment or therapy where I live. I give him zinc, which helps a lot. But after reading up I want to start giving Vitamin B6 in quite large doses (my tabs are 100g -- I could halve them I guess) RDA is 2g.

Has anyone used this? I know there is a B6/magnesium protocol out there in the non-conventional world which is said to help children and adults with autism. I'd welcome any experience. Thanks in advance very much.

I wonder if I have done the wrong thing and maybe should have introduced myself as I haven't posted here before. Sorry not sure of the form as I know it's a private area.

I hate to be an idiot but i work with teenagers, soem with ADD and some without, im also a mum and what you have described is every teenager in my school. all 1000 of them. Teenagers are teenagers, it dosnt make sense at all untill they are 30. Ive just turned 30 and i can finally see what a pain i was!

have a cup of tea, have a slice of cake and then ask him again. If he hasnt cleaned his teeth in that time then why are you even teling him to??

My youngest son has a multitude of AS ( autistic spectrum) disorders and i gave up nagging a year ago, it saved my sanity! now we go out with him trailing along in wellies and a power rangers outfit. he's happy..im happy. eventually he will stop!

Having said all of this, i give my son supplements but only the I-Q fish oils at the moment as the vitc was driving him up the wall. Check all the supplements with his doctor first just incase...and go put the kettle on!

Hi. Has he always been like this ? Have his teachers commented recently or ever about his lack of attention/concentration? If not, then I tend to agree with Jam - I have a teenage son and trying to get sustained attention is a nightmare at the moment. I have used many fish oil products in the past including those with zinc, but never B6 (although I've heard lots of good stuff about it). I have a younger son with suspected ADHD and have done much research about it. Many supplements have little effect after the age of 12, that's why so many of these products only go up to that age. I feel that if you seriously think your son is depressed, you must get him help.

By the way, you could try posting this under Special Needs Children. You may get more advise over there. Good luck