Magnets for ADHD - ADD / ADHD Message Board

wildroses · 05-12-2009, 04:52 PM

I have been hearing about using magnets to control ADHD behavior problems. Not much info out there about it though. A couple people say it doesn't work at all and others say it does. Has anyone used the electromagnetic magnets to help ADHD? There is a company online selling magnets but probably not the right type and there is another company distributing them that are very expensive. Before I try them, I would like to see what others have to say about it. My son has been on meds for years and I want to get him off.

janewhite1 · 05-12-2009, 07:06 PM

The only good things I've heard about magnets have been from people selling them.

What types of non-drug treatments are you using now? Tutoring, behavior modification, anything like that? How old is your child?

addprogrammer · 05-12-2009, 08:24 PM

wildroses,

Before you buy any magnets, read the research first. If you can find no legitimate reports demonstrating that magnets have ADHD remedial properties, they probably don't.

I would imagine that magnets do effect those who have ADHD and also have a steel plate implated in their skull. The side-effects, though, would be rough - a magnet stuck to the side of head. You'd have a heck of time pulling off one those expensive powerful magnets. Fortunetely those with ADHD and steel plates in skull are in the minority.

Ok, seriously, don't fall for it. The charlatans are playing on our fears to pull dough out of our wallets or purses depending on gender per Jane's post.

Bob

rheanna · 05-13-2009, 12:28 AM

wildroses,

As addprogrammer so delightfully described, there is nothing in the human body that would be affected by household-strength magnets. Besides, if you really want to play around with them, you can get really really inexpensive ones at a hardware store, without enriching the pockets of those scam artists who probably got THEIRS from the hardware store. They (the magnets, not the sellers) make great playtoys -- just keep them away from the cards in your wallet.

As janewhite1 says, there are other ways to handle ADD that have shown positive results.

Good for you for asking for other opinions (we're full of 'em!) before you put out your hard-earned cash.

--Rheanna

wildroses · 05-13-2009, 11:56 PM

Thanks to those who wrote me back. The magnets refer to only the electromagnetic ones, not every day magnets. My son is 14. Other than the different meds, I have tried counseling, fish oil, another herb I forgot the name of, read all the books. Nothing seemed to work except the Concerta. He's been on a lower than normal dose so he is still overactive, especially in the evening but doing good with his school grades. He's too hyper in school without his meds so I am keeping him home next year to do online schooling but not sure he will be able to focus without his meds. Last time he was home for schooling, he asked to stay on the meds. I think you may be right about the only good word about the magnets is from the suppliers. I would still like to hear from someone who has actually tried them though. Again, thanks for writing.