Complementary medicines for autism and ADHD

The use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common. The amount of interventions available is staggering and approaches vary greatly in complexity, effectiveness and risks.

Discussing CAMs with parents and carers, who may have put high hopes in such treatments, can easily become contentious. And the higher the hopes, the higher the stakes.

Whereas parents and carers are often well informed by the media and the internet, physicians may feel ill-equipped to advise on such treatments. The aim of this module is to equip psychiatrists to deal confidently and sensitively with clinical queries in this area.

The module concerns CAMs for children but some of the information may also be applicable to adults.