ADHD & ADD

Attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) are the most common pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders in North America. The estimated prevalence is 3-17%, with boys being affected more often than girls by a 2:1 to 9:1 ratio. It is increasingly common for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD/ADD as well. People with ADHD have difficulty focusing attention, listening, concentrating and completing tasks. They struggle to control their impulsive and hyperactive behavior, which can manifest as fidgeting, restlessness and obsessive tendencies.

Conventional medical treatment focuses on symptom suppression using central nervous system stimulants such as Ritalin (methylphenidate), which is similar to amphetamines in the nature and duration of its effects, while having the stimulant characteristics of cocaine. Short-term drug effects can include nervousness and insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, palpitations, headaches, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, skin rashes and itching, abdominal pain, weight loss, digestive problems, toxic psychosis, psychotic episodes, drug dependence syndrome, and severe depression upon withdrawal. Possible long- term effects are loss of appetite (may cause serious malnutrition), tremors and muscle twitching, fevers, convulsions, and headaches, irregular heartbeat and respirations (may be life threatening), anxiety, restlessness, paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions, excessive repetition of movements and meaningless tasks, and formicaton (sensation of bugs crawling under the skin).

ADHD is a disorder involving brain chemicals related to attention, called neurotransmitters . Probable causes in the development of ADHD are genetic, social, environmental and biochemical factors. Naturopathic treatment emphasizes addressing these causative factors. Studies have shown essential fatty acids and phospholipids which are essential for proper brain function, are commonly deficient in childen with ADHD, and supplementation produces positive results in behavior. Mineral deficiencies are also associated with attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, including magnesium, zinc, selenium, calcium and iron, and nutritional supplementation significantly improves symptoms. Food allergies and chemical sensitivities have been identified as contributing factors, particularly refined sugar, food dyes, food additives, and salicylates in the diets of ADHD patients. Often along with diet correction, treatment for yeast overgrowth is needed as well to normalize digestive function. Exposure to environmental toxins, including heavy metals such as lead, mercury, aluminum, and arsenic, can be an important factors that cause damage to the nervous system and impair neurological development. Abnormal amino acid levels, the substances needed to form neurotransmitters, have been found in childen and adults with ADHD. Additionally, B vitamin deficiencies and improper thyroid funtioning are risk factors for the development of ADHD.

Recent studies have found that nutritional supplementation for ADHD is of equal efficacy to Ritalin treatment, and without the negative side effects. ADHD is a complex, multi-factorial disorder which can be effectively treated with naturopathic medicine. Appropriate testing and treatment for the underlying causes of ADHD produce significant behavior improvements and reversal of symptoms.

Useful testing:

• Toxic metals assessment
• Vitamin and Mineral levels
• Food sensitivities/allergies
• Candida/Yeast testing
• Neurotransmitter analysis

Treatments include:

• Dietary modification- eliminate food triggers and allergies, correct nutrient deficiencies
• Nutritional supplementation- vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids
• Detoxification and Chelation therapy- to rid the body of environmental toxins that damage the brain and nervous system
• Immune and Digestive system support

 
"Outcome -based Comparison of Ritalin versus Food-supplement Treatment in Children with AD/HD" by K .Harding, R. Judah, and C. Gant, Alternative Medicine Review 2003
http://www.drugfree.org/Portal/drug_guide/Ritalin