Whole Body Healing

Attention-Deficit Disorder/Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition related, in part, to the brain's chemistry. ADHD patients exhibit a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity that occurs more frequently than is typically observed in the majority of people observed at comparable levels of development.

Some behaviors exhibited by ADD/ADHD children

Fidgets with hands, feet, and hair
Squirms in seat
Difficulty remaining seated
Easily distracted
Talking excessively
Interrupting others continuously
Does not seem to listen
Difficulty following instructions
Difficulty waiting for turn in group games and activities
Difficulty keeping attention in tasks or play activities
Shifts between one uncompleted task to another
Difficulty playing quietly
Engages in physically dangerous activities without considering the possible consequences

To diagnosis ADD/ADHD, symptoms must occur for at least six months and have been present before age 7. ADHD begins in childhood, but can persist into adulthood. While about 40% of children outgrow ADHD, about 60% continue to have symptoms into adulthood.

Causes of ADD/ADHD

The bottom line is we don't really know. Below are possible causes.

Heredity/Genetics
ADHD tends to run in families--which means that genes may play a role. Most children with ADHD have at least one family member with the disorder. At least one-third of all fathers who had ADHD in their youth have children who have ADHD. The majority of identical twins share the ADHD trait.

Brain chemistry
Strong evidence suggests that certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters play a large role in ADHD-type behaviors. Neurotransmitters help brain cells to communicate with each other. The neurotransmitter that seems to be most involved with ADHD is called dopamine. Dopamine is widely used throughout the brain. When neurotransmitters don't work the way they are supposed to, brain systems function inefficiently, and problems result.

Poor nutrition
Dietary deficiencies can cause behavioral problems and can exacerbate ADHD. When the body lacks certain key nutrients, the brain suffers. Studies indicate that poor nutrition may be a risk factor for ADHD. Food additives, food allergies, infant malnutrition, insufficient omega-3 fatty acids, or other dietary problems may contribute to or possibly cause ADHD or ADD.

A landmark 1996 study, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, revealed a significant correlation between essential fatty acids and ADD/ADHD. Researchers found decreased levels of amino acids and zinc in ADD/ADHD children.

Sugar, chocolate, food colors, food additives, eggs, milk, wheat, and corn can produce symptoms that mimic those of ADD/ADHD.

If you are considering the addition of vitamins or minerals to your child's diet, it is important to work with someone knowledgeable in nutritional therapy. While large doses of some vitamins and minerals may not be harmful, others can be toxic.

Food Allergies
Most studies place food allergies and sensitivities as one of the lesser contributing factors to the causes of ADD/ADHD, but it can be a contributing factor nonetheless. By eliminating the top allergy foods from your child's diet and then slowly reintroducing them back in, you can determine if food allergies are the cause of your child's ADD/ADHD.

Treatment

All doctors agree that ADD/ADHD medications are not a cure, but simply a means of minimizing the symptoms.

Many health professionals advocate identifying the underlying causes of ADD/ADHD instead of rushing into a course of powerful and potentially harmful drugs for people with ADD/ADHD. By addressing the root causes of ADD/ADHD, you can eliminate or at least, alleviate the need to place children on stimulant medications.

Because there is no one cause for ADD/ADHD, there is no one treatment. Treatment plans must be tailored to the child's individual behaviors and needs. Through naturopathic treatments and educational approaches, your child can reduce the challenges associated with their disability and live a more normal life.

Together we should asses your child's needs and create a treatment plan. The basis for choosing the plan should come from a thorough evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses observed in your child. Also you do not have to exclude other options, I work well with other health care professionals and educators of ADD/ADHD children.