More and more children (and adults) are being diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. So what is ADD/ADHD? The short answer is: a biological, brain based condition that is characterized by poor attention and distractibility and/or hyperactive and impulsive behaviors (1). The theory is that the brain neurotransmitters (dopamine and norepinephrine) are reduced in patients with ADD/ADHD. This shortage causes their brain to have difficulty in sustaining their focus on a task, planning ahead, and understanding such concepts as sequence and time, difficulty with impulse control, and difficulty filtering out unnecessary distractions.
A few years ago I had a patient that I will call “Ann” (not her real name). Ann complained of stomach pain, fatigue and “not feeling well.” She had been through a battery of tests including thyroid testing but all the tests were negative. She had a history of recurrent infections and recent weight loss. Since Ann was already very thin, I was concerned and it turned out that she had been experiencing stomach pain for 3 months and it started after an infection. She also reported neck pain from a previous accident.
I did some research and found a questionnaire for hormonal issues which I administered to Ann. Her symptoms included: Stomach pain, digestion complaints, unexplained weight loss, difficulty concentrating, difficulty controlling thoughts, being easily distracted and unable to complete tasks no matter how hard she tried, nocturnal panic attacks, insomnia, fatigue, memory lapses,brain fog, losing hair and eyebrows, heart palpitations, cold feet and hands, diarrhea/constipation, decreased libido, and orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure very low upon standing).
This is not your average ADD case, but notice how many symptoms were similar. I referred her to a lab for endocrinology (hormonal) testing, and a doctor with Oriental training. I recommended stress relief, changes to diet and adjustments. Ann didn’t go to the lab, but she did go to the doctor. There she was given several herbs, supplements and homeopathics. Ann continued care with me and I’m happy to report that after six months, she was symptom free and told me that with her new diet and one supplement a day she is back to her old self.
Upon considering this case it occurs to me how often Ann reported feeling frustrated and overwhelmed with not being able to control her own brain. Ann was a grown woman, how much more difficult must this be for a child. I can NOT imagine what this is like for someone young and the caregivers that have to work with them. These children need our compassion, patience and understanding.
Also we need more focus on diet and allergies. Many ADD/ADHD cases have been reported where nutritional deficiencies and/or food allergies (2,3) have some influence. The most common allergies being dairy, wheat and preservatives. Elimination of all added sugar in the diet has reduced symptoms in some children (4). Another alternative that has proved useful is CranioSacral Therapy, which has helped many children reduce or eliminate the need for medication (5). Often after reducing certain foods, and incorporating a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement, children have improved enough to eliminate the need for any medications.
For those of you caring for children having symptoms of ADD or ADHD, there is help for you as well – support groups include:
Orlando: orlando-area1@chadd.net or 407-578-6200;
Seminole: www.chadd.org or 407/447-5437;
or call the United Way for referral (407) 839-4357
1. http://www.enotalone.com/article/4121.html; 2. http://www.all-natural.com/add.html; 3. Whitaker, Julian Dr. Whitaker’s Guide to Natural Healing (Rocklin, California: Prima Publishing, 1996); 4.http://www.ltheanine.com/adhd_add_2.htm; 5.http://www.upledgerclinic.com/conditions_symptoms.html
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