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ADD & ADHD Overview

ADD/ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders of childhood, found eight times more often in males than females. This condition has been medically described since 1902. Before 1940 children with learning difficulties or concentration issues were considered mentally retarded, and culturally disadvantaged. Following research during the 1940's children who were impulsive, hyperactive, and easily distracted were said to have Hyperkinetic Disorder of Childhood. In 1980 it was renamed Attention Deficit Disorder and in 1987 it was changed to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder to reflect the commonality of hyperactivity/impulsivity that accompany this disorder.

Children with attention deficit disorder lack the ability to concentrate and focus, complete school work, and are often in trouble with teachers and parents. Symptoms are of gradual onset appearing over many months and if not managed correctly can lead to low self esteem and behavioral problems for many years.

There is no specific test for this condition/disorder. Diagnosis is made based upon judgment of degrees of behavior and is complicated by the fact that ADD/ADHD commonly is present with several other disorders including lead poisoning, fetal alcohol syndrome, Tourette's syndrome. Additionally substance abuse, personality and anxiety disorders, depression and manic depressive illness share common symptoms with ADD/ADHD.

This complex situation is most successfully managed by a multifocal approach including parents, teachers, classmates, siblings, physicians, counselors, and chiropractors.

The conventional treatment that we are most familiar with is the pharmacopeia, Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta, and Stratera. In fact, Ritalin use has gone up 700 percent since 1990. It is the most abused prescription drug with a street value of approximately $15/pill with enticing names such as Kibbles & Bits, Kiddy-cocaine, R-Ball, Skippy and Vitamin R to name a few.

Long term side effects of these drugs are unknown. Current short term side effects include but are not limited to psychotic episodes, drug dependent syndrome, palpitations, cardiac arrhythmia, insomnia and headaches.

The preceding list should be enough to raise questions about alternative options such as nutrition, homeopathy, and balancing biomechanics and neurophysiology. This is where your local chiropractors can be utilized. It is no secret that physiology and behavior are intricately linked. How many of us know people in chronic pain that have become depressed due to the presence of that pain? What about people whose grumpiness is relieved with a balance meal?

The effects of chiropractic care on learning and behavior display dramatic results with side effects including improved grades, improved IQ, enhanced athletic performance and improved behavior. Chiropractors are well suited to identify and correct neurologic imbalances or impairment.

Many combined holistic approaches which include nutrition, therapeutic movement, spinal soft tissue and cranial corrections allowing those treated to experience enhanced vitality, diminished expression of symptoms, more regulated sleeping patterns, greater ability to concentrate, and manage the stress of everyday living.

Natural ways to prevend ADD/ADHD:

Atrium Health Services recommend nutrition and lifestyle changes that may help correct or prevent biomechanical imbalance that cause ADD/ADHD. Parents are encouraged to:

• Removes as many food dyes, sugar, preservatives , and additives from the diet as possible.

• Focus on natural, mostly organic foods with as few pesticides or herbicides as possible.

• Determine if there ia an allergy - usually starting with dairy and gluten and try elimination diets.

• Stop using pesticides sprays in the house.

• Avoid taking medications, nicotine, alcohol, and other drugs in pregnancy that may harm the fetus.

• Find ways to relax during pregnancy. Stress on the job may affect the unborn baby's health, as well.

• Breastfeed. The first month and years of a child's life are critical to physcial and psychological development. Breastfeedding mothers' diets are important as well.

For individualed consultation and program call Atrium Health Services at:

314-872-9955

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