Evidences of ADHD and Diagnosis
Classic symptoms of ADHD include: inability to concentrate or stay on task, mood swings, constant fidgeting, temper tantrums, learning difficulties, impulsivity, and even self-destructive behavior. As children with ADHD grow older the symptoms may decrease or go into remission. For many, however the symptoms persist into adulthood.
There is no single test for ADHD and only qualified professionals, usually psychiatrists or psychologists, ca make the diagnosis. The evaluation involves observation of behavior and an investigation of the patient’s history. The criteria take into account the patient’s age and level of development, the length of time the symptoms have persisted, and the age of the patient at the first signs of ADHD. The symptoms must also significantly impair the patient socially, academically, or occupationally, and must have appeared before age seven.
A considerable amount of research has been done on the causes of ADHD. In studies conducted at the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIH), researchers used PET scans to measure activity levels in key parts of the brain that control impulses and attention levels. The studies found that those diagnosed with ADHD have lower levels of brain activity in those regions than normal. Other studies have associated abnormal blood sugar levels with ADHD behavior. Still other researches have found imbalances of essential minerals in ADHD patients. A variety of factors contribute to the occurrence of ADHD, with the specific cause, or combination of causes, varying from individual to individual.
Prescriptive and Behavioral Treatments
Ironically, stimulants seem to have a calming affect on ADHD patients, which is why medications such as Ritalin, Adderall, and Concerta are often prescribed. The widespread use of prescription drugs to treat ADHD is a controversial issue for parents and health professionals alike. Some of the strongest advocates are adults who still struggle with ADHD and know what it is like. Prescriptions can lead to an improvement of symptoms, but may also cause unnatural or medicated feelings. Common side effects include headaches, dizziness, insomnia, and weight loss. Furthermore, the drugs used for ADHD were initially developed for other conditions in adults, and the safety of long-term use in children has not been determined, especially for children under six years of age.
For those who choose not to give their children prescription drugs, behavioral approaches offer an alternative. These methods teach children to recognize impulses and ward them off before acting on them. Children are trained to focus and stay on task, and receive the added benefit of better self-discipline in general. For the right people, behavioral methods can offer help.
Nutrition That Can Help
Another approach gaining in popularity is nutritional supplements. Vitamins and minerals are a good place to start. B-complex vitamins improve nerve function, protect the adrenal glands, and provide energy. For children with ADHD, B-vitamins give a needed energy boost to enable them to focus more easily. They also aid in proper chemical balance in the brain. Unfortunately, these important vitamins are a missing component in many supplements designed for ADHD. Among minerals, Chromium is especially important. Chromium is often used by diabetics to stabilize blood sugar levels. For ADHD, it performs the same function. Not surprisingly, the average American diet is Chromium-deficient. Manganese also regulates blood sugar levels and together with B-complex vitamins promotes healthy nerves. Because of the links between ADHD symptoms and abnormal blood sugar levels in some individuals, Chromium and Manganese are excellent minerals for ADHD. Studies have shown that some individuals diagnosed with ADHD also have higher than average levels of phosphorus. Calcium and Magnesium are useful in balancing phosphorus levels, and this may be helpful for ADHD as well. It is interesting to note that deficiencies of Calcium and Magnesium, even in non-ADHD persons, can lead to hyperactivity , poor neuromuscular activity, tantrums, and irritability.
Certain Amino Acids may help improve ADHD symptoms. Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) is a non-addictive relaxant that is particularly good at calming overactive nerves. Taurine is another amino acid that is used for many types of brain disorders, including seizures, hyperactivity, and poor brain functions in general. GABA and Taurine together calm the nerves and stimulate the brain, a combination that can be highly beneficial for ADHD patients. As an amino acid Turosine may naturally mimic the effects of Ritalin.
Nutrients known as “brain foods” have also yielded impressive results. These supplements help increase brain activity naturally which can lead to improved mental function and greater concentration. DMAE, common in many ADHD dietary supplements, seems to be most effective when combined with Choline and Phosphatidyl Serine. Together they increase acetylcholine levels in the brain, which in improves memory and focus. Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are also used as a brain food. EFAs are vital for proper brain development and preliminary studies point to their usefulness in treating ADHD. The body is unable to synthesize EFAs and so they must be assimilated through the diet or supplementation. As with many other nutrients, EFAs are far less abundant in today’s American diet than that of 30 or 40 years ago. The best food sources are certain herbs (Borage, Flaxseed), Algae, Fish oil, and Nuts. Heat destroys EFAs, and even makes them harmful, so it is important that supplement forms be cold processed.
Success Depends on You
The severity and symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are influenced by a variety of factors—generic, nutritional, and environmental. Because of widespread concern and a growing need, many more treatment options are available today than there were just a few years ago. Nutritional approaches can be ideal because of the low occurrence of side effects and the high likelihood of benefits. Most children can be helped without massive changes to their diets. In fact, studies at the NIH relating ADHD symptoms to diet have shown that only about 5% of ADHD patients have symptoms aggravated by components of their diet (although most of us could certainly eat healthier).
If you have a child with ADHD, start with personal education. Learn about good nutrition. Learn how to deal with behavior constructively and proactively. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your child’s teacher or health care practitioner. The effort you make today will help your child have a more successful tomorrow.
Additional Information - additional ADHD information can be obtained from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) by clicking here
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