What causes it?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopment disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.¹ In addition to inherited risk, toxins, diet, low birth weight, prematurity, prenatal exposure to alcohol and smoking, and adverse social/family environments may contribute to ADHD in a child.²

Specific environmental exposures that seem to have relevance to the ADHD phenotype include organic pollutants (eg, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs)) and lead. These may damage cognitive and neural systems known to be implicated in ADHD.

Adverse social and family environments such as low parental education, social class, poverty, bullying/peer victimisation, negative parenting, maltreatment and family discord are associated with ADHD.

National Institute of Health

What are the symptoms?

People with ADHD experience an ongoing pattern of the following types of symptoms:

• Inattention means a person may have difficulty staying on task, sustaining focus, and staying organized, and these problems are not due to defiance or lack of comprehension.
• Hyperactivity means a person may seem to move about constantly, including in situations when it is not appropriate, or excessively fidgets, taps, or talks. In adults, hyperactivity may mean extreme restlessness or talking too much.
• Impulsivity means a person may act without thinking or have difficulty with self-control. Impulsivity could also include a desire for immediate rewards or the inability to delay gratification. An impulsive person may interrupt others or make important decisions without considering long-term consequences.¹

Per the CDC, there are three types of ADHD: (1) Predominantly Inattentive Presentation, (2) Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation, and (3) Combined Presentation.

Prevention

Since the cause of ADHD is hotly debated, prevention methods are equally debated. If you are pregnant, the best thing to do is refrain from smoking, heavy drinking, and being around toxic substances.

Diagnosis

For a person to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity must be chronic or long-lasting, impair the person’s functioning, and cause the person to fall behind typical development for their age. Stress, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and other physical conditions or illnesses can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Therefore, a thorough evaluation is necessary to determine the cause of the symptoms.

Most children with ADHD receive a diagnosis during the elementary school years. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms need to have been present before age 12.¹

Treatment

According to the NIH, “there is no convincing evidence yet that diet plays a major causal role in ADHD. However, a separate issue relates to using dietary change to modify symptoms.”

Staying Healthy

Per the CDC, here are some healthy behaviors that may help:

• Developing healthy eating habits such as eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and choosing lean protein sources
• Participating in daily physical activity based on age
• Limiting the amount of daily screen time from TVs, computers, phones, and other electronics
• Getting the recommended amount of sleep each night based on age³

Dietary Modifications

In addition to eating a balanced diet, research the following dietary modifications:

• eliminate food additives such as artificial colors/flavors
• reduce sugar intake (sugary snacks/soda)
• increase consumption of omega-3 fatty acids like EPA/DHA (found in salmon, sardines, flaxseeds, and walnuts)
• prioritize regular meals especially breakfast

Mindfulness + Meditation

Focusing on the present moment might help self-regulation, stress reduction, and enhanced well-being. Mindfulness apps like Headspace, Calm, and Smiling Mind or using a mindfulness journal are good options.

Exercise and Physical Activity

Regular physical activity has been associated with improved attention and provides a positive outlet for excess energy. Sports, yoga, and martial arts are excellent options.

The FDA on ADHD Medications

Healthcare providers may also recommend medication, psychotherapy, education or training, or a combination of treatments to reduce symptoms.¹ As always, be sure to read all manufacturer inserts of ADHD medication (Ritalin, Adderall, etc) prior to accepting.

“We know ADHD medications are being prescribed for younger children…” However, FDA-approved medications currently on the market have been tested for safety and effectiveness in clinical trials of children 6 and older. The FDA is now asking for clinical trials with participants of children as young as 4 and 5.⁴

For non-stimulant ADHD medications, here are the manufacturer inserts of Strattera (atomoxetine), Intuniv (guanfacine), and Kapvay (clonidine). Click here to learn how to read these inserts.

Psychotherapy and Psychosocial Interventions

Behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that aims to help a person change their behavior. It might involve practical assistance, such as help organizing tasks or completing schoolwork, or working through emotionally difficult events. Behavioral therapy also teaches a person how to:

• Monitor their own behavior
• Give oneself praise or rewards for acting in a desired way, such as controlling anger or thinking before acting

Parents, teachers, and family members also can give feedback on certain behaviors and help establish clear rules, chore lists, and structured routines to help a person control their behavior. Therapists may also teach children social skills, such as how to wait their turn, share toys, ask for help, or respond to teasing. Learning to read facial expressions and the tone of voice in others, and how to respond appropriately can also be part of social skills training.

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps a person learn how to be aware and accepting of one’s own thoughts and feelings to improve focus and concentration. The therapist also encourages the person with ADHD to adjust to the life changes that come with treatment, such as thinking before acting, or resisting the urge to take unnecessary risks.

Family and marital therapy can help family members and spouses find productive ways to handle disruptive behaviors, encourage behavior changes, and improve interactions with the person with ADHD.

Parenting skills training (behavioral parent management training) teaches parents skills for encouraging and rewarding positive behaviors in their children. Parents are taught to use a system of rewards and consequences to change a child’s behavior, to give immediate and positive feedback for behaviors they want to encourage, and to ignore or redirect behaviors they want to discourage.

Stress management techniques can benefit parents of children with ADHD by increasing their ability to deal with frustration so that they can respond calmly to their child’s behavior.

Tips to Help Kids and Adults with ADHD Stay Organized

For Kids | Parents and teachers can help kids with ADHD stay organized and follow directions with tools such as:

• Keeping a routine and a schedule. Keep the same routine every day, from wake-up time to bedtime. Include times for homework, outdoor play, and indoor activities. Keep the schedule on the refrigerator or a bulletin board. Write changes on the schedule as far in advance as possible.
• Organizing everyday items. Have a place for everything, (such as clothing, backpacks, and toys), and keep everything in its place.
• Using homework and notebook organizers. Use organizers for school material and supplies. Stress to your child the importance of writing down assignments and bringing home necessary books.
• Being clear and consistent. Children with ADHD need consistent rules they can understand and follow.
• Giving praise or rewards when rules are followed. Children with ADHD often receive and expect criticism. Look for good behavior and praise it.

For Adults | A professional counselor or therapist can help an adult with ADHD learn how to organize their life with tools such as:

• Keeping routines.
• Making lists for different tasks and activities.
• Using a calendar for scheduling events.
• Using reminder notes.
• Assigning a special place for keys, bills, and paperwork.
• Breaking down large tasks into more manageable, smaller steps so that completing each part of the task provides a sense of accomplishment.³

¹ National Institute of Mental Health

² National Institute of Health

³ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

⁴ Federal Drug Administration

Products to Research

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Dr. Green Life Organic Peace & Calm (For Kids)

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