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Understanding ADHD: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Naturopathic Treatments

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent behavioral condition affecting 3-5% of children, with symptoms categorized into inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Diagnosis is based on severity and frequency, impacting daily life. Current treatments include stimulant medications, but they may lead to side effects. Naturopathic approaches focus on nutrition, lifestyle changes, and botanical medicine to support dopamine levels and reduce symptoms. Learn more about ADHD trends, long-term complications, and alternative strategies to manage the disorder effectively.

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Understanding ADHD: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Naturopathic Treatments

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  1. Naturopathic Doctors Ontario ADHD www.ndontario.com

  2. ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder www.ndontario.com

  3. History History • 1970's - Attention deficit disorder (ADD) • 1980's - Attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADD / ADHD) • 1990's - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) further defined www.ndontario.com

  4. Symptoms Symptoms 3 symptom categories: • Inattention • Hyperactivity • Impulsivity www.ndontario.com

  5. Diagnosis Diagnosis Otherwise Normal Behaviour except frequency and severity of symptoms increases to the point that: • It occurs in most situations • Has a negative impact on the child’s life www.ndontario.com

  6. Inattention Inattention • Inattention to details • Easily distracted • Difficulty organizing tasks and activities www.ndontario.com

  7. Hyperactivity Hyperactivity • Cannot sit still • Difficulty playing quietly • Excessive talking www.ndontario.com

  8. Impulsivity Impulsivity • Blurts out answers before question • Difficulty waiting till turn • Interrupts www.ndontario.com

  9. Incidence: Children Incidence: Children • ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder of childhood. • It affects about 3 - 5% of school aged children. • ADHD is diagnosed much more often in boys than in girls. www.ndontario.com

  10. Incidence: Adults Incidence: Adults • It is now known that ADHD symptoms continue into adulthood for about 60% of children with ADHD. • That translates into 4% of the US adult population, or 8 million adults. • Few adult cases are identified or treated leads to complications www.ndontario.com

  11. Long Term Complications Long term complications • Addiction: Drug and alcohol abuse • Failure in school: Underachievement • Problems maintaining a job • Trouble with the law • Rejection from peers: rejection, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression www.ndontario.com

  12. Possible Causes: Possible causes: • Inherited? • Genetics? • Stressful early childhood experience • Trauma /PTSD Currently accepted mechanism: Lowered Dopamine levels, under-stimulation of reward center of the brain www.ndontario.com

  13. Current Medical Treatment Current Medical Treatment Stimulant drugs to increase dopamine in the brain: • Methylphenidate ( Ritalin, Concerta) • Amphetamines ( Dexedrine, Adderall) www.ndontario.com

  14. Outcomes Outcomes As long as treatment is on-going and consistent, it: • Is effective - Reduces and controls symptoms • Lessens likelihood of complications However, it is not a cure for ADHD and side effects are many www.ndontario.com

  15. Side Effects Side Effects • Cardiovascular: rapid heart beat, palpitation, stroke, hypertension • Nervous system: depression, seizures, insomnia, headache, Tourette’s syndrome, psychotic episodes • Gastrointestinal: dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, anorexia • Skin: hives, rash • Endocrine: impotence, decreased libido www.ndontario.com

  16. Nutritional Support Nutritional Support Boost Dopamine levels with nutrition Increase intake of dopamine building blocks: • l-phenylalanine (essential amino acid) • Wheat germ • Eggs, Soy, Cheese, Dairy, Meat www.ndontario.com

  17. Specific Nutrients Specific Nutrients • EFA’s • Magnesium • B Vitamins: Anxiety, Depression, Mood • B6 www.ndontario.com

  18. Antioxidants Antioxidants • Antioxidants (beets, celery, carrots, blue-berries, greens) to protect oxidation of dopamine • Apples contain quercetin: protect dopamine breakdown/oxidation • Bananas contain building blocks for dopamine www.ndontario.com

  19. Botanical Medicine Botanical Medicine Nerve Tonics: • Chamomile • Avena • Hops • Melissa • Are gentle and safe for children and calm hyperactivity by acting on the nervous system www.ndontario.com

  20. Lifestyle Lifestyle • Prenatal and postnatal care • Stress reducing treatments to mother and child which are safe • Underlying food intolerances/ allergies www.ndontario.com

  21. Other Treatments Other Treatments • Elimination Diet • Feingold Diet • Homeopathy • Counseling • Stress reduction www.ndontario.com

  22. Maintenance Maintenance • Strategies: daily, weekly, monthly and annual to remain healthy • How to listen to your symptoms • How to take care of your health www.ndontario.com

  23. References References • Pub Med Online: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002518/ • National Institute for Mental Health: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/complete-index.shtml • ADHD Canada: www.adhdcanada.com/ • Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance: http://www.caddra.ca • Ritalin-free Kids: Robert Ullman N.D. and Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman N.D. http://www.ritalinfreekids.com/

  24. For more information call 416-233-2001 or info@ndontario.com

  25. To find out more about naturopathic medicine visit: www.ndontario.com

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