ADHD Guide

Sue Perkins asked:


If you are parent of an ADHD child or you have ADHD yourself it is likely that you have already tried a number of ADHD therapies. Medications may have been your first option and although these tend to work, the benefits are short lived and there are number of controversies surrounding them in relation to side effects. There are other alternative solutions to ADHD such as biofeedback, sensory integrative therapy, behavioral therapy, individual therapy, herbal remedies and nutritional intervention. The latter advocates that with the proper consumption of supplements and vitamins, ADHD symptoms can be improved.

All of these methods are effective and while they may be used as stand alone treatments, many health professionals believe that combining the different modes of treatment simultaneously create far better results than using only medications or behavioral therapy or any one of the others.

One treatment that is gaining in popularity is nutritional intervention through the adoption of a diet and vitamin supplements that supplies all the essential nutrients required for optimal brain functioning.

Researches agree that ensuring the recommended daily intake of vitamins is reached could help both in the general health of an ADHD patient and in moderating some symptoms of ADHD. While there are plenty of vitamins available in food, we don’t always get enough. This can be due to making the wrong food choices and relying on fast or processed foods or only having a limited diet with little fresh fruits and vegetables.

The theory behind vitamin treatment is that replenishing or supplying vitamins that are deficient in the body could help improve the symptoms of ADHD.

Among the handful vitamins that are thought to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD are those that promote neurochemical development in the brain that control behavior. These neurochemicals are serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.

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Vitamin B6 for example is among the vitamins that help the brain develop. It is vital to ensure the nervous system functions correctly and controls excitable behavior. Therefore a deficiency in B6 may lead to hyperactive behavior. In a clinical study researchers took 52 hyperexcitable children and gave them vitamin B6, along with magnesium for 3 - 24 weeks. The results showed a reduction of excitable behavior in all the children after 1 - 6 months treatment.

Sticking with the B vitamins, methyl-B12 (a form of vitamin B 12) has shown to improve attention and focus.

Moving onto supplements, magnesium is a mineral that some children with ADHD lack. Magnesium deficiencies can be accompanied by light or restless sleep and can lead to hyperactivity. Magnesium acts as a relaxant for nerve impulses as well as muscle contractions. It also encourages a reduction in hyperactivity and could induce deeper sleep.

Zinc is another mineral where a number of children with ADHD have a deficiency. According to a study carried out in 1996 ADHD children’s level of zinc are 2/3 the level of children without ADHD. Zinc is essential for memory and the ability to think clearly. Supplementing with zinc has also shown to improve IQ.

Although a ‘cure’ for ADHD does not exist, there are many anecdotal reports of children being able to stop or reduce medication after following a program of receiving proper nutrition, which includes vitamins and minerals along with diet modifications and behavioral therapy. Introducing supplement and vitamins ADHD treatment should be safe to do alongside medications, however, it is best to speak to your doctor to ensure there will be no adverse reactions.

Alice

Sue Perkins asked:


Parenting a ADHD child can be a bit of a rollercoaster ride emotionally. ADHD children can be funny, inspirational creative, and gifted in lots of ways, as well as having challenging behaviors.

A child with ADHD needs special care and attention. Providing the best possible attention and care for your child requires a deep understanding of what ADHD is all about. The first vital step is for parents to learn how ADHD affects their child at home, in school and socially.

Significantly, there are 3 main symptoms of ADHD: Hyperactivity, Inattention and Impulsiveness.

• Hyperactivity - This is said to be the most understood yet misunderstood indication of ADHD. This is the inability of a child to sit still for any period of time. Playing with objects, fidgeting, talking too much, and being in constant motion are some examples of hyperactivity.

• Inattention - This is either the inability to give attention to a specific matter, or flitting from one thing to another. A child with ADHD finds it hard to block out distractions and concentrate on one specific item or task. Some symptoms of inattention are daydreams, distraction from work, making careless mistakes and being disorganized.

• Impulsiveness -This means “living in the moment”. A child with ADHD tends to takes hold of everything that is interesting for him or her. They may immediately grab something without worrying if it might be inappropriate or without considering any consequences that may arise from that action. In short, they act before they think. A child who cannot wait for things, interrupts other people, and answers questions before they’re even finished being asked displays impulsiveness.

These symptoms can make it exhausting and seem time consuming to raise a child with ADHD.

So, here are some steps parents can take to help them in raising kids with ADHD:

1. Join a support group. This can be really helpful as you benefit from the experiences of others and can bounce ideas off each other.

2. Be aware of your child’s ADHD - most of the time they are not being naughty and ignoring or defying you. The reason for their actions is because of the ADHD. It is important for parents to discern the difference between the being naughty and defiant, and the symptoms of ADHD.

3. Just like any family establishing a child-parent relationship is extremely important. For this relationship to work, parents need to make time for their child. The emphasis here is on quality time rather than quantity. An hour spent watching TV together is no the same as 15 minutes talking and listening to your child. Find time in your day to incorporate ways of spending quality time with your child for example around the dinner table or before bedtime.

4. Be a good role model to your child. Children usually imitate the behaviors that they witness so make sure you show them positive examples.

5. It is okay to be firm, yet kind to discipline your child. Be sure to remain calm especially when facing difficult situations. Establish ground rules and expectations about behaviors, be clear on what will happen if these rules are broken and always follow through with the punishment. Just as important is to acknowledge when your child has done something right. Ensure you give them praise and rewards for good behavior too. It is all too easy to focus on the negative and forget the good stuff.

6. Tell your child that you love them. ADHD sufferers are used to hearing how naughty they have been and they can often fail to realize that parents love them. By feeling loved and wanted children’s self-esteem and behavior can improve.

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If you manage to add these approaches when parenting a ADHD child you should find your job as a parent becomes easier and your child clearer on what is acceptable behavior. Stay patient, remain positive and don’t lose hope.

Gail