Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavior disorder that most often affects children but can also affect adults. Certain aspects of ADHD are controversial because there are no diagnostic lab tests and behavioral measurements are objective. Medications, nutritional therapies and alternative treatments exist that appear to help control ADHD symptoms; however many are still being researched for their safety and efficacy.
Causes and Risk Factors
The Mayo Clinic says researchers believe ADHD is caused by inherited traits and environmental factors, although much is still unknown. Possible causes of ADHD include altered brain function or anatomy, genetics, maternal smoking, alcohol or drug use or exposure to toxins during pregnancy, and childhood exposure to environmental toxins like lead. Premature infants and children with relatives who have ADHD also appear to have a higher risk for developing ADHD. According to Medline Plus (MP), ADHD is more common in boys than girls and often occurs with another developmental, behavioral or psychological problem such as depression or bipolar disorder.
Symptoms
ADHD is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. According to MP children with ADHD may not be detail-oriented and make careless mistakes, be disorganized, be easily distracted, forgetful or fidgety, have difficulty playing quietly or waiting for their turn and interrupt conversations or activities.
The Mayo Clinic says adult ADHD is characterized by difficulty focusing or concentrating, restlessness, impulsivity, difficulty completing tasks, disorganization, mood swings and volatile temper, inability to cope with stress and unstable relationships.
Medications
MP says children with ADHD who combine medication with behavioral therapy often have the best outcome. Stimulants, such as amphetamine-dextroamphetamine (Adderall), dexmethylphenidate (Focalin), Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat), Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) and Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, Daytrana), are the most common drugs to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine (Strattera), a nonstimulant drug, is also used to treat the disorder.
Common side effects of ADHD medications include difficulty sleeping, nervousness, loss of appetite, weight loss, headache, increased blood pressure and pulse, abdominal pain and mood swings. The Mayo Clinic says medications can also cause facial tics and in rare instances seizures, delusions or liver problems. Stimulants may not be appropriate for people with high blood pressure or heart disease and those with alcohol or drug use problems.
Nutritional Therapy
According to a March 2003 article by researchers at Brooklyn College in “Applied Psychophisiology and Biofeedback,” dietary modifications have been linked to an improvement in ADHD. Nutritional factors that may affect ADHD include the use of food additives and refined sugars and the presence of food allergies or sensitivities and fatty acid deficiencies.
One of the most well-known diets for ADHD is the Feingold Diet. This diet restricts all artificial colors, flavorings and preservatives as well as salicylates, a naturally occurring chemical found in many fruits and vegetables. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), scientific studies regarding the effectiveness of the Feingold Diet have had mixed results, although they showed that salicylates may play a role in hyperactivity. The Mayo Clinic says more studies are needed regarding the relationship between diet, ADHD and hyperactivity.
Vitamins and Minerals
The UMMC says magnesium, vitamin B6 and zinc supplements have shown to improve behavior in a few ADHD studies. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and L-carnatine, an amino acid, may also support normal brain activity and improve behavior in children with ADHD, although scientific studies have had mixed results and more research is needed.
Herbs
Herbal remedies have been used to improve ADHD, but many have not been scientifically substantiated are not federally regulated. People should not take herbs without consulting a physician. The UMMC says recommended herbs for ADHD include Roman chamomile, valerian, lemon balm, passionflower, ginko and American ginseng.
References
- “Applied Psychophisiology and Biofeedback”; Nutrition in the Treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: a Neglected but Important Aspect; R. Schnoll, et al.; March 2003.
- Medline Plus: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Mayo Clinic: Adult ADHD
- Mayo Clinic: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
