The treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, remains controversial, especially since not all doctors agree on the diagnostic criteria and not all patients respond the same way to treatment. Most doctors try treating the disorder using a combination of medicine and behavioral therapy, but nutritional interventions have also shown promise in some people with ADHD.
ADHD
Kids with ADHD display inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness beyond the levels expected for their age. ADHD can only be diagnosed if the child experiences symptoms in more than one setting and if the symptoms interfere with daily life. Between 3 and 6 percent of children in the U.S. are diagnosed with ADHD. and symptoms typically appear before the age of 7. Children with ADHD can continue to display symptoms well into adulthood, but many kids outgrow the disorder as they get older.
Medical Treatment
Medical treatment for ADHD involves a variety of different medications, but the stimulant drugs Ritalin, a methylphenidate, or Adderall, a dextroamphetamine-amphetamine, are generally the first treatment most doctors prescribe. Other stimulant drugs include lone dextroamphetamines and other brands of methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine-amphetamine. Patients who experience side effects might need other options, including some antidepressant medications, drugs usually used for hypertension, and the medicine atomoxetine.
Nutrition Remedies
Many different nutritional interventions have been investigated for ADHD patients. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, including flaxseed, fatty fish and walnuts, might be beneficial for children with ADHD. Specific nutrients that could have an effect include magnesium, vitamin B6, iron and zinc. Some foods, particularly those with artificial colorings and food additives, might have a negative effect on some ADHD patients and should be avoided. Providing an overall healthy and balanced diet could help mitigate attention problems that might not be directly caused by ADHD. According to a 2008 study in the journal "Indian Pediatrics," children who eat breakfast experience better concentration and attention and do better in school than their breakfast-skipping peers.
Considerations
Treatment for ADHD should be tailored to the individual patient in consultation with a doctor. Using nutrition to help support ADHD drug treatment or behavioral therapy might help ease the symptoms for some patients, but it might take some trial and error to figure out which foods to eat and which to avoid for a given individual. Nonetheless, the first step to using nutritional interventions for ADHD is to ensure that the patient is getting at least the recommended daily intake of those specific nutrients that could have an effect.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) In Children; February 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; December 2008
- "Nutrition Review"; Nutritional and Dietary Influences on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; N. Sinn; October 2008
- National Institute of Mental Health: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- "Indian Pediatrics"; Breakfast Eating Habit and Its Influence on Attention-Concentration, Immediate Memory and School Achievement.; N.S. Gajre, et al.; October 2008
