The number of U.S. children between 3 and 17 years of age living with ADHD as of February 2011 is approximately 5 million, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Medication is usually the first treatment option, but many ADHD drugs have serious side effects. Another option does exist -- changing your child's diet. Before discontinuing medications, speak to the doctor. An abrupt interruption of treatment may have unpleasant repercussions.
ADHD Basics
The most common symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity, being impulsive and an inability to pay attention or stay on task. Your child may experience one or all three, but to be diagnosed, he must display these symptoms consistently for at least six months. The symptoms must also appear before the age of 7, explains the Attention Deficit Disorder Foundation. Therapy and counseling are additional forms of treatment, teaching both children and parents coping skills.
Common Medications
ADHD medications are comparable to nasal decongestants; they help relieve the symptoms, but are not a cure for the underlying problem. ADHD drugs fall under two categories -- stimulant or non-stimulant. The stimulants break down further, giving your physician the option of short- and long-lasting doses. Effects of the short-acting last a few hours, requiring two or three doses per day, while the long-lasting remain active between eight and 12 hours, requiring one dose, explains HelpGuide.org. Non-stimulants are taken once a day and last for more than 24 hours. Ritalin and Adderall are among the most common stimulants, while Strattera is the most common non-stimulant.
Possible Side Effects
All stimulant medications can cause side effects such as restlessness, loss of appetite, upset stomach, irritability, dizziness, insomnia, headaches, depression and a racing heartbeat. Changes in personality is another issue; some children become withdrawn or less talkative, others listless and less spontaneous. HelpGuide.org notes sudden death has occurred in both children and adults with heart problems who take stimulants for ADHD. These drugs may have a negative, long-term effect on your child's brain development and result in abuse with your teen due to addiction. Common side effects of non-stimulants include sleepiness, abdominal pain, dizziness, mood swings, headache, nausea and vomiting. Non-stimulants may also increase suicidal thoughts in children and teens, especially those who are bipolar or are depressed.
The Diet Alternative
Doug Cowan, Psy.D. states ADHD has been linked to diet, namely food allergies and nutritional deficiencies. Although medications help to relieve the symptoms for your child, eliminating certain foods may completely eliminate the symptoms. This is an area of debate, as researchers believe there is no dietary link and feel medication is the only tratment option. Many families of ADHD children will disagree, as most have observed a reduction, or complete elimination of, ADHD symptoms in their child by following the recommended diet for children with this disorder. Cowan recommends trying to get to the root of the problem before placing your child on medication. He suggests buying as many organic products as possible; cleansing the body of toxic pesticides helps it to function better. For the first two weeks you cannot eat any dairy products; rice or almond milk are allowed. Water is the healthiest option -- seven to 10 glasses per day. No yellow food or junk food. Reduce sugar, chocolate and fried food consumption by 90 percent; keep the diet as all-natural as possible. No artificial sweeteners, processed meats or added MSG. After the initial two weeks, you begin adding all these foods in, but one food every other day. Cowan emphasizes eating large amounts of that food for four days. An allergic reaction will be obvious and may be the cause of your child's ADHD. He adds that breakfast should be 60 percent protein, 40 percent carbs. Elminate breakfast cereal and milk; protein shakes are a healthy breakfast alternative. Finally, eat as many fruits and vegetables as you can.
References
- Attention Deficit Disorder Association; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD) Fact Sheet; Peter Jaksa, Ph.D.; 1998
- HelpGuide.org; ADD/ADHD Medications; Melinda Smith, M.A., et al.; September 2010
- OneADDPlace.com; ADHD Diet; Doug Cowan, Psy.D., MFCC
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; February 2011
