According to an International Study published in 2003 of the Official Journal of World Psychiatry "attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder believed to affect up to one in 20 children in the U.S.A." Attention deficit and attention deficit/hyperactivity has been researched extensively in the United States since the 1970s. It affects toddlers, children, teens and adults.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a learning disability characterized by inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. When it occurs without the impulsivity and hyperactivity, it is termed attention deficit disorder (ADD). There are a variety of prescription medications on the market for these diseases, but there are also some natural alternatives or supplements to medication.
Diet
There is a great deal of anecdotal evidence regarding the effects of diet on attention deficit disorders (ADD). According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, "several well-conducted studies have failed to support dietary effects of sugar and food additives on behavior." They do, however, point out that studies show that restricting possible food allergens do show behavioral improvement.
The most popular diet for ADD is the Feingold diet. It eliminates salicylate acid (the compound in aspirin), artificial synthetic coloring, artificial synthetic flavoring, aspartame (Nutrasweet, artificial sweetener) and artificial synthetic preservatives such as BHA, BHT, TBHQ. Most aspects of this healthy diet are backed by scientific evidence from the National Institute of Health.
Exercise
There is also good anecdotal evidence that exercise at least three days a week can increase brain function and the ability to attend. John Ratey, M.D., and author of many articles and books on learning disabilities and ADD, explains that exercise increases the neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine---both of which are important in regulating the attention system. Regular physical activity has the potential to raise the baseline levels of dopamine and norepinephrine by spurring the growth of new receptors in certain brain areas. Amelia Russ-Neustadt, M.D., Ph.D., a neuroscientist and psychiatrist at California State University, points out that exercise helps balance norepinephrine in the brain stem's arousal center and improves the tone of the locus coeruleus, which results in people who exercise regularly being less prone to react out of proportion. People are also reported to feel less irritable.
Designing your environment
Eliminate distractibility to the extent possible in a work or study environment. Schools that cater to attention deficit disorder children may have the blinds drawn during lessons and they may minimize attractive bulletin board information. Homework should be completed free of television or radios.
"Additude Magazine", which focuses on ADD and learning disabilities, indicates that organization is one of the keys to managing ADD better. Simplify the flow of paper, color code subject matter. Patients are encouraged to develop routines for daily tasks, such as leaving school and laying out material in the evening for school the next day. It is recommended to break large tasks into manageable pieces. Design in success by determining the length of time attention can be given and then take a break and come back to the work. Using a kitchen timer may help.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - Other Treatments
- Feingold Association of the United States
- Additude: Exercise: An Alternative ADHD Treatment
- Lawrence School Teaching Methods
- Pub Med: Official Journal of the World Psychiatric Association: The worldwide prevalence of ADHD: is it an American condition?
