By Dr. Katie Greeley B.S., D.C.

A Discussion of Natural Alternatives to Treat the Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder

In today’s society we have all heard or known a child that has been labeled or diagnosed with having attention deficit disorder or A.D.D. In fact it is estimated that 1.6 billion children are currently diagnosed with A.D.D. in the United States.

There is really no known cure or any clear objective test to diagnose A.D.D. Most of the time the diagnosis is made based on the opinions of the teacher or physician based on the following criteria as outlined by WebMD.

Some of those symptoms involve children that are in constant motion, children who fidget, don’t seem to listen or pay attention, talk excessively, and are easily distracted. Symptoms of A.D.D. can also be triggered by environmental factors such as traumatic events at home and diet.

While we all know that the drug of choice is the psychostimulants such as Ritalin, parents rarely get the list of symptoms of possible side effects or overdosing of these type of drugs. Some of the symptoms could include agitation, confusion, seizures, irregular heartbeat, headaches, muscle twitching, and or overactive relaxes.

These drugs according to the FDA have had the following effects “visual hallucinations, suicidal ideation, psychotic behavior, as well as aggression or violent behavior.”

Scientists have also reported that liver cancer in children have roughly doubled over the past two decades. Ritalin use in preteen children may lead to depression later in life. Ritalin and cocaine effects on the brain are very similar.(1)

Children diagnosed with A.D.D. seem to have some nutritional deficiencies such as Omega 3 fatty acids that are essential for brain growth and development and also mineral deviancies that help the body utilize amino acids to regulate neurotransmitter levels such as serotonin.

In fact results of a small study in France suggest that children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be low on iron. An iron deficiency could be a contributing factor to ADHD because it leads to abnormal functioning of the brain neurotransmitter dopamine.

In a series of studies that spanned for over 18 years and culminated in a double-blind trial, Schoenthaler et. al. found that a vitamin-mineral supplement produced significantly less antisocial behavior than did placebos in healthy elementary school children and teenage delinquents. (2)

Many researchers are suggesting that the rise in diagnosis of ADHD is due to several factors, which include dietary factors, long-term adverse results of medications and immunizations, and neurological factors from interference to the nervous system. Instead of drugging our children Dr. Doris Rapp M.D. feels “that drugs should be the last choice in treatment especially since they come with a long list of side effects.”

According to a study done on the effects of chiropractic treatment on students with learning and behavioral impairments an 8 year old with severe behavioral problems with Ritalin increased 10 times the initial dosage after chiropractic care the Ritalin was discontinued and grades went up one letter and attitude was excellent. Behavior at home and school was exemplary.

Let’s review a few steps to take if our children manifest some of the symptoms of A.D.D.

1. Look at home life; was there any thing traumatic like divorce, death, new baby, etc.
   • Possibly seek professional help or therapy
2. Look at diet, is it full of refined sugars, flour, food dyes, and preservatives.
   • Try to eat more organic and raw foods less boxed or prepackaged.
   • Add omega fatty acids and a vitamin/mineral supplement for kids.
3. Have your child’s nervous system evaluated by a chiropractor that specializes in children.
   • Possible pressure on the nerve roots that come from the neck.
4. Sit in the classroom and make sure the child is being properly challenged and well organized.

Sources:

(1). http://my.webmd.com/content/article/78/95700.htm?lastselectedguid={5FE84E90-BC77-4056-A91C-9531713CA348}

(2). Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, December 2004

Schoenthaler SJ. Nutritional deficiencies and behavior. In: Bellanti JA, Crook WG, Layton RE, eds. “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Causes and Possible Solutions” (Proceedings of a Conference). Jackson, TN: International Health Foundation; 1999.

Cynthia Haines, MD, WebMD, October 2005.

June 29, 2005 the Wall Street Journal Online by Jennifer Corbett Dooren titled: “FDA Wants Label Changes For Some ADHD Drugs.” The URL for the entire article is http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB111998399463271852,00.html?mod=home_whats_news_u

British Medical Journal 2002 (June 1): 324 (7349): 1296
“The effects of chiropractic treatment on students with learning and behavioral impairments due to neurological dysfunction,” Walton E.V., Walton PHD, 1975

About the Author:

Dr. Katie Greeley is a chiropractor and a mother of two living in Simi Valley, California. She has taken extra courses on pediatrics above and beyond the regular doctorate degree. Dr. Greeley is the owner of the practice United Family Chiropractic is located in Wood Ranch at 1070 Country Club Dr. West #D Simi Valley, Ca. Her office can be reached at 805-522-2324 for further questions.