Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is considered to be a condition resulting from a combination of lifestyle and environmental factors combined with a genetic predisposition.
Studies show that maternal factors such as smoking, alcohol use, nutritional deficits, a C-section, and a family history of ADHD can increase the risk of ADHD in a child. Childhood nutritional imbalances, dietary factors, brain injury, exposure to toxins (i.e. lead; pesticides), excessive television viewing, and allergens are some of the environmental or lifestyle factors that have been associated with the condition.
Standard treatment focuses on stimulant medications, non-stimulants that affect neurotransmitters, and antidepressants. Each has the potential for significant side-effects. See “ADHD Treatment: Taking the Road Most Travelled” for a summary of typical conventional treatments.
Due to concern over medication side-effects and lack of drug effectiveness for some children and adults, many people seek natural and integrative approaches to ADHD. Our article “Natural and Integrative Treatments for ADHD” describes some of the key interventions that are currently used.
Related articles are shown below. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can search using the box at the upper right of the page or browse our forums.
Sleep problems are common, and not just with children and teens showing signs of hyperactivity. But children with ADHD tend to have more sleep issues than many others. We’ve checked for suggestions from organizations that […]
New research is in: Exercise helps kids with ADHD symptoms. Gee, did we really need research for something so obvious? Apparently so, given that schools have been cutting recess and physical education (PE) from the […]
MARCIA GOMEZ Many parents seek to avoid using standard drugs for ADHD in a child. It’s well known the medications have negative side effects, often causing more harm than good. Progressive relaxation offers a safe […]
JAMES GREENBLATT, MD Dr. James Greenblatt is an advisory board member for ACN Latitudes and shared this excerpt from his book Answers to Appetite Control. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a medical condition associated with […]
Everyone knows that way too many kids are being diagnosed with ADHD/ADD, and at increasingly younger ages. The majority of these kids are being prescribed drugs—drugs that are known to have dangerous potential side effects. […]
The headline is true. So says a report from a study led by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. How did this happen!? When did the age of kids diagnosed with ADHD shift sharply […]
Environmental and Nutritional Tips to Improve Your Family’s Health This feature highlights reports, studies, and feedback from readers on efforts that can make a positive impact in the quest for health. We invite you to […]
The American Academy of Pediatrics has decided that kids as young as four years of age can be labeled as having Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD). The Academy recommends that they be given ADHD drugs after behavioral […]