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.
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MARY ANN BLOCK, DO, PA Dr. Mary Ann Block is Medical Director of The Block Center, an international clinic for the treatment of chronic health problems in children and adults. She is an expert on the treatment of […]
Environmental and Nutritional Tips to Improve Your Family’s Health This feature highlights reports, studies, and feedback from families on efforts that can make a positive impact in our quest for health. We invite you to […]
Environmental and Nutritional Tips to Improve Your Family’s Health This feature highlights reports, studies, and feedback from families on efforts that can make a positive impact in the quest for health. We invite you to […]
Toxic chemicals may be triggering the recent increases in neurodevelopmental disabilities among children—such as autism. attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and dyslexia—according to a new study from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and Icahn School of Medicine at […]
It seems like every week we read something new on the cause of ADHD: Pesticides. Herbicides. Cell phones. Environmental toxins. Maternal nutritional deficiencies, infection, and/or influenza. Chemical food additives. Exposure to smoke. Genetic variations. The […]
A recent journal article by William Shaw, PhD (left) details his claim that use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) is behind the dramatic increase in autism, asthma, and ADHD in the world. A researcher and director of The […]
Previous reports have raised concerns that the use of typical ADHD medications may be linked to cancer. Yet on November 19, 2008, Duke University released their research stating that methylphenidate and amphetamines (such as Ritalin and Adderall) “do […]
These letters were received from physicians who treated youngsters with ADHD and parents. Years ago, William Crook, M.D. shared some of the letters he has received from patients and physicians related to hyperactivity and attention […]