Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complicated behavioral disorder that affects 3 to 5 percent of school-age children—90 percent of whom are boys. ADHD is a biological disorder caused by irregularities in brain chemistry, and it usually continues throughout life. Diagnosis is difficult, particularly in adults, because symptoms are similar to those seen in other illnesses. In order to be classified as ADHD, symptoms must have appeared before the age of 7 years, and must be causing significant disruption across several settings such as at home, school, or socially for at least six months.

The following are indications of a person with ADHD.

• Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
• Easily distracted when playing or doing tasks
• Does not seem to listen when spoken to
• Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish work
• Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
• Avoids or dislikes tasks that require a lot of concentration
• Loses things; forgetful
• Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat; leaves seat
• Runs or climbs excessively in inappropriate situations, restless
• Difficulty playing quietly
• Acts as if "driven by a motor;" acts without thinking first
• Talks excessively
• Blurts out answers before questions are completed
• Has a hard time waiting for a turn; interrupts others

ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, poor teachers, too much television, or excess sugar. The following are some likely causes.

• Biological factors having to do with brain activity
• Environmental factors including low birth weight, lack of oxygen (hypoxia) at birth, and fetal exposure to toxins such as lead or mercury, alcohol, cocaine, and nicotine.
• Children of fathers with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD.
• Nutritional factors: many specialists believe allergies to food, food colorings or additives, or sugar, as well as low levels of certain vitamins and other nutrients, can cause or aggravate symptoms.

Your child's provider will ask for a detailed history from you and others who spend time with the child, and will review your child's report cards for comments on behavior. He or she may also spend time observing your child in a comfortable setting, such as a playroom.

Treatment is most effective with a combination of medicine and behavioral therapies. Behavioral modification techniques include the following.

• Rewarding good behavior instead of punishing bad
• Specific and positive incentives or rewards
• Exercises and activities to improve learning deficits
• Designing an individual educational program
• Activities such as sports, music, games, or other special interests

Medications used to treat ADHD include Dexedrine, Cylert, and Ritalin. Antidepressants may be prescribed in some cases.

Many parents seek alternative treatment for ADHD, because of concerns with the effects of chronic drug therapy in young children. Some, but not all, children respond dramatically to dietary changes. The doses listed are for children. For adults, increase the dose by 1¹/2 to 2 times.

• Essential fatty acids help regulate inflammation and nervous irritability. Reduce animal fats and increase fish and vegetable oil intake, especially olive and grape seed oils. A mix of omega-6 (evening primrose) and omega-3 (flaxseed) may be best (2 tbsp. oil per day or 1,000 to 1,500 mg twice per day). For children under 10, cod liver oil may be the most effective (1 tsp. per day).
• Foods containing salicylates (almonds, apples, berries, tomatoes, oranges) may be another dietary factor affecting ADHD. A possible mechanism is related to prostaglandin metabolism. Common food sensitivities are dairy, corn, wheat, soy, and eggs.
• Vitamins: C (1,000 mg twice per day), E (400 IU per day), B-complex (50 to 100 mg per day)
• Minerals: Calcium and magnesium (250 to 500 mg per day), especially before bed

Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 to 4 cups per day.

• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis): mild sedative, relieves spasms
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): mild sedative and blood purifier
• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita): reduces swelling and spasms
• Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata): relieves nervous gastrointestinal complaints
• Linden (Tilia cordata): mild sedative, antispasmodic
• Catnip (Nepeta cataria): helps you relax and relieves spasms
• Kava kava (Piper methysticum): anti-anxiety

A combination of four to six of the above herbs (1 cup tea two to three times per day, or 30 to 60 drops tincture) can be helpful.

Some of the more common remedies for ADHD are listed below.

• Chamomilla for a person who is irritable and easily distracted
• Arsenicum album for anxiety, especially with stomach pains and insomnia or restless sleep
• Argentum nitricum for anxious children that may be very cheerful

Adults, and some children, respond well to acupuncture to treat ADHD.

Parents can be taught massage techniques to use on their children.

ADHD can affect people throughout their lives. A team approach to care and emotional support is necessary to help you cope with its impact.

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