BACKGROUND: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders that develop in children. Children with ADHD have problems functioning in the home, school, and in relationships with children the same age. It is estimated that between 3 percent and 5 percent of children have ADHD, or approximately 2 million children in the United States. This means that in a classroom of 25 to 30 children, it is likely that at least one will have ADHD. The principal characteristics of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Because many normal children may have these symptoms at lower levels, it is very important for the child to be thoroughly examined by a health professional with the correct qualifications.

TREATMENTS: There are many treatment options for children with ADHD. Deciding on which one works best for a particular child takes careful consideration of the child's particular manifestations of the disorder and which treatments the parents are comfortable with.

STIMULANTS: For decades, medications have been used to treat the symptoms of ADHD. The medications that seem to be the most effective are a class of drugs known as stimulants. These include: Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta, and Focalin. If the child does not show symptom improvement after taking a medication for a week, the doctor may try adjusting the dosage. If there is still no improvement, the child may be switched to another medication. About one out of 10 children are not helped by a stimulant medication.

NON-STIMULANTS: The medication, Strattera, or atomoxetine, works on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, whereas the stimulants primarily work on dopamine. Both of theses neurotransmitters are believed to play a role in ADHD. Recent reports have linked this drug with an increase in suicidal thinking. The possible side effect seems to be rare and cannot conclusively be blamed on Strattera as the direct cause. The FDA is requiring the drug maker to include a black box warning on all packaging for the medication.

DIET MODIFICATION: Some studies have shown that certain foods can aggravate ADD and ADHD. Different foods appear to have different affects depending on the child. Identifying which food groups to increase or decrease takes a process of trial and error. The five most common foods to affect a child are wheat, dairy, citrus, eggs, and corn. Wendy Weber, N.D., is a naturopathic doctor at Bastyr University in Seattle. She says children will show physical signs of food sensitivities, like appearing tired or having dark circles under their eyes. They may also have increased tendencies toward hyperactivity and lack on concentration when the offending foods are consumed. Dr. Weber says between 10 percent and 15 percent of kids will not respond to this kind of treatment.

For More Information, Contact:
Kathleen Warren
Media and Community Relations
Bastyr University
1450 Juanita Dr. NE
Kennmore, WA 98028-4966
(425) 602-3103
http://www.bastyr.edu