ADHD - The Great Debate

Medical professionals and parents have debated for years whether this condition actually exists.  Parents of hyperactive children are in no doubt this is a very real condition however some medical professionals remain firmly on the fence.

The symptoms of the condition known as ADHD are the following; a short attention span, unable to concentrate, forgetful, careless, easily distracted, unable to sit still, excessive talking and impulsive behaviour.  Whilst this list is by no means complete, it does sum up the main behavioural aspects of the condition.  And therein lies the problem.  These are behavioural traits.  Some medical professionals believe that because ADHD children do not exhibit an easily treatable symptom then the condition is not a real condition and could be managed another way.  That is not to say that the suggested treatment of this condition doesn't work, it does and many parents are tremendously grateful for the psychostimulant drug Ritalin and such like.  However a backlash has begun in America against the systematic drugging of children and is likely to encourage a similar reaction in Great Britain.

Before ADHD was a fully recognised condition many of us would have used the symptom list above to describe our toddlers or teenagers.  The fact is that these symptoms are present in all children but now we have a medical reason for these symptoms.

The media attention given to this condition has ensured that every parent is fully aware of the condition and the treatment available.  This results in parents being single minded, closed to alternative reasons for their child's behaviour and not open to treatments other than drugs.

The fact remains that whilst Ritalin and other psychostimulants work, so do a great deal of other non drug related treatments.  Many psychostimulants have some quite severe side effects that are not echoed by their alternatives.  These drugs will only treat the symptoms of ADHD, not the reasons for it.  Unfortunately the treatment offered by doctors is Ritalin or nothing.  The alternative treatments of ADHD take longer to achieve results and will require willpower and perseverance as it's about re-education of the family as a whole.

Nutrition

What child would happily gobble up a plate of sardines for breakfast?  Research shows that many children diagnosed with ADHD are deficient in Omega 3.  This is found in many oily fish.  A study of children with ADHD showed that their learning skills improved dramatically when given a supplement of Omega 3.  A further study showed that children who ate a high protein breakfast performed just as well and sometimes better than those in their class without ADHD.  Whilst you would be hard pushed to get children to eat fish for breakfast you could offer them scrambled eggs and beans and a fish oil supplement.  Research into ADHD and nutrition on Google will also bring up other deficiencies and supplements you may want to consider.  Bear in mind that any supplement will take a while to work its way into your child's system and show results.

Behaviour

Your child needs clear rules and boundaries about what is acceptable behaviour.  This is true even if your child is being treated with Ritalin or some other drug.  Children love routine and perform well when routines are followed, get up at this time, school at this time etc.  All children benefit from knowing that an action has a consequence.  For example; Hitting your sister results in a time out.  Other consequences could be, a toy removed or missing out on a family treat.

School

Research shows that ADHD children perform best when there are little or no distractions.  Talk with your child's teacher to see what they could suggest.  Sitting at the front of the class avoids all the distractions going on behind your child.  After school classes that help children who have fallen behind are a good idea as the number of children in that class will be considerably lower than in a normal class and therefore less distractions.

Therapy

Your doctor or paediatrician may suggest seeing a behavioural therapist.  This talking therapy helps your child cope and understand their condition and reduce their impulsiveness.  It may be beneficial to attend the sessions as a family.

Taking a drug such as Ritalin will have an immediate effect on your child but may lead to a life time use of drugs.  The nutritional and behavioural treatments shown above will take a little while to show effects however these treatments will instil a healthy respect for rules and nutrition that will guide your child into a respectable and healthy adult.