Attention Deficit Disorder
(ADD & ADHD)

There are a number of factors such as diet and specific nutrient supplementation that may dramatically reduce the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder.

• See nutritional recommendations for ADD
• See management tips and self-help

These are the most important supplements and recommendations.

Essential: Attention Gels 90 gels (ATTE4) - Attention Gels 90

Helpful: Zap the Gap Vocabulary Book (ZTG) - Zap the Gap Vocabulary Book (ZTG)

Neurological Dysfunction

The symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder are caused by a neurological dysfunction within the brain. Several studies using PET scans have confirmed that there is a definite difference in brain functioning between a group of individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and those without it. The underlying physiological mechanism which causes Attention Deficit Disorder is still not thoroughly understood and remains under scientific study. It is presumed that brain chemistry is out of balance and that specific chemicals called neurotransmitters may be lacking.

In two research studies, when Attention Deficit Disorder subjects were given their medication and rescanned, their brain activity appeared to be much more like that of the normal group. Another interesting finding of these studies is that the areas of the brain in the Attention Deficit Disorder group where brain activity was lower than in the normal group are known to be associated with such functions as attention and concentration as well as planning and organization. These are the very functions that are impaired in persons with Attention Deficit Disorder. PET scans are considered to be very invasive because they involve the injection of radioactive material into the individual and therefore are not appropriate for diagnostic purposes. To date only two studies of Attention Deficit Disorder using PET scans have been conducted.

Inherited ADD

ADD may be inherited or acquired. Genetics research has demonstrated that Attention Deficit Disorder runs in families, although the specific chromosomes have not been fully identified yet. Like many other disorders, a child may have the symptoms while his parents may not. Usually there are material or paternal relatives with the disorder.

ADD Due to Brain Damage

ADD may be acquired through various conditions causing damage to the brain. During pregnancy and delivery these include the drug use, toxemia, infectious diseases, overexposure to radiation, prematurity, and complicated delivery. After birth these include meningitis, encephalitis, seizures from fever, head injury, chemical/pesticide and environmental pollutants and lead toxicity.

Sweets - Partial Myth

Excessive use of sweets does not cause Attention Deficit Disorder though it may make the symptoms worse for some individuals who already have the condition.

Outgrowing ADD

Many children with ADD seem to "outgrow" it, and so we can cosider ADD also as a developmental disorder. Just as there is a wide range of skills in young children, such as when they begin to walk or talk, there is also a wide range in the age at which the ability to pay attention and concentrate develops. Such children have commonly been considered "late bloomers" as they catch up to their peers.

Many adults may realize they had once had a learning disability or experienced ADD as a child. Some people with Attention Deficit Disorder become very successful but others continue to have difficulty as adults. Without help from teachers, parents or professionals, these individuals had difficulty adapting on their own and experience life today as social drop outs of varying degrees. Therefore children who exhibit signs of ADD with companion learning disabilities should receive all the help necessary and available to spare them the unhappiness so often a part of their later lives.

The main drug treatment for ADHD, Ritalin® (methylphenidate), is similar to amphetamine drugs. Although methylphenidate is a stimulant, it has a paradoxically calming effect in individuals with ADHD.

Helpful Things To Do

Here's an excellent article by Malcolm Gladwell, from the 2/15/99 New Yorker: ritalin.pdf