ADHD....Why can't you sit still?

I'm sure most parents say this often, but what if it is a sign of something bigger? Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a real disorder and is commonly diagnosed in New Zealand, and in some cases, it is also misdiagnosed.

ADHD affects both adults and children; however, it's more noticeable in children; adults tend to hide their symptoms and have learnt coping strategies.

The symptoms of ADHD are more apparent when starting a new school, be that primary, intermediate, high school or university.

The common ADHD symptoms are

• Unable to sit still, constantly wiggling on their seat

• Not listening or following instructions

• Lack of concentration and focus

• Easily distracted and bored

• Overthinking things, misreading social cues

• Impatience doesn't like waiting for their turn

• Difficulty organising or completing tasks

• Prone to losing things, forgets things

• Often butts in and has problems regulating their emotions

• Waiting until things are urgent or overdue before starting them

I also see in my clinic patients with ADHD presenting with

• Mood swing

• Fatigue

• Irritability with anxiety

• Sleeping problems

• Trouble getting thoughts/ideas on paper, getting sentences to make sense

• Great long-term memory, poor short-term memory

*Most people have some of these symptoms sometimes; people with ADHD have these most of the time.

ADHD is not a behavioural problem. It's a common neurodevelopmental disorder that between 5-10% of school-aged children in New Zealand have.

Traditionally it was more commonly diagnosed in boys, however, recent studies show that rates are similar in girls. Girl's ADHD symptoms can look very different than that of boys; for example, girls may come across as overly sensitive or emotional. They might interrupt conversations and be very talkative.

Children with ADHD tend to present with other issues such as learning issues such as Dyslexia, Anxiety, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Audio Processing Disorder.

There are also many positive aspects of ADHD.

People with ADHD usually are more Imaginative, creative, enthusiastic, innovative, adventurous and curious than their non-ADHD peers. Many famous actors and Entrepreneurs have ADHD, as they can have an amazing focus on things that interest them, such as hobbies, sports or computer games.

People with ADHD are changing the world; they are the thinkers, the problem solvers, the future CEOs, and gold-winning athletes. They have the energy, passion and drive for change. As parents, teachers and caregivers, we need to encourage their passions and embrace their uniqueness while building their self-esteem, and let them know how special they are.

Our current school system is hard for these children; as children get older, they can grow out of some of the symptoms and learn strategies to cope with their ADHD.

There is no blood test or x-ray that confirms ADHD; It is a subjective diagnosis. Sometimes, those symptoms may be caused by other factors such as allergies, food intolerances, nutritional deficiencies, heavy metals or other medical conditions.

Currently, medications prescribed in New Zealand for ADHD are methylphenidate. This has a number of different names, such as Ritalin or Rubifen. Methylphenidate comes in different forms, and it may take some time for your doctor and you to find the best dose and timing.

This medication can work well, but it does have many side effects, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, reduced weight gain, insomnia, nervousness, depression, irritability, aggression, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, movement disorders, fever, rash, alopecia, and growth restriction.

It's important to note that this medication does not cure ADHD; it helps suppress the symptoms of ADHD while taking it.

There has been some fantastic research over the past few years highlighting the benefits of nutrients and their role in improving concentration levels.

Dr Julia Rutledge from Canterbury University has completed some promising studies on children with ADHD and nutritional therapy using Daily Essential Nutrients.

There are also studies done with Enzo (NZ pine bark extract) and improvements in ADHD symptoms.

Environmental factors

Some environmental factors can cause ADHD symptoms

• Increase heavy metals such as Lead, Mercury

• Exposure to Moulds and EMF

• Air pollution (children that live in the city have higher rates of ADHD then choose in the country).

• BPA from plastic exposure is linked with increased ADHD

Lifestyle

• Mouth breathing may lead to the induction of ADHD-like symptoms.

• Recent studies suggest that sleep deprivation and circadian rhythm disturbances can lead to ADHD-like symptoms.

• Gut disorders, the digestive system and the nervous system, are connected via a two-way highway known as the gut-brain axis. People with ADHD are more likely to have signs of gut dysfunction, such as constipation or diarrhoea, bloating, tummy pains, and food cravings for cheese, sugar and refined carbohydrates such as bread, biscuits and pasta.

Diet

• The diet is a major factor with ADHD; nutritional deficiencies such as Zinc, Magnesium, Iron, B vitamins, and Omega 3 are common.

• Diets high in refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, and chemical food additives, preservatives, process seed oils and low in antioxidants.

• There is a higher rate of food intolerances and sensitivities in children with ADHD.

Genetics

• 25% of children with ADHD will have a parent with a similar condition

• Studies show that people with ADHD have few receptors for dopamine

How can I help?

There are multiple factors that can influence the way our brain, neurotransmitters and nervous system work. It's important to look to see why / what could be done to help reduce ADHD symptoms. Fortunately, most of these can be assessed by looking at the health history and through functional testing.

Natural treatments for ADHD may include changes in diet, nutritional supplementation, herbal medicines and gentle lifestyle changes. Contact me today for an appointment.