Prescription stimulant drugs (Ritalin, etc.) are used to treat symptoms of ADHD. Since they were introduced in the United States usage has grown rapidly. Now, the US accounts for 80-85% of the world's consumption of such drugs. Why such a high percentage?
The answer is in the way the US diagnoses and classifies ADHD.
Diagnosis
The United States has a standard way of diagnosing ADHD that is defined by a manual called the DSM-IV (see Diagnosing ADHD). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) has undergone changes in the past few years. These changes have broadened the definition of ADHD in the US. This is important because the guidelines of this manual guide physicians in the diagnosing process, which then determines whether or not medication is prescribed. Broadening the definition of ADHD leads to more diagnoses and greater consumption of prescription stimulant medication.
Classification
The United States has a unique way of classifying ADHD. Though the cause of ADHD is not known there are theories that classify the disorder. In the United States a biological understanding is favored, while much of the rest of the world favors a psycho-social understanding. Because the US looks at the disorder in a different way, we also use different methods of treatment. A biological understanding leads to biological treatment.
In other countries medication is used only as a last resort. Viewing the disorder from a psycho-social perspective encourages physicians to first turn to non-prescription solutions, particularly behavioral therapy. As a result, ADHD patients in other countries are getting treatment options that do not involve prescription medication.
But why?
Pharmaceutical companies have been known to go great lengths to drive the usage of medication. However, the predominant mediator of the potential market for prescription stimulants is the actual definition of the disorder. Once the United States began classifying ADHD and other psychological disorders as biological, usage of prescription medication skyrocketed.
Do pharmaceutical companies market more in the United States because of the broader diagnosis? Do the companies have an active role in shaping the definition of ADHD in the US? We do not know.
What we do know is that many other countries are predominantly using treatment methods other than stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. With the harmful side effects and habit forming nature of these medications, many Americans are also starting to turn to natural treatments (see Natural ADHD Remedies). Natural remedies can be a safe and affective way to treat symptoms of ADHD.
Should we in the United States really be so quick to issue prescriptions for stimulant medications?
References:
Vallee, Manuel (2009). ADHD: Biological Disease or Psychological Disorder? Retrieved from http://www.irle.berkeley.edu/culture/papers/vallee09.pdf
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Recommended Reading:
The Gift of ADHD
These books will change the way you look at ADHD.
It only took a few pages for us to fall in love with this book. It is a must read for anyone with ADHD or children with it. It will inspire you and cause you to look at the disorder through a completely different frame. If you don't have a copy of this book, pick one up and let us know what you think.
Here is the summary on the back cover of The Gift of ADHD Activity Book:
"When it comes to raising healthy, happy kids, positive encouragement and support can work miracles where attempts to change and control create frustration and resentment. In her first book, The Gift of ADHD, psychologist Lara Honos-Webb offers a positive, strengths-affirming new way to look at kids who present behaviors associated with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Instead of struggling to "tame" your easily distracted child, she shows you how to appreciate your child's creativity, sensitivity, and passion for living. In this book, she develops the ideas from The Gift of ADHD into 101 simple and engaging activities you can use to develop your child's unique strengths."
Customer Review of The Gift of ADHD:
I felt so vindicated after reading this book! After years of hearing 'professionals' tear my daughter down, and threatening to drug her, just because she didn't fit their mold, I cried when I read this book. The author has expressed in a clear and very insightful manner all those things I knew all those years! I want every person in the world to read this book. In my opinion, this is one of the most important books in the last two decades! Our kids don't need to be drugged up zombies! They need to be understood, and this author and this book can really help us all understand. I reccomend this for everyone, but it's a MUST READ for people with ADHD kids! OUTSTANDING!
Gift of ADHD
Gift of ADHD: 101 Ways to Turn Your Child's Problems into Strengths
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It only took a few pages for us to fall in love with this book. It is a must read for anyone with ADHD or children with it. It will inspire you and cause you to look at the disorder through a completely different frame. If you don't have a copy of this book, pick one up and let us know what you think.
Here is the summary on the back cover of The Gift of ADHD Activity Book:
"When it comes to raising healthy, happy kids, positive encouragement and support can work miracles where attempts to change and control create frustration and resentment. In her first book, The Gift of ADHD, psychologist Lara Honos-Webb offers a positive, strengths-affirming new way to look at kids who present behaviors associated with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Instead of struggling to "tame" your easily distracted child, she shows you how to appreciate your child's creativity, sensitivity, and passion for living. In this book, she develops the ideas from The Gift of ADHD into 101 simple and engaging activities you can use to develop your child's unique strengths."
Customer Review of The Gift of ADHD:
I felt so vindicated after reading this book! After years of hearing 'professionals' tear my daughter down, and threatening to drug her, just because she didn't fit their mold, I cried when I read this book. The author has expressed in a clear and very insightful manner all those things I knew all those years! I want every person in the world to read this book. In my opinion, this is one of the most important books in the last two decades! Our kids don't need to be drugged up zombies! They need to be understood, and this author and this book can really help us all understand. I reccomend this for everyone, but it's a MUST READ for people with ADHD kids! OUTSTANDING!
Gift of ADHD
Gift of ADHD: 101 Ways to Turn Your Child's Problems into Strengths
Comment and share below.
Natural ADHD Treatment
The number of children and adults on prescription medication for ADHD has skyrocketed in the past few years. With the dangerous side effects and habit forming qualities of the drugs, many are turning to natural ADHD Remedies and finding success.
Natural treatments for ADHD fall into three categories: natural supplements, diet, and behavioral therapy.
Supplements
There are many good natural supplements on the market today that ADHD patients are finding success with. One of the many advantages of these supplements is that you do not need a prescription to benefit from them. We have done the research for you and highlighted a few of our favorites here.
1. Protandim- This is a natural supplement sold by a company called LifeVantage. ADHD patients have found great success with this product. Protandim is made with an ingredient called bacopa. Bacopa contributes to brain health, improves concentration, and has a calming effect on children. Bacopa has been tested in labs and found to be very helpful with ADHD symptoms. We have chosen to highlight Protandim because of its success with ADHD symptoms, affordability, and its wide range of benefits. It has also had great success in patients with anxiety, asthma, diabetes, arthritis, etc.
For price and ordering information click here.
2. Focus Factor- This natural supplement was developed to improve mental clarity. When it comes to treating ADHD, brain health is the key. Focus Factor's blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega-3's are especially helpful for the inattentive type of ADHD. Remember these are natural supplements so if your child could use help focusing in school but has not been diagnosed with ADHD, focus factor can help you too. Another plus is that it comes in a chewable for children. We found a good deal on both Focus Factor and Focus Factor Chewable for you:
Focus Factor Brain Support Tablets 60 tablets
Focus Factor Kids Chewable Wafers 60 chewable wafers
3. Calm Child- This is a supplement made by a company called Planetary Formulas. Some of the highlight ingredients are chamomile and gotu kola. The mixture promotes calm behavior and focused attention. It has also gotten great reviews from parents who give it to their children before and after school. It is also affordable and easy for children to take the flavored chewable tablets.
Planetary Herbals Calm Child Herbal Syrup 2 fl oz (59.14 ml)
ADHD Diet
Although it is not a proven cause, ADHD has been linked to diet in many cases. This could mean experiencing symptoms as a result of food allergies or nutritional deficiencies. Making changes in your diet can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults and children. Like supplementing, a healthy diet comes with a long list of benefits and can be introduced to your life whether or not you have been diagnosed with ADHD.
We know how difficult it can be to change a child's diet, especially your child is experiencing a loss of appetite due to prescriptions. We want to give you practical help that you can imply. We understand that it may not be realistic to go gluten free, so here are a few easy changes you can make. Even if you can only change a few of these things, some is better than none.
Natural treatments for ADHD fall into three categories: natural supplements, diet, and behavioral therapy.
Supplements
There are many good natural supplements on the market today that ADHD patients are finding success with. One of the many advantages of these supplements is that you do not need a prescription to benefit from them. We have done the research for you and highlighted a few of our favorites here.
1. Protandim- This is a natural supplement sold by a company called LifeVantage. ADHD patients have found great success with this product. Protandim is made with an ingredient called bacopa. Bacopa contributes to brain health, improves concentration, and has a calming effect on children. Bacopa has been tested in labs and found to be very helpful with ADHD symptoms. We have chosen to highlight Protandim because of its success with ADHD symptoms, affordability, and its wide range of benefits. It has also had great success in patients with anxiety, asthma, diabetes, arthritis, etc.
For price and ordering information click here.
2. Focus Factor- This natural supplement was developed to improve mental clarity. When it comes to treating ADHD, brain health is the key. Focus Factor's blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega-3's are especially helpful for the inattentive type of ADHD. Remember these are natural supplements so if your child could use help focusing in school but has not been diagnosed with ADHD, focus factor can help you too. Another plus is that it comes in a chewable for children. We found a good deal on both Focus Factor and Focus Factor Chewable for you:
Focus Factor Brain Support Tablets 60 tablets
Focus Factor Kids Chewable Wafers 60 chewable wafers
3. Calm Child- This is a supplement made by a company called Planetary Formulas. Some of the highlight ingredients are chamomile and gotu kola. The mixture promotes calm behavior and focused attention. It has also gotten great reviews from parents who give it to their children before and after school. It is also affordable and easy for children to take the flavored chewable tablets.
Planetary Herbals Calm Child Herbal Syrup 2 fl oz (59.14 ml)
ADHD Diet
Although it is not a proven cause, ADHD has been linked to diet in many cases. This could mean experiencing symptoms as a result of food allergies or nutritional deficiencies. Making changes in your diet can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults and children. Like supplementing, a healthy diet comes with a long list of benefits and can be introduced to your life whether or not you have been diagnosed with ADHD.
We know how difficult it can be to change a child's diet, especially your child is experiencing a loss of appetite due to prescriptions. We want to give you practical help that you can imply. We understand that it may not be realistic to go gluten free, so here are a few easy changes you can make. Even if you can only change a few of these things, some is better than none.
- Eliminate dairy products (this one is huge).
- Drink lots of water. Our brains are around 80% water, and remember brain health is the key.
- Cut out as much sugar as you can.
- No fruit juice. If you can't eliminate juice, dilute it with water.
- No artificial sweeteners
- Limit chocolate
- No yellow foods, especially corn or squash (bananas are ok).
- No processed junk foods
- No processed meats or MSG (check the labels)
- Limit fried foods
- Avoid food colorings, especially red and yellow
If you are wanting to isolate an allergy to a certain food do the following. Cut out all these foods for a couple weeks, then introduce them one at a time. When your child starts to show symptoms again you have your answer!
Behavioral Therapy
In other countries behavioral therapy is a primary treatment for ADHD children. Because of this approach these countries also have a much lower percentage of patients on prescription drugs. Visiting a behavioral therapist can be a great way to help manage symptoms. See your doctor for an individualized plan. Generally, behavioral plans involves setting goals and implementing a plan.
Having a daily schedule in place is healthy for child development and critical for ADHD children. Print out daily schedule and hang it up in the house. Organization is another important activity. Help your child keep toys organized by creating a system that is easy to understand. These give your child a solid foundation and sense of stability.
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ADHD Treatment
The goal of ADHD treatment is to reduce the symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. There are different ways to treat these symptoms. Prescription medication, behavioral therapy, and natural remedies are all common ways to help treat ADHD. In the United States, the criteria for diagnosing ADHD is relatively broad which has resulted in the increase of prescription medication consumption (see Disorder NOT Disease). With the dangerous side effects and habit forming tendency of prescription drugs, many ADHD patients are looking to drug-free treatments. You might be surprised to find out how effective natural remedies can be.
Prescription Medication
Stimulants: These medications have been very effective in treating the symptoms on ADHD. Ritalin, Concerta, Dextrostat, Adderall, and Vyvanse are all stimulant drugs used to treat the disorder. Stimulants are the most common medications prescribed to ADHD patients. Although they are effective, they come with a long list of dangerous side effects, and can be habit forming.
Nonstimulants: Strattera (see Adderall vs Strattera) and Intuniv are two nonstimulants used to treat ADHD. One advantage of nonstimulants is the low risk of abuse or dependence. They work with brain chemicals to reduce the symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Although they are not habit forming, they do have other dangerous side effects.
Anti-depressants: These are also used to treat all three symptoms of ADHD. Anti-depressants can be an effective option for patients who have not found success with other prescription drugs. They are also an alternative for patients who experience harmful side effects with stimulant drugs, even though they come with their own list of side effects.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy for ADHD can be used with or without prescription medicine. Parents work with a behavioral therapist in order to set goals and establish boundaries for their child. Personal goals will vary with each individual child. They may be related to school work, home life, or social situations. It is important to provide ADHD children with an environment that provides rewards for good behavior and consequences for negative behavior. It is important to be clear with these family rules, and consistently follow through with consequences.
Behavioral therapy can be an effective ADHD treatment with or without medicine. Consult your doctor for advice.
Natural Remedies
Diet and nutritional supplements are two common natural remedies used to treat ADHD. The goal of these treatments is to maximize brain health.
Dieting for ADHD patients involves two things: consuming foods that reduce symptoms, and eliminating foods that make symptoms worse. Adding protein, complex carbohydrates, and Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce symptoms of ADHD. It is also helpful to reduce intake of simple carbohydrates like sugar and white flour. Preservatives and food coloring are also believed to make ADHD symptoms worse. Work with your doctor to come up with and individualized diet plan.
Supplementing your diet may be a good way to help treat ADHD symptoms. Some ingredients used are Ginko Biloba, Brahmi, Centella Asiatica, and Siberian Ginseng. There are a number of supplements on the market that have combined these and other ingredients. Watch for "spotlight" posts that report on the effectiveness of these treatments. Also check the natural remedies section for more details.
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Prescription Medication
Stimulants: These medications have been very effective in treating the symptoms on ADHD. Ritalin, Concerta, Dextrostat, Adderall, and Vyvanse are all stimulant drugs used to treat the disorder. Stimulants are the most common medications prescribed to ADHD patients. Although they are effective, they come with a long list of dangerous side effects, and can be habit forming.
Nonstimulants: Strattera (see Adderall vs Strattera) and Intuniv are two nonstimulants used to treat ADHD. One advantage of nonstimulants is the low risk of abuse or dependence. They work with brain chemicals to reduce the symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Although they are not habit forming, they do have other dangerous side effects.
Anti-depressants: These are also used to treat all three symptoms of ADHD. Anti-depressants can be an effective option for patients who have not found success with other prescription drugs. They are also an alternative for patients who experience harmful side effects with stimulant drugs, even though they come with their own list of side effects.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy for ADHD can be used with or without prescription medicine. Parents work with a behavioral therapist in order to set goals and establish boundaries for their child. Personal goals will vary with each individual child. They may be related to school work, home life, or social situations. It is important to provide ADHD children with an environment that provides rewards for good behavior and consequences for negative behavior. It is important to be clear with these family rules, and consistently follow through with consequences.
Behavioral therapy can be an effective ADHD treatment with or without medicine. Consult your doctor for advice.
Natural Remedies
Diet and nutritional supplements are two common natural remedies used to treat ADHD. The goal of these treatments is to maximize brain health.
Dieting for ADHD patients involves two things: consuming foods that reduce symptoms, and eliminating foods that make symptoms worse. Adding protein, complex carbohydrates, and Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce symptoms of ADHD. It is also helpful to reduce intake of simple carbohydrates like sugar and white flour. Preservatives and food coloring are also believed to make ADHD symptoms worse. Work with your doctor to come up with and individualized diet plan.
Supplementing your diet may be a good way to help treat ADHD symptoms. Some ingredients used are Ginko Biloba, Brahmi, Centella Asiatica, and Siberian Ginseng. There are a number of supplements on the market that have combined these and other ingredients. Watch for "spotlight" posts that report on the effectiveness of these treatments. Also check the natural remedies section for more details.
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Disorder NOT Disease
ADHD is a disruptive behavior disorder not a neurological disease. Yes, the difference is important, and yes we will explain why.
First the definitions.
Disease: A pathological condition of a part, organ, or system of an organism resulting from various causes, such as infection, genetic defect, or environmental stress, and characterized by an identifiable group of signs or symptoms.
Disorder: An ailment that affects the function of mind or body.
The exact cause of ADHD is still unknown. Research suggests that it is related to genetic factors. This research has not identified a gene that causes the disorder, although there have been studies observing the brain and showing links between ADHD, brain structure, and brain chemistry.
ADHD can not be diagnosed by blood work, lab tests, brain scans, chemical imbalance tests, or any other clinical means. It is diagnosed by observing behavior, and assessed based on the criteria of the DSM-IV manual (see Symptoms Checklist). This manual has been updated several times over the years, redefining the symptoms needed to diagnose a patient with ADHD. As the DSM's list of symptoms has broadened with the revision of the DSM-III in 1987 and release of the DSM-IV in 1994, the number of diagnoses has increased along with the consumption of prescription medication.
Other countries have adopted a different approach to ADHD classifying it as a psycho-social disorder not a biological disorder. This is important as other countries rely less on prescription medication to treat ADHD, and more on other forms of treatment.
With the dangerous side effects and even habit forming tendency of ADHD prescriptions, we encourage our readers to research natural remedies and other holistic treatment options. Natural ADHD treatments are also helpful for those who experience some symptoms of the disorder but not enough to receive an official diagnosis.
Check out our natural treatments page for some suggestions. If you have a natural treatment that has been affective in treating your ADHD, please share in the comments section below.
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Symptoms Checklist
ADHD symptoms fall into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. There are also three types of ADHD.
-Combined ADHD: This is the most common type. It includes all three symptoms.
-Inattentive ADHD: This used to be known as ADD. It includes inattention, but not the other two symptoms.
-Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD: Includes hyperactivity and impulsivity without inattention.
Here are some common symptoms experienced with ADHD from all three categories. Symptoms of inattention may not show up until children are in school. Some or all of the following symptoms may be present.
Inattention
-difficulty paying attention to details
-makes careless mistakes when doing schoolwork or other activities
-easily distracted by irrelevant things
-interrupts activities to investigate noises or events that are commonly ignored by others
-difficulty concentrating or finishing paper work
-procrastination
-forgetfulness in daily activities
-has trouble taking turns in conversation or frequently changes the subject
Hyperactivity
-fidgeting or squirming when seated
-frequently getting up from sitting
-restlessness
-running or climbing at inappropriate times
-has difficulty playing quietly
-talking excessively
Impulsivity
-impatience
-blurting out answers out of turn
-difficulty following social rules of conversation
-interrupts or intrudes on others
-starting conversations at inappropriate times
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-Combined ADHD: This is the most common type. It includes all three symptoms.
-Inattentive ADHD: This used to be known as ADD. It includes inattention, but not the other two symptoms.
-Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD: Includes hyperactivity and impulsivity without inattention.
Here are some common symptoms experienced with ADHD from all three categories. Symptoms of inattention may not show up until children are in school. Some or all of the following symptoms may be present.
Inattention
-difficulty paying attention to details
-makes careless mistakes when doing schoolwork or other activities
-easily distracted by irrelevant things
-interrupts activities to investigate noises or events that are commonly ignored by others
-difficulty concentrating or finishing paper work
-procrastination
-forgetfulness in daily activities
-has trouble taking turns in conversation or frequently changes the subject
Hyperactivity
-fidgeting or squirming when seated
-frequently getting up from sitting
-restlessness
-running or climbing at inappropriate times
-has difficulty playing quietly
-talking excessively
Impulsivity
-impatience
-blurting out answers out of turn
-difficulty following social rules of conversation
-interrupts or intrudes on others
-starting conversations at inappropriate times
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Diagnosing ADHD
The three symptoms or signs of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Symptoms that many children with or without the disorder experience at times. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD these symptoms should be inappropriate for the child's age or developmental level.
It can be difficult to diagnose a child with ADHD. There is no one test doctors can use to diagnose the disorder, and its symptoms are similar to other problems or learning disabilities. Since it is a disorder and not a disease (see Disorder NOT Disease section), blood work, x-rays, or other medical tests can not determine a diagnosis for it. Instead, doctors rely on the presence or absence of symptoms.
The DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) was developed by the American Psychiatric Association to provide mental health examiners help with diagnosing ADHD. It gives doctors a standard for assessing their patients' symptoms. For a free symptoms checklist visit the Symptoms Checklist section.
It can be difficult to diagnose a child with ADHD. There is no one test doctors can use to diagnose the disorder, and its symptoms are similar to other problems or learning disabilities. Since it is a disorder and not a disease (see Disorder NOT Disease section), blood work, x-rays, or other medical tests can not determine a diagnosis for it. Instead, doctors rely on the presence or absence of symptoms.
The DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) was developed by the American Psychiatric Association to provide mental health examiners help with diagnosing ADHD. It gives doctors a standard for assessing their patients' symptoms. For a free symptoms checklist visit the Symptoms Checklist section.
DSM-IV Criteria for ADHD
I. Either A or B:
II. Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years.
III. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home).
IV. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning.
V. The symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).
Based on these criteria, three types of ADHD are identified:
IA. ADHD, Combined Type: if both criteria IA and IB are met for the past 6 months
IB. ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type: if criterion IA is met but criterion IB is not met for the past six months
IC. ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: if Criterion IB is met but Criterion IA is not met for the past six months.
American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000
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