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
Comment and share below.
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.
Comment and share below.
Comment and share below.
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