Hyperactivity and Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) can severely disrupt a child's education and socialization process, incurring life-long effects if not properly diagnosed and treated. Increasingly, there is a tendency to prescribe stimulant medications, such as Ritalin (methylphenidate), to treat these types of disorders. While prescription drugs may sometimes be necessary for treatment of extreme cases, recently there have been reports of an epidemic of hasty misdiagnoses and overprescription. In fact, the rate of methylphenidate prescriptions for children in the U.S. has jumped three to six times in the last decade alone. In some locales, as many as 8-10% of elementary public school children take prescription drugs for ADHD symptoms.¹

Although drugs can sometimes provide a quick, temporary solution to hyperactivity and attention deficit-related problems, it's important to remember that pharmaceuticals simply treat symptoms of attention deficit disorders--not causes. When medication is stopped, symptoms may promptly return, setting the stage for possible lifelong dependence on prescription drugs. The following Genova Diagnostics tests can be used to detect possible causes and contributing factors linked to hyperactive behavior in children, and can provide the basis for natural, drug-free alternative methods of treatment.

Hyperactivity and Allergies

Numerous research studies have uncovered a strong connection between hyperactive behavior in children and the existence of food allergies.^1-3 One recent investigation done by Cornell Medical Center published in the Annals of Allergy found that 73% of children with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) responded favorably to a diet that eliminated reactive foods and food additives. They concluded that dietary factors play a significant role in a majority of children with ADHD.⁴

British researchers reached a similar conclusion in their study of 78 hyperactive children. A total of 59 children improved in behavior when placed on a special allergen-free diet. For 19 of the children, researchers disguised the allergic foods and additives by mixing them with other tolerated foods. Every one of the children exposed to allergenic foods showed a significant, specific worsening of behavior after eating. In fact, many parents commented that, after proper treatment for food allergy, "their children had become more manageable and more amenable to reasoning."⁵

In her landmark work, No More Ritalin: Treating ADHD without Drugs, Dr. Mary Ann Block describes her journey as a mother and a physician as she successfully treats her daughter for ADHD by addressing allergies and food sensitivities (particularly those mediated by the IgG antibody), along with impaired digestion, blood sugar imbalances, and problems with detoxification.⁶

Because allergic reactions may not show up for hours or even days after exposure to an allergen, it is extremely difficult to identify the offending substance(s) without proper testing. The Comprehensive Antibody Assessment requires a single blood sample to identify both immediate (IgE) and delayed (IgG) sensitivities to over 120 commonly encountered food and environmental substances. Results provide a firm foundation for designing an individualized diet plan that eliminates substances that may be provoking hyperactive and attention deficit symptoms.

References:

1 Tryphonas H, Trites R. Food allergy in children with hyperactivity, learning disabilities and/or minimal brain dysfunction. Ann Allergy 1979;42(1):22-7.

2 Boris M, Mandel FS. Foods and additives are common causes of the attention deficit hyperactive disorder in children. Ann Allergy 1994;72(5):462-8.

3 Egger J, Carter CM, Graham PJ, Gumley D, Soothill JF. Controlled trial of oligoantigenic treatment in the hyperkinetic syndrome. Lancet 1985;i:540-5.

4 Millman M, Campbell MB, Wright KL, Johnston A. Allergy and learning disabilities in children. Ann Allergy 1976;36(3):149-60.

5 Carter CM, Urbanowicz M, Hemsley R, Mantilla L, Strobel S, Graham PJ, Taylor E. Effects of a few food diet in attention deficit disorder. Archives of Disease in Childhood 1993;69:564-568.

6 Block, MA. No more ritalin: treating ADHD without drugs. New York: Kensington Books, 1996.

 

Hyperactivity and Element Imbalances

Hyperactivity can be triggered by nutritional deficiencies and toxic accumulations of certain heavy metals in the body. Because their bodies are smaller, and because their nervous systems are still in early stages of development, children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of element imbalances.

Lead is a potent toxin very commonly associated with a host of neurobehavioral problems in children, including hyperactivity, attention deficit, and other learning disorders. A leading expert on the effects of lead toxicity in children, Dr. H.L. Needlemen of the University of Pittsburgh Medical School has conducted scores of studies over the last 20 years clearly establishing the link between lead levels in children and specific hyperactive and attention deficit behavior traits.^1-4 Follow-up studies indicate that these effects often persist into adulthood.⁵

A common misconception is that lead exposure is only a problem for urban children of low socioeconomic status. Actually, lead toxicity can affect children of all backgrounds, because sources of exposure include not only lead-based paint, but contaminated soil, dust, food, and water--and may begin with prenatal exposure in the womb. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, an estimated one out of every six children in the United States has blood lead levels in the toxic range.⁶ What's more, researchers have discovered that the amount of lead necessary to produce central nervous system effects is far lower than previously realized.⁷

Several other element imbalances are also strongly implicated in hyperactive behavior. A pilot study on metal levels in the hair of hyperactive children, for example, found raised levels of manganese and reduced levels of zinc in comparison with controls.⁸ Another finding is lowered zinc and vitamin B-6 in conjunction with high lead and copper.⁹ And because deficiencies of calcium, selenium, zinc, and iron are thought to increase uptake of heavy metal toxins such as lead, aluminum, cadmium, and mercury, key nutrient imbalances can increase the likelihood of toxic reactions that trigger hyperactivity.¹⁰

Elemental Analysis determines levels of toxic and nutritional elements in the body using a hair, blood, or urine sample. Each specimen type provides a unique window into element status. A hair sample will reflect chronic toxic exposure and long-term nutritional deficiencies, while blood and urine assessment will gauge the effects of more recent imbalances. Possible treatments for element imbalances include chelation therapy, nutrient supplements, vitamins, water purifying systems, dietary changes, and other natural approaches.

References:

1 Needleman HL. The current status of childhood low-level lead toxicity. Neurotoxicology 1993;14(2-3):161-6.

2 Needleman HL. The neurobehavioral consequences of low lead exposure in childhood. Neurobehav Toxicol Teratol 1982;4:6, 729-32.

3 Bellinger D, Hu H, Titlebaum L, Needleman HL. Attentional correlates of denin and bone lead levels in adolescents. Arch Environ Health 1994;49(2):98-105.

4 Needleman HL, Gunnoe C, Leviton A, Reed R, Peresie H, Maher C, Barrett P. Deficits in psychologic and classroom performance of children with elevated dentine lead levels. New Eng J Med 1979:300(130):689-695).

5 Needleman HL, Schell A, Bellinger D, Leviton A, Allred EN. The long-term effects of exposure to low doses of lead in childhood. An 11-year follow-up report. N Eng J Med 1990;322(2):83-8.

6 American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Facts for Families: Lead Exposure, 1997.

7 Needleman HL. Childhood lead poisoning. Curr Opin Neurol 1994;7(2):187-90.

8 Barlow PJ. A pilot study on the metal levels in the hair of hyperactive children. Med Hypotheses 1983;11(3):309-18.

9 Pfieffer CC, Braverman ER. Zinc, the brain and behavior. Biol Psychiat 1982;17(4):513-32.

10 Needleman HL. The persistent threat of lead: medical and sociological issues. Curr Probl Pediatr 1988;18(12):697-744.

 

Hyperactivity and Fatty Acids

An inadequacy of essential fatty acids is one of the most widespread nutritional deficiencies among modern humans. This represents a serious potential health risk for children, in particular, since fatty acids are so crucial for proper growth and development.

Clinical controlled studies show that essential fatty acid levels are significantly lower in hyperactive children.^1,2 The British Organization Hyperactive Children's Support group conducted a detailed survey of hyperactive children and their families and concluded that "many of these children have a deficiency of essential fatty acids."³ This deficiency had a greater impact on male children, because their requirements for essential fatty acids are, in general, much higher.

Imbalances in fatty acids can be compounded by the zinc deficiencies often seen in hyperactive children, since zinc is necessary for converting essential fatty acids to prostaglandins--a crucial hormone-like chemical that regulates numerous cell reactions in our bodies.

The Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acids Analysis identifies levels of 30 individual fatty acids and 5 crucial fatty acid ratios, establishing a clear and solid foundation for designing the most effective supplement program possible.

References:1 Mitchell EA, Aman MG, Turbott Sh, Manku M. Clinical characteristics and serum essential fatty acid levels in hyperactive children. Clin Pediatr 1987;26(8):406-11.2 Stevens LJ, Zentall SS, Deck JL, Abate ML, Watkins BA, Lipp SR, Burgess JR. Essential fatty acid metabolism in boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Am J Clin Nutr 1995;62(4):761 8.3 Colquhoun I, Bunday S. A lack of essential fatty acids as a possible cause of hyperactivity in children. Med Hypotheses 1981;7(5):673-9.

 

Hyperactivity and Amino Acids

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often linked with neurotransmission dysfunctions of the central nervous system.^1-3 Serotonin, a chemical relaxant produced from the amino acid tryptophan, is normally present in high amounts in these areas. Research has shown, however, that children with ADD and ADHD often show deficiencies of plasma serotonin and tryptophan.^4-6 Additionally, the development of attention deficit disorder is linked to the amino acid tyrosine, which can influence levels of dopamine and norepinephrine--other key neurochemicals involved in the brain's excitant/relaxant responses.⁷

In comparison with other children, children with attention deficits may exhibit deficiencies in a wide range of amino acids including phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, histidine, and isoleucine.⁸ A variety of alternative treatment methods can be used to treat these imbalances. Researchers suggest that even subtle changes in diet can affect amino acids levels and thereby modulate neurochemical brain function.⁹ A promising study in China found that treatment with a natural herbal remedy increases levels of the amino acid creatinine and other important neurochemicals, reducing symptoms of hyperkinesia and improving performance in school.¹⁰

The Amino Acids Analysis uses a blood or urine sample to assay over 40 amino acids, including all essential, semiessential and protein-forming amino acids. Should test results reveal critical imbalances, an amino acid supplement schedule is included.

References:

1 Raskin LA, Shaywitz SE, Shaywitz BA, Anderson GM, Cohen DJ. Neurochemical correlates of attention deficit disorder. Pediatr Clin North Am 1984;31(2):387-96.

2 Malone MA, Kershner JR, Swanson JM. Hemispheric processing and methylpehidate effects in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder J Child Neurol 1994;9(2):181-9.

3 Hunt RD, Cohen DJ, Shaywitz SE, Shaywitz BA. Strategies for study of the neurochemistry of attention deficit disorder in children. Schizophr Bull 1982;8(2):236-52.

4 Irwin M, Belendiuk K, McCloskey K, Freedman DX. Tryptophan metabolism in children with attentional deficit disorder. Am J Psychiatry 1981;138(8):1082-5.

5 Comings DE. Serotonin and the biochemical genetics of alcoholism: lessons from studies of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Tourette syndrome. Alcohol Alchol Suppl 1993;2:237-41.

6 Comings DE. Blood serotonin and tryptophan in Tourette syndrome. Am J Med Genet 1990;36(4):418-30.

7 McConnell H. Catecholamine metabolism in the attention deficit disorder: implications for the use of amino acid precursor therapy. Med Hypotheses 1985;17(4):305-11.

8 Bornstein RA, Baker GB, Carroll A, King G, Wong JT, Douglass AB. Plasma amino acids in attention deficit disorder. Psychiatry Res 1990;33(3):301-6.

9 Zeisel SH. Dietary influences on neurotransmission. Adv Pediatr 1986;33:23-47.

10 Sun Y, Wan Y, Qu X, Wang J, Fang J, Zhang L. Clinical observation and treatment of hyperkinesia in children by traditional Chinese medicine. J Tradit Chin Med 1994;14(2):105-9.

 

 

References:

1 LeFever GB, Dawson KV, Morrow AL. The extent of drug therapy for attention deficit-hyperacticity disorder among children in public schools. Am J Pub Health 1999;1359-1364.