Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

by Lisa Beth Freedman MD The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that about 2 million children are diagnosed with ADHD. Characterized by a multitude of behaviors that influence attention and control, the condition is 5 times more prevalent in boys than in girls. The last decade has seen a steady rise in the prevalence of ADHD and subsequently, the number of children being prescribed various medications intended to improve their symptoms. Stimulant medications such as Ritalin and Adderall have proven quite effective at controlling the symptoms of ADHD but they arent for everybody. And secondly, they dont get down to the root cause of the problems. When it comes to treating disorders of the brain, which include depression, anxiety, insomnia, and ADHD, doctors have historically been limited in the tools available to test and treat these conditions. Due to practical considerations, we cannot simply open up ones brain to have a look at what might be causing problems. As a result, we have to rely upon questionnaires, self-reports from the patients and our own observations regarding what their issues are in order to properly diagnose a condition and then choose an appropriate form of treatment. Ultimately, improving treatment for ADHD requires a greater understanding of the brain and an improved set of tools for addressing the condition. ADHD is a complex process, controlled by the brain, which is considered one of the most complex systems in the entire universe. The brain uses a mixture of chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters, to control behaviors such as attentiveness, focus, and concentration. In some individuals, due to genetic and environmental factors, the neurotransmitter chemical messages can go haywire leading to the symptoms that define ADHD. Because the brain uses multiple different messengers to control behaviors, there may be multiple imbalances that ultimately lead to an ADHD diagnosis. The challenge for doctors and patients is to identify which chemicals are imbalanced so that the imbalances can be corrected with the appropriate interventions. Thankfully, medical laboratory science has advanced to the point where we can now perform noninvasive lab tests that can measure neurotransmitter levels. These lab tests identify which neurotransmitters are imbalanced and how severe those imbalances may be. With this useful lab data, more focused treatment decisions can be made that take the individual into account. In addition to lab testing that helps more clearly define what causes ADHD, natural treatment options that focus on balancing brain chemistry also exist. In some cases of ADHD, lab testing shows that certain neurotransmitters may be too high. In these circumstances, various herbs and nutrients can be recommended to cool down excessive neurotransmitter activity. Conversely, some cases show that there may not be enough of a certain neurotransmitter available. As a result, specific amino acids, the building blocks of neurotransmitters, can be recommended to support healthy messenger levels. In summary, ADHD is a growing health concern that requires some new angles for effective treatment. With the advent of lab testing and targeted treatment strategies, doctors and their patients now have an expanded toolbox from which to better understand what causes their condition and subsequently, more effective ways to treat it.