A child’s health is of utmost importance to a parent. We want our children to grow into well-adjusted people who can effectively navigate a complicated world. Their growth and development is an integral part of this process. For this reason, it is important to take into consideration and note the diagnosis of ADHD. It is among the most common neurodevelopmental disorders affecting children with an estimated 5-9% diagnosed. Symptoms may begin at a fairly young age, during the developmental stages when key foundations of academic and educational skills are being taught. ADHD exists as a spectrum, ranging from moderate to severe cases, with symptoms ranging from challenges regarding attention and hyperactivity, organization, and emotional regulation. Children may also have difficulty with impulsivity, working memory and processing speed.
Conventional and Alternative Options for ADHD
As with any mental health concern, it is extremely important to take a holistic approach to treatment. This means considering all the potential options, both conventional and alternative when managing ADHD symptoms.
Currently, stimulant medications are the most widely used form of conventional treatment. Although highly effective, making the decision to start medication can be challenging, especially when taking into account potential side effects. While the medication may assist in managing symptoms and behaviors it’s critical to keep in mind and consider the root cause of these challenges and underlying causes in the brain specifically.
In terms of ADHD and the brain, there is neural hyperactivity at the norepinephrine receptor which can lead patients to struggle with focus and concentration, and potentially cause anxiety. With specialized nutrient testing in my practice, we can uncover imbalances in specific nutrients that affect these neurotransmitters. This can help to determine a patient’s biochemistry and develop an individualized treatment plan aimed at balancing brain chemistry. The objective here is to offer a wide range of treatment options, some of which are natural, that can be combined with conventional therapy to offer better results with less potential side effects, all while considering environmental factors that may be worsening symptoms such as poor sleep habits, and diet.
