Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is an increasingly common diagnosis among school children. ADHD is a behavioral disorder that statistics claim to affect 8-10% of the school age population. Children with ADHD have a difficult time focusing on specific activities, paying attention to details, and tend to act without thinking. As the name suggests, there is also an issue with hyperactivity. The child tends to be "all over the place" and cannot sit still for any length of time. ADHD tends to affect boys more than girls. The diagnosis of ADHD is not a simple act. There is no medical test and it requires a complete evaluation by medical doctors, psychologists and counselors. At this time, the exact cause of ADHD is not known, but continuing research has linked ADHD symptoms to various biological causes. Deficiency of essential omega 3 fatty acids has been shown to affect brain function. Omega 3 fats are essential in brain and nerve development. When children's diets have been supplemented with these fats (fish oil, flax oil), research studies have shown marked improvements in behavior. In some instances, ADHD type symptoms have been related to cranial subluxations. The bones of the head are joined together by sutures. These "joints" are moveable and if they become fixated or stuck due to head trauma, the result has a negative effect on the cerebrospinal system. Correction of the cranial fixations via cranial / sacral therapy or cranial adjusting has been shown to help children with ADHD and other various learning disorders. It is also well known that certain food additives like artificial colors, dyes, artificial sweeteners and sugar may affect behavior. Eliminating these additives should be the first step in a successful ADHD care plan. A team approach, involving a pediatric chiropractor, nutritionist, behavior counselor and holistic minded pediatrician, may be the best approach to eliminating ADHD from a child's life.

Thought for the Week: "Parents and professionals faced with the challenging task of treating ADD and ADHD in children commonly face an unfortunate situation, in which behavior problems at home and/or school have placed yet another pressure to opt for medication as the primary treatment. There is little doubt that the majority of these 'medicated' children will have benefits in their attention span, behavior, and other components of their disorder. And yet, the benefits of medication come with built-in risks from misdiagnosis, side effects, abuse, and unforeseen long-term complications." -------- John M. Dye, N.D.

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: A recent case study published in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal and Family Health, found a marked improvement in the symptoms of 3 1/2 year old boy presenting with ADHD, a history of birth trauma and ear infections using chiropractic care to correct spinal nerve stress. After one month of care, parents and teachers reported a decrease in hyperactivity, and in increase in attention. ---------- "Chiropractic Management of a Child with ADHD and Vertebral Subluxations, Journal of Pediatric, Maternal and Family Health, Pamela Stone-McCoy, BS, DC, FICIPA, Lisa Przybysz, BS, DC