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Herbal &
homeopathic remedies useful in adults facing
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
HEALTH HERBS & NUTRITION
- REMEDIES - Mental Health and Behavior - Attention-Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral
developmental disorder affecting about 3-5% of the world's
population under the age of 19. It typically presents itself during
childhood, and is characterized by a persistent pattern of
inattention and/or hyperactivity, as well as forgetfulness, poor
impulse control or impulsivity, and distractibility. ADHD is
currently considered to be a persistent and chronic condition for
which no medical cure is available, although medication can be
prescribed. Although ADHD is most commonly diagnosed in children
but, over
the past decade, has been increasingly diagnosed in adults. About
60% of children diagnosed with ADHD retain the condition as adults.
It appears to be highly heritable, although one-fifth of all cases
are estimated to be caused from trauma or toxic exposure. Methods of
treatment usually involve some combination of medications, behavior
modifications, life style changes, and counseling.
Different types of ADHD
ADHD is a developmental disorder, in that, in the diagnosed
population, certain traits such as impulse control significantly lag
in development when compared to the general population. Using
magnetic resonance imaging, this developmental lag has been
estimated to range between 3 years to 5 years in the prefrontal
cortex of those with ADHD patients in comparison to their peers;
consequently these delayed attributes are considered an impairment.
ADHD has also been classified as a behavior disorder and a
neurological disorder or combinations of these classifications such
as neurobehavioral or neurodevelopment disorders.
Three forms of ADHD exist, ADHD-PI or ADHD Primarily Inattentive
(previously known as ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder), ADHD-PH/I
or ADHD Primarily Hyperactive/Impulsive, and ADHD-C or
combined
type. The majority of studies have looked at ADHD-C, with much less
work done on ADHD-PI.
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Distractibility |
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Difficulty with concentration and focus. |
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Short term memory loss |
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Procrastination |
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Problems organizing ideas and belongings |
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Tardiness |
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Impulsivity |
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Weak planning and execution. |
Not
all people with ADHD exhibit all symptoms. The Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders categorizes the symptoms
of ADHD into two clusters: Inattention symptoms and
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity symptoms. Most ordinary people exhibit
some of these behaviors but not to the point where they
seriously interfere with the person's work, relationships, or
studies or cause anxiety or depression. Children do not often
have to deal with deadlines, organization issues, and long term
planning so these types of symptoms often become evident only
during adolescence or adulthood when life demands become
greater.
According to an advanced high-precision imaging study by
researchers at the United States National Institutes of Health's
National Institute of Mental Health, an actual delay in physical
development in some brain structures, with a median value of
three years, was observed in the brains of 223 ADHD patients
beginning in elementary school, during the period when cortical
thickening during childhood begins to change to thinning
following puberty. The delay was most prominent in the frontal
cortex and temporal lobe, which are believed responsible for the
ability to control and focus thinking, attention and planning,
suppress inappropriate actions and thoughts, remember things
from moment to moment, and work for reward, all functions whose
disturbance is associated with a diagnosis of ADHD; the region
with the greatest average delay, the middle of the prefrontal
cortex, lagged a full five years in development in the ADHD
patients.
In contrast, the motor cortex in the ADHD patients was
seen to mature faster than normal, suggesting that both slower
development of behavioral control and advanced motor development
might both be required for the restlessness and fidgetiness that
characterize an ADHD diagnosis. Aside from the delay, both
groups showed a similar back-to-front development of brain
maturation with different areas peaking in thickness at
different times. This is in contrast with the pattern of
development seen in other disorders such as autism, where the
peak of cortical thickening occurs much earlier than normal.
The same laboratory had previously found involvement of the
"7-repeat" variant of the dopamine D4 receptor gene, which
accounts for about 30 percent of the genetic risk for ADHD, in
unusual thinness of the cortex of the right side of the brain;
however, in contrast to other variants of the gene found in ADHD
patients, the region normalized in thickness during the teen
years in these children, coinciding with clinical improvement.
Hyperactivity is common among children with ADHD but tends to
disappear during adulthood. However, over half of children with
ADHD continue to have symptoms of inattention throughout their
lives.
Diagnosis:
Many of the symptoms of ADHD occur from time to time in
everyone. In those with ADHD the frequency of these symptoms
occurs frequently and impairs regular life functioning typically
at school or at work. Not only will they perform poorly in task
oriented settings but they will also have difficulty with social
functioning with their peers. No objective physical test exists
to diagnose ADHD in a patient. As with many other psychiatric
and medical disorders, the formal diagnosis is made by a
qualified professional in the field based on a set number of
criteria. In the USA these criteria are laid down by the American
Psychiatric Association in their Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), 4th edition. Based on the
DSM-IV criteria listed below, Six or more of the following
symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity should have been present
for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and
inappropriate for developmental level:
Hyperactivity:
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Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat. |
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Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is
expected. |
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Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not
appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very
restless). |
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Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities
quietly. |
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Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a
motor". |
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Often talks excessively. |
Impulsiveness:
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Often blurts out answers before questions have been
finished. |
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Often has trouble waiting one's turn. |
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Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into
conversations or games). |
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Genetic Factors - Studies show that there is a
familial transmission of the disorder which does not
occur through adoptive relationships. Twin studies
indicate that the disorder is highly heritable and that
genetics contribute about three quarters of the total
ADHD population. While the majority of ADHD is believed
to be genetic in nature, roughly one-fifth of all ADHD
cases are thought to be acquired after conception due to
brain injury caused by either toxins or physical trauma prenatally or postnatally. |
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Environmental Factors - The estimated
contribution of non genetic factors to the contribution
of all cases of ADHD is 20 percent. |
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Head Injuries - Head injuries can cause a person
to present ADHD-like symptoms, possibly because of
damage done to the patient's frontal lobes. Because
these types of symptoms can be attributable to brain
damage, one earlier designation for ADHD was "Minimal
Brain Damage". |
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Diet - Studies have found that malnutrition is
also correlated with attention deficits. Diet seems to
cause ADHD symptoms or make them worse. Many studies
point to synthetic preservatives and artificial coloring
agents aggravating ADD & ADHD symptoms in those
affected. Older studies were inconclusive quite possibly
due to inadequate clinical methods of measuring
offending behavior. Parental reports were more accurate
indicators of the presence of additives than clinical
tests. Several major studies show academic performance
increased and disciplinary problems decreased in large
non-ADD student populations when artificial ingredients,
including artificial colors were eliminated from school
food programs. Professor John Warner stated,
“significant changes in children’s hyperactive behavior
could be produced by the removal of artificial
colorings and sodium benzoate from their diet” and
“you could halve the number of kids suffering the worst
behavioral problems by cutting out additives”. |
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Pre-Natal - The environmental factors implicated
are common exposures and include alcohol, in utero
tobacco smoke and lead exposure, believed to stress
babies prenatally. Complications during pregnancy and
birth - including premature birth - might also play a role.
It has been observed that women who smoke while pregnant
are more likely to have children with ADHD. This could
be related to the fact that nicotine is known to cause
hypoxia (lack of oxygen) in utero, but it could also be
that ADHD women have more probabilities to smoke both in
general and during pregnancy, being more likely to have
children with ADHD due to genetic factors. |
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Social Factors - There is no compelling evidence
that social factors alone can create ADHD. Many
researchers believe that attachments and relationships
with caregivers and other features of a child's
environment have profound effects on attentional and
self-regulatory capacities. It is noteworthy that a
study of foster children found that an inordinate number
of them had symptoms closely resembling ADHD. |
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Chemical imbalance - People who have ADD may not
be able to produce enough chemicals in key areas of the
brain that are responsible for organizing thought. |
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Brain changes - Areas of the brain that control
attention are less active in adults with ADD than in
people without the disorder |
ADD is often treated using conventional prescription
medications. Ritalin and the other ADHD stimulant
medications have sparked a great deal of controversy.
Often seen as an easy 'quick fix' they are prescribed to
treat symptoms but not the underlying cause of ADHD.
Often people feel that by researching alternatives to
prescribed drugs, they are in some way neglecting their
teen or loved one, and endangering their health.
Ironically, side effects of these prescription drugs
can seriously endanger a person's health.
In fact, investigating the possible side effects and
long-term impact of prescription drugs is almost
certainly viewed as an act of love. Educating yourself
on each of the prescription drugs used to treat ADHD is
a necessity if you want to provide the safest treatment
for yourself or for those you love.
There are some difficulties in using stimulants to
treat ADHD in adults. Stimulants are controlled
substances, and it is not uncommon for adults (including
teens) with ADHD to have or to have had problems with
substance abuse.
Short-acting stimulants may wear off quickly, and since
adult patients administer the medication themselves but
usually have problems with forgetfulness, consistency
can be problematic with multiple-day dosing.
While there is a place for prescription
medication in certain cases of ADD, careful
consideration should be taken regarding possible side
effects (there are many!) and cautions.
There are also alternative solutions for ADD and ADHD
available. Making simple changes in diet, sleep,
exercise, and routine can help. Even trying more
involved approaches like incorporating relaxation
therapies such as guided imagery, meditation techniques,
or yoga can be beneficial.
There are also many herbal and homeopathic remedies
which can help maintain harmony, health, and systemic
balance in the brain and nervous system, without side
effects or sedation. These products are known for their
supportive function in maintaining brain, nervous system
and circulatory health, and well-being, while reducing
or eliminating adult ADHD symptoms.
For adults and children alike:
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Ginkgo Biloba - This oldest surviving tree specie,
dating back to millions of years has predominantly been
grown in China till the 18th century. Then it came to
Europe and from there to United States. Leaves of ginkgo are
the ones having medicinal qualities and their main
constituents are ginkgolide terpenes and flavonoids -
antioxidants
that strengthen the blood vessels and improve the
circulation. Terpenoids (such as ginkgolides) improve
blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the
stickiness of platelets. These particular traits of
ginkgo are specifically useful in treating two age old
diseases – one related to memory loss and another called
acrocyanosis, in which there is a permanent bruising on
the hands and feet. In effect, ginkgo is being used to
treat memory loss for more than 5000 years in China. It
achieves this by counteracting the declining mental
faculties. It not only improves concentration and memory
but also reduces mood swings and apathy. This effect is
got as the active constituents of ginkgo fight against
the age related deterioration of blood vessels in the
brain. |
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Scuttellaria laterifolia (Skullcap) has been
traditionally used as an effective nerve tonic. It helps
to support the natural equilibrium normally present in
the mind and contributes to the maintenance of a healthy
attitude and even keel. Active ingredients include flavonoids, tannins, bitter, volatile oil and minerals. |
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Centella asiatica (Gotu cola) is found wild in
moist areas throughout Africa and Asia, this herb is
traditionally used as a tonic to support the healthy
brain and nervous system. Centella asiatica is
recommended to support brain functions such as mental
clarity, healthy memory and to maintain a balanced mood.
This medicinal herb is so highly respected in Ayurvedic
medicine for its effect on the mind that it is even said
to increase knowledge of Brahman - the supreme reality! |
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Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) is indigenous to
the Cedarberg Mountains of Cape Town, South Africa and
is not found anywhere else in the world! Rooibos contains magnesium, zinc and iron
which all assist in maintaining a healthy nervous
system. Zinc and iron, in particular, support natural
systemic balance in the brain, promoting standard
consistency and normal functioning of the nervous
system. Rooibos has strong calmative properties and is
known in folk medicine to help soothe and rejuvenate
common fatigue and everyday irritability. Rooibos may
also be used as part of your diet to support a healthy
immune system. Rooibos provides support for healthy
liver function, thereby facilitating toxin removal and
maintaining overall organ efficiency. |
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Kalium phosphate (derived from potassium phosphate)
is a biochemic tissue salt and a natural component of
all fluids in the body. It acts as a nerve nutrient, and
is naturally present in all brain cells and nerve
tissue. Kalium phosphate (also called Kali. phos.) is an
excellent nerve tonic and natural calmative, helping to
soothe nerves and lessen edginess. Kali. phos. supports
a healthy brain and nervous system, and can help relieve
occasional nervous tension in the body. |
For adults, to calm:
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Passiflora incarnata (Passion Flower) - All its
aerial parts; the stamen, three lobed indented leaves
and bright showy flowers that have white petals covered
over by pinkish violet filaments, have medicinal
properties. The main constituents are maltol, ethyl
maltol, indole alkaloids and various antioxidants.
Mainly maltol and ethyl maltol and to some extent the
antioxidants present impart the sedative property to
this herb for which it is quite famous. In effect it is
so effective yet gentle, that even children are given
preparations based on passionflower for treating
insomnia, anxiety and nervous system originated
palpitations and digestive problems. It is believed that
passionflower works by increasing levels of a chemical
called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA
lowers the activity of some brain cells, resulting in
relaxation. |
For children (to relax and calm down):
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Hyoscyamus (30C) has been known to help alleviate
common over-excitability, restlessness, and general
disruptive behavior in those who are sometimes hard to
control. This remedy also
provides general relief from sudden frenetic outbursts
and involuntary twitching or grunting. Hyoscyamus can
also be of benefit to people who have a tendency to
foolish behavior, who may display facial grimaces,
inappropriate behavior, and fidgeting hands. |
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Arsen iod (30C) is used to promote balance during
temper outbursts, but can also assist in suppressing
annoyance when confronted with trying and frustrating
circumstances. This proven homeopathic remedy is often
recommended for people who tend to be irritable and
restless, or excitable and impatient with sudden
outbursts. |
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Verta alb. (30C) can help bring about emotional
stability and soothe the nerves during tumultuous inner
struggles and conflict. Homeopaths often recommend Verat.
alb. for hyperactive children, or those who tend to be
critical and restless. A weak immune system is often
found, as well as cravings for fruit and ice cream. |
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Focus Formula
Promotes concentration, memory and
ability to focus attention without
distraction.
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Brain Tonic
Promotes brain health and maintains
healthy concentration, memory and
balanced mood in all ages.
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PureCalm
Aids nervous system in stress resistance
for balanced moods and feelings of well
being.
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In 1982, the NIH had determined, based on research
available at that time, that roughly 5% of children with
ADHD could be helped significantly by removing additives
from their diet. The vast majority of these children
were believed to have food allergies. More recent
studies have shown that approximately 60-70% of children
with and without allergies improve when additives are
removed from their diet, that up to almost 90% of them
react when an appropriate amount of additive is used as
a challenge in double blind tests, and that food
additives may elicit hyperactive behavior and/or
irritability in normal children as well. These allergens
include synthetic additives, dyes, and chemicals, which
are commonly added to processed foods. The yellow dye tartrazine has been specifically shown to provoke
symptoms in controlled studies of ADHD-affected
children. |
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Magnesium - Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include
irritability, decreased attention span, and mental
confusion. Some experts believe that children with ADHD
may be exhibiting the effects of mild magnesium
deficiency. Foods rich in magnesium are whole grains,
leafy green vegetables, millet, figs, meat, fish, Soya
beans, bananas, apricots, milk, pulses. |
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Vitamin B6 - Adequate levels of vitamin B6 are essential
for the synthesis of essential brain chemicals including
serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, the chemicals
affected in children with ADHD. |
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Zinc - Zinc regulates the activity of neurotransmitters,
fatty acids, and melatonin, all of which are related
behavior. Several studies have found that zinc may help
improve behavior, but the effects were modest at best.
Higher doses of zinc can be dangerous, so talk to your
doctor before giving zinc to a child or taking it
yourself. Foods rich in zinc are meat & offal, eggs,
milk, oysters, lentils, wheat germ, nuts, crab, chicken |
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Essential fatty acids - Fatty acids, such as those found
in fish and fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) and evening
primrose oil (omega-6 fatty acids), are "good fats" that
play a key role in normal brain function. Omega-6 and
omega-3 essential fatty acids are also helpful in
maintaining and repairing the central nervous system.
Omega-6 is derived from linoleic acid and found in
vegetable oils such as olive and sunflower as also
almonds and walnuts. Evening primose oil is a worthy
substitute as well. Daily requirement of omega-6 acid is
nearly 4g, equivalent to a handful of almonds or
walnuts. Omega-3 is needed in smaller quantities
(usually 2g is enough) and a handful of walnuts should
be sufficient. It is also present in adequate percentage
in rapeseed oil and herring. Basically, oily fish like
herring, mackerel, salmon and sardines, all are rich in
omega-6 and omega-3 acids.
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Massage - Relaxation techniques and massage can reduce
anxiety and activity levels in children and teens. In
one study, teenaged boys with ADHD who received 15
minutes of massage for 10 consecutive school days showed
significant improvement in behavior and concentration
compared to those who were guided in progressive muscle
relaxation for the same duration of time. |
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Feedback Approaches - A technique that uses auditory
(sound) feedback may prove to be an effective tool for
increasing attention. |
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Neurofeedback - This technique uses electronic devices to
help control brain wave activity. It also has been found
to be quite effective in alleviating the symptoms
associated with ADHD. |
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Interactive Metronome and Musical Therapy - Feedback from
sound is used to improve attention, motor control, and
certain academic skills. |
Tips for you as an ADHD Adult:
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Set aside a few minutes each night to schedule the
following day's events |
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Organize needed everyday items so you know where things
are |
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Use diaries and notebook organizers |
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Don’t be too hard on yourself or set unrealistic goals
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Activities to Pursue:
While there is no single activity that guarantees teens with
ADD/ADHD instant success, certain types of activities tend to
reap more positive results:
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Look for activities with a singular focus, such as
sports that center attention |
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Consider activities that involve movement, providing an
appropriate and controlled physical outlet |
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Learn to play a musical instrument |
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Seek activities that offer individualized instruction |
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Explore activities that result in tangible rewards
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Activities to Avoid:
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Involve a lot of down time |
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Require too much divided attention |
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Require fine motor skills |
Special Advice for Managing Teens with ADHD
Tips for you as a parent to help your ADD teen:
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Maintain as much routine and consistency as possible |
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Try to avoid major or frequent changes |
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Ensure that family relationships are stable |
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Be very consistent in your discipline and keep all rules
the same |
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Speak often to your teen's teachers |
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Engage in activities that promote concentration and
listening skills |
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Use frequent eye contact when speaking to your teen or
giving instructions |
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Keep directions simple and set simple house rules |
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Provide a structured outlet for hyperactivity |
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Teach using as many of the senses as possible and make
learning interactive |
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Review your expectations for your teen |
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Reward positive behavior immediately |
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Anticipate situations |
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Make sure your teen is supervised at all times |
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Learn and understand the symptoms of ADD |
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Schedule tasks and reminders |
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Organize needed everyday items |
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Use homework and notebook organizers |
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Set a homework routine |
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Focus on effort, not grades |
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Make a special effort to highlight positives in your
child |
Try
not to:
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Use physical punishment |
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Put too many expectations on your teen |
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Focus too much on the areas your teen is struggling with |
In
Case Of Children, The Following Are The Tips For Parents And Other
Caretakers
You may also try to limit the hours spent watching television
and playing computer games, especially those with a high
violence content. Television and computer games in excess have
been shown to affect the child's ability to concentrate at
school and can also cause reading problems in sensitive
children. It is recommended that there be:
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No television on school nights |
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Two hours in total during the weekend |
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No television before school |
While there is no single activity that guarantees kids with ADHD
instant success, certain types of activities tend to reap more
positive results:
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Look for activities with a singular focus such as sports
that focus (e.g. karate, judo) |
|
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Consider activities that involve movement, providing an
appropriate and controlled physical outlet |
|
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Learn to play a musical instrument |
|
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Seek activities that offer individualized instruction |
|
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Explore activities that result in tangible rewards |
Avoid
activities that:
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Involve a lot of down time |
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Require too much divided attention |
|
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Require fine motor skills |
|
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Focus Formula
Promotes concentration, memory and
ability to focus attention without
distraction.
|
|
|
Brain Tonic
Promotes brain health and maintains
healthy concentration, memory and
balanced mood in all ages.
|
|
|
PureCalm
Aids nervous system in stress resistance
for balanced moods and feelings of well
being.
|
|
|
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