The ADHD Generation
Last updated on February 13, 2023
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. According to CDC (Centers for disease control and prevention) it has been identified when a child may have difficulty paying attention and/or controlling their impulsive behaviours. They may act without thinking about what the result will be, or are overly active.Â
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Systematic reviews have shown that the community prevalence globally of children that have difficulties with overactivity, inattention, and impulsivity is an average around 5%. ADHD can often persist into adulthood and can also be a risk factor for other mental health conditions and negative outcomes such as educational underachievement, difficulties with employment or relationships, and criminality. Therefore, it is important to identify and treat children with ADHD promptly to improve long-term outcomes.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ADHD
Symptoms of children with ADHD can vary and can be serve that may cause difficulty at school, home or with friends:Â
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- OveractiveÂ
- Daydream a lotÂ
- Talk too muchÂ
- Forget or lose things frequentlyÂ
- Fidget a lotÂ
- Make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks
- Hard time resisting temptationÂ
- May not be able to sit or stay still
CAUSES OF ADHD
Current research has suggested that genetics may be one of the causes of ADHD. In addition to the link with genetic factors, other possible causes and risk factors include:Â
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- Brain traumaÂ
- Exposure to environmental risks during pregnancy or at a young ageÂ
- Alcohol or tobacco use during pregnancyÂ
- Premature birthÂ
- Low birth weight Â
CAN CHIROPRACTIC HELP WITH ADHD SYMPTOMS?
According to the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, there have been many people who have reported the benefits of chiropractic care that has helped their children manage the symptoms of ADHD more effectively. In one of the case studies, a mother reported her son responded negatively with stimulant medications prescribed, as it had impacted his weight and growth. After taking him off his medication at the age of six, his appetite and growth had increased but his ADHD symptoms progressively worsened. After taking her son to the chiropractor, at six weeks his teacher had noticed a sudden improvement in his concentration, school work and was able to answer questions correctly.
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Leading healthcare organisations have begun to encourage a more conservative approach to managing children with ADHD. In addition to conservative care, such as behavioural therapy, it has been shown in recent studies it may help eliminate the use of medications for nearly 40% of kids. According to the American Psychological Association, the first line of treatment for kids under 5 years old has been recommended behavioural therapy. Other recommendations include exercising to help elevate levels of dopamine and serotonin which may increase focus and attention. Reducing sugar intake while increasing protein and high-fibre foods may help stabilise energy levels.
WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Our practice has worked with families who have a child diagnosed with ADHD and with parents who are looking for more of a natural alternative therapy. We will also work alongside any other health professionals involved in the care of the child with ADHD for the best possible outcomes.
SOURCES:
Is Chiropractic effective for ADHD? (n.d.). Retrieved January 10, 2023, from https://chadd.org/adhd-weekly/is-chiropractic-effective-for-adhd/
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Sayal, K., Prasad, V., Daley, D., Ford, T., & Coghill, D. (2018). ADHD in children and young people: prevalence, care pathways, and service provision. The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(2), 175-186.
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Twenty-Year Trends in Diagnosed Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among US Children and Adolescents, 1997-2016. Pediatrics. 2018. Time. Growing Up with ADHD. 2018.
What is ADHD? (2022, August 09). Retrieved January 10, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html#:~:text=ADHD%20is%20one%20of%20the,)%2C%20or%20be%20overly%20active.
