ADHD
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder:
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neuro-developmental condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It is most commonly identified in children, though it is often diagnosed into adulthood. ADHD is a lack of control over attention, which affects an individual’s ability to focus, regulate their impulses, and control their behaviour in various settings, such as at school, work, or in social environments.
ADHD can be difficult to diagnose, without embarking upon medication and monitoring on the results of that change. Symptoms used to help diagnose ADHD include:
- Inattention: Difficulty with focus, frequent forgetfulness, avoidance of tasks, losing items, easily distracted, struggling to complete tasks, difficulty following instructions
- Hyperactivity: Restlessness, fidgeting, difficulty staying seated, excessive talking, inability to wait one’s turn or join in quiet activities
- Impulsivity: Interrupting others, acting without thinking, acting without considering consequences
Consequences of ADHD include increased risk of accidents and suicide, leading to a life expectancy of around 10 years less than the population. Those with ADHD tend to have more issues with substance addiction, nearly double the usual population, with men have more issues than women.
Possible causes:
The exact cause of ADHD is not entirely understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Studies suggest that there may be a hereditary component, as ADHD tends to run in families. Brain structure and function abnormalities have also been noted, particularly in regions involved with attention and impulse control. The pre-frontal cortex shows less capacity to appropriately coordinate with related brain networks, leading to difficulty with focus and more background noise.
ADHD is impacted by imbalances in regulation of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which are essential for control of attention and impulses. Those with ADHD often have low levels of dopamine. When dopamine levels are insufficient, there may be unregulated firing of neurons, affecting attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. .
Exacerbating issues:
Food allergies where incompletely digested food or reactive substances enters the bloodstream and affects the nervous system, affecting communication.
Hypoglycaemia leads to hyperactivity as adrenaline and other stimulants are secreted in response to low blood sugar, and ADHD people often forget to eat at regular intervals.
Food additives (up to 3000 are implicated in ADHD) inhibit detoxifying enzymes which results in over toxicity and an increased amount of adrenaline and noradrenaline in the blood.
Pollutants from environment, pre-natal exposure to tobacco, alcohol, or drugs can generate free radicals which destroy cell membranes and cause inflammation.
Standard Treatment Options:
Treating ADHD typically involves a combination of behavioural strategies, educational support, and sometimes medication. There is no single cure for ADHD, but effective management with diet, lifestyle, medication, and awareness can help individuals lead successful and fulfilling lives.
- Medications: Medication is often prescribed to help manage the symptoms of ADHD, especially in children and adults who recognise the need to focus more effectively. There are two main types of medications used:
- Stimulants: These are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They include drugs such as methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse). Stimulants work by increasing the levels of specific neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, to help improve focus and attention.
- Non-stimulants: For those who do not respond well to stimulants, or experience side effects, non-stimulant medications may be tried. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is commonly used, and it works by affecting norepinephrine levels in the brain. Other non-stimulants, such as guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay), are sometimes prescribed, particularly for hyperactivity and impulsivity.
- Behavioural Therapy: Behavioural therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), can help individuals learn strategies for managing their symptoms and changing maladaptive behaviours. CBT focuses on building self-control, organisation, and time-management skills. Parents, teachers and support people are often involved in behavioural therapy to provide additional support in reinforcing positive behaviours.
- Lifestyle changes: being conscious of the need for a quiet space to work or study, allowing for extra time for projects or study, being consistent with routine in terms of sleep, eating, exercise and downtime.
How Natural Therapies can help with ADHD:
Treatment aims:
- Remove the cause: identify allergens, pollutants and triggers, and try to remove and repair from these.
- Treat the gut: studies indicate that people with ADHD have different gut bacteria and microorganisms to those without ADHD. Common issues also include low stomach acid, constipation, and inflammation.
- Support ongoing gut health and neurological function.
Notes:
- it will take at least 6-8 weeks to effect change, based on diet and supplements
- heavy supplementation with nutrients will be needed initially until the diet is completely resolved, and patient shows signs of improvement
- ongoing supplementation is likely, in the case of EFAs and other nutrients
For a full list of dietary and nutritional supplements recommended for support of ADHD, and for help with improving your individual health, please make an appointment to see me in clinic.
EA
7/4/25
Podcasts:
From the ever wonderful Huberman Lab:
https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/adhd-and-how-anyone-can-improve-their-focus
The Naturopaths at ATP project always offer a fascination view of health:
https://theatpproject.libsyn.com/adhd-the-symptoms-and-treatment
Dr Peter Attia, The Drive, giving good science and a great guest:
https://peterattiamd.com/trennasutcliffe/
The Imperfects are known for opening the door to difficult subjects:
And for a medical over on the topic:
Medications:
Huberman giving a great overview of the various medications used to treat ADHD:
Review of smart drugs:
https://www.imrpress.com/journal/FBL/26/8/10.52586/4948/htm
Overview:
