Childhood is a time of exuberance—an outpouring of
energy, creativity, and learning about physical, social and
emotional limits. For many children, the early school years are frustrating because they find it difficult to sit still
and focus. This frustration can lead to a host of behavioral and
relationship issues. Many of these children are suffering from a
constellation of symptoms referred to as Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is the most common mental health
complaint among children.
The number of children, as well as adults, diagnosed with ADHD is increasing. 3-5% of school-age children are diagnosed with ADHD. Many more are undiagnosed. Although many children display attention disorder behaviors as early as preschool, parents often dismiss them as signs of high energy. While most children are energetic, ADHD behaviors are extreme and often described as excessive, destructive, unsafe (due to impulsiveness and risk taking), detrimental to progress in school, and harmful to close personal relationships.
Distinguishing ADHD, The Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders IV, Published by the American
Psychiatric Association, describes three subtypes of ADHD:
- Inattentive - has trouble getting focused or maintaining focus on a
task or activity
- Hyperactive Impulsive - very active and acts
without thinking
- Combined - inattentive, impulsive and hyperactive
Facts About ADHD
- Three times as many boys as girls suffer from ADHD.*
- 78% of pediatric prescriptions are for attention issues.*
- Half
of the children with ADHD also have a learning disability.*
- 50-80%
of ADHD cases diagnosed in childhood persist into adolescence.*
- 30-50% of adolescent cases of ADHD persist into adulthood.*
* Data
adapted from the St. Louis Psychologists and Counseling Information
and Referral.
If left untreated, children with ADHD can develop
self-destructive behaviors. They can fall behind in academics and
are more likely to drop out of school. These children are more prone to altercations with authority
figures and law enforcement officials, and to experiment with drugs
and alcohol. They also are more likely to become injured in
accidents due to risk-taking.
ADHD
& Neurotransmitter Levels
ADHD is among the most common
neurotransmitter-related conditions. Others include anxiety
disorders, compulsive behaviors, insomnia, depression and migraines.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that relay signals between nerve cells, called “neurons.” These are present throughout the body and are required for proper brain and body functions. Serious health problems can occur if neurotransmitter levels are too high or too low. Every neurotransmitter behaves differently. Some neurotransmitters are inhibitory and tend to calm the brain. Others are exciting and have the opposite effect. Scientific research reveals a close link between mental acuity (the ability to focus) and appropriate levels of various neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, including dopamine, serotonin, GABA, glycine, norepinephrine, and glutamate.
Research also links three major neurotransmitters—serotonin, GABA, and glycine—with calming and impulse control. Environmental and biological factors—including stress, poor diet, neurotoxins, or genetics—can cause imbalances in the levels of neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain. Imbalances can trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Improving Treatment
Most of the
drug-based methods used to treat behavioral issues include chemicals
that either imitate a neurotransmitter or redistribute existing
neurotransmitters. Many affect norepinephrine, and some affect other
neurotransmitters like GABA, serotonin, or dopamine.
It is generally believed that drugs supporting norepinephrine signaling will be beneficial when behavioral issues result from a lack of norepinephrine and that GABA supporting drugs will be effective when a person’s symptoms are caused by a lack of GABA.
While the idea of matching a drug to a chemical imbalance is generally supported, the vast majority of healthcare providers prescribe psychological drugs based on a patient’s symptoms, and few try to match a drug to a biochemical imbalance. This may explain why some drugs are ineffective for some patients.
Neurotransmitter function can also be supported with
nutrient-based programs. Neurotransmitters are made from various
components of food in a normal, healthy diet. Increasing the amounts
of these dietary constituents can help maintain normal
neurotransmitter levels.
While no program can guarantee success for
everyone, it is worthwhile to effectively match a drug-based and/or
nutrient-based program to the specific needs of the individual. Read more about TAAT here
