Chiropractics and ADHD

A new study finds that adults with ADHD can greatly benefit from chiropractic care. The World Chiropractic Alliance in Switzerland made this news public. A press release stated that the chiropractic care seemed to increase the level of concentration in people with ADHD. Between 3 and 10% of children living in the US suffer from ADHD, and between 1 and 6% of adults do the same. Researchers evaluated attention in 9 adult patients before and after 2 months of wellness chiropractic care. Every patient experienced significant improvements in concentration and 88% normalized parts of the test. This means everyone benefited from this care. Chiropractic manipulation effects the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that is partly responsible for concentration and attention. If the cerebellum isn't functioning to it's fullest potential, the rest of the brain will become clumsy. By activating the spinal receptors and balancing the cerebellum, the brain is able to better function.

ADHD In The Preschools

ADHD is no longer the "in" diagnosis for just school-age children, but is also the new "in"diagnosis for the preschool aged kids as well. Attention deficit disorder is now the most common mental health diagnosis for children ages 3 to 5. Stimulant drugs are increasingly prescribed "off-label" to younger children, even though the FDA has not approved Ritalin, Adderall and other stimulant ADHD medications for children under the age of 6. The dangers and side effects are much higher for children under the age of 6 and the effectiveness is much lower for this age group as well. According to the September 2007 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter there are things families should be trying before resorting to drugs for ADHD preschoolers. Here are a few:
--Parent training, based on the belief that parental negligence, harsh discipline, or intrusiveness could be triggering hyperactive behavior in a child along with impulse control.

--Setting appropriate limits and using moderate punishments as well as rewards.

--Specialized daycare
The most popular among these is the parent training. Parents are taught how to set the appropriate limits and to use the punishments and rewards system correctly. Basically, be slow in making a diagnosis, and definitely be sure. Please, consider any alternatives like the parent training or specialized daycare, or even something not mentioned here like all natural treatments, before resorting to stimulant drugs. Seems to me that anything is better than your toddler depending on something like that.

Daytrana Malfunctions

Up to 5% of patients using the Daytrana transdermal patch, used for ADHD treatment, have reported trouble removing the release liner from the sticky part of the patch. The patches have been withdrawn following these reports of application difficulty. While this has nothing to do with the release of the drug into the body, the manufacturer decided to withdraw the product anyway.
Shire, the UK company whom holds the global license for Daytrana, says the patches could be used as long as they weren't damaged. Improvements are in the works to fix the problem, and the new patches should replace the ones being withdrawn. Daytrana is the first and only transdermal medication approved by the FDA to treat ADHD symptoms, and was approved by the FDA last year for children with the disorder between ages 6 to 12.

ADD- With or Without Medication?

So many kids these days are being diagnosed with ADD and ADHD. According to a new study by the National Association of School Psychologists, catching ADD early on may make it possible to reduce symptoms. The most important tool for this is structure. Environmental management is what they are calling it, as it relates to ADD. 30% of preschool aged children with ADD improved with no medication at all, according to a new study. Changing the routine, diet, and overall family atmosphere can make a huge difference. A few more examples are monitoring sugar intake, a strict bedtime, and more structure throughout the day. Proactive parenting and education makes it possible to tackle ADD and make medication a last resort.