RAMPANT INDISCRIMINATE USE OF DRUGS FOR ADHD

RAMPANT INDISCRIMINATE USE OF DRUGS FOR ADHD

Drugs are almost always simply “band aids” to cover a deeper problem. Six million American children have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder. One of the consequences of Ritalin's popularity has been a spike in its abuse and its side effects. Many children (and adults) are diagnosed with this malady and are classic examples of medical misdiagnosis. This is not to single out any one of the medical professions; this has been misdiagnosed by medical doctors, osteopaths, chiropractors, school counselors, and parents. Abundant evidence suggests that specific fatty acids are important to brain function and development. According
to the researchers of this study, and other sources, these fatty acids are often underconsumed or underproduced in children
with behavioral and learning challenges.1-4

DOES ADHD EXIST?

The disorder does exist. However, the diagnosis is overused on otherwise healthy children. Research in all healing Professions shows this to be a viable diagnosis for a very specific number of symptoms:

Signs of Inattention

• Becoming easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds

• Failing to pay attention to details and making seemingly careless mistakes

• Rarely following instruction carefully or completely

• Losing or forgetting things like toys, pencils, books or tools needed for a task

• Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort

Signs of Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

• Acting restless, often fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming

• Running, climbing or leaving a seat in situations where sitting or quiet behavior is expected

• Acting as if driven by a motor

• Blurting out answers before hearing the whole question

• Having difficulty waiting in line or for a turn


These behaviors must appear early in life, before age 7, and continue for at least six months. In children, they must be more frequent or severe than in others the same age. Above all, the behaviors must create a real handicap in at least two areas of a person’s life, such as school, home, work, or social settings. (Adapted from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, National Institute of Mental Health, 1994.)

DRUG THERAPY: DOES IT WORK?

Many doctors (of all professions) only look to treat the symptoms. Few look to see what the actual cause of the problem is. Many children progress to wellness. Some improve to a plateau, then revert to previous behaviors. Unfortunately, many still view chiropractic as a last resort to be used only after everything else has failed. I have found that simple dietary changes of those afflicted gain the most spectacular and significant changes for the better. Take away key
preservatives; all artificial colors and flavors; and all milk. The majority of ADHD sufferers will see remarkable changes within 30 days. (5) ADHD is a malfunction of our electrical system; the nervous system. Chiropractors are specialists of
the spine and nervous system.

References:
1. Dietary Supplement Information Bureau. Jan. 30, 2002. New hope for children with learning disabilities.
2. Mitchell EA, Aman MG, Turbott SH, Manku M. Clinical characteristics and serum essential fatty acid levels in hyperactive children. Clin Pediatr 1987;26:406-11.
3. Stevens LJ, Zentall SS, Deck JL, et al. Essential fatty acid metabolism in boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Am J Clin Nutr 1995;62:761-8.
4. Aman MG, Mitchell EA, Turbott SH. The effects of essential fatty acid supplementation by Efamol in hyperactive children. J Abnorm Child Psychol 1987;15:75-90.
5. Rebecca McClay, DC, LC and Michael E. Mileski, DC, LNFA – Dynamic Chiropractic February 24, 2003 Issue Volume 21, Issue 5


Dr. Hurst is available to answer questions at no obligation whatsoever on Mondays from noon until 1:00 PM

@ 931-473-7805

For information about attention deficit disorder medications, visit
http://youradhdinfosite.com/attentiondeficitdisordermedications/