With instances of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in the US being higher than anywhere else in the world, I’m in the camp of those who believe that ADHD is over diagnosed and oftentimes misdiagnosed. It is also the most commonly diagnosed childhood mental condition hands down.

Call me cynical, but we live in a drugged up nation where people think pills to be a panacea, a magical drug that solves all their problems with just one swallow. And while a chemical imbalance may need to be addressed with the help of a drug, it’s important to realize lifestyle changes have to be made as well to see results.

Fix a car engine and still treat it rough afterwards will only make you break down again.

Symptoms of ADHD

According to the DSM-IV, the manual psychologists use to diagnose patients, six or more of the following symptoms of inattention must be present for a period of 6 months before a child will be diagnosed with ADHD:

1. Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
2. Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
4. Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
5. Often has trouble organizing activities.
6. Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn’t want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
7. Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
8. Is often easily distracted.
9. Often forgetful in daily activities.

Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity must also be present for a period of 6 months before a child will be diagnosed with ADHD:

1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
2. Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
3. Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).
4. Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.
5. Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”.
6. Often talks excessively.

Looking at the criterion I have to question the level of subjectivity. How do you gauge the inability to organize or inattention? Kids are kids. They don’t like homework. They’re messy. They don’t listen or are easily distracted. How do you gauge normal child behavior against a child who truly has ADHD?

Many also believe ADHD to be a maladaptive cognitive trait rather than an objective disorder, myself included. In short, it means that ADHD is learned and can also be changed via thought. Environmental influences can also spark a change in a child with ADHD.

I’m not advocating to stop the medication of children with ADHD. I do, however, think it very worthwhile and beneficial to reevaluate your child’s lifestyle and make appropriate changes. Pills don’t work on their own.

Home remedies for ADHD

Give your kid a video game. No joke. Studies have shown that kids can focus wonderfully when playing a video game. Why? It’s engaging in a way that homework and books are not. It are findings like this that further cement it for me that ADHD is a maladaptive cognitive trait rather than something 100% genetic.

Reevaluate your child’s diet. We live in a society where prepackaged food is king, which is a shame because it’s often also filled to the brim with sodium and high fructose corn syrup. Some people find that when removing refined sugars and other foods with artificial coloring and favoring, children can focus better. Try it for a month and see what happens. If nothing else, you will be helping your child live a healthier life with food that’s actually good for you.

While looking at your child’s diet, be sure to include the proper amount of raw fruits and veggies. They are filled with essential vitamins and minerals your child needs everyday to support healthy brain function.

No more caffeine. Don’t want you child bouncing off the walls? Then no more pop, vogue energy drinks or coffee tinged beverages. Caffeine visibly affects concentration in adults; it’s probably doing much worse for your child.

Exercise regularly with your child. You don’t have to run out and get a gym membership or anything drastic like that. Go on a bike ride or even a walk after dinner. It gives you time to bond and exercise.

Create a life of structure. If your children are really hyperactive, structure may be the thing they’re craving even if they deny it. Break the activity they’re doing down into smaller, more processable steps they can handle instead of forcing them to tackle a project in its entirety.

Dole out responsibility. This also ties in to a child craving and feeling more at ease with life structure. A good way to give a little responsibility is to assign a couple small chores to do around the house a couple times a week.

–Magdalena

Do you have an opinion on ADHD? Comment and tell us about it!

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