1. ADHD Naturopathic Doctors Ontario www.ndontario.com

2. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD www.ndontario.com

3. History 1970's - Attention deficit disorder (ADD) 1980's - Attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADD / ADHD) 1990's - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) further defined History www.ndontario.com

4. Symptoms 3 symptom categories: Inattention Hyperactivity Impulsivity Symptoms www.ndontario.com

5. Diagnosis Otherwise Normal Behaviour except frequency and severity of symptoms increases to the point that: It occurs in most situations Has a negative impact on the child’s life Diagnosis www.ndontario.com

6. Inattention Inattention to details Easily distracted Difficulty organizing tasks and activities Inattention www.ndontario.com

7. Hyperactivity Cannot sit still Difficulty playing quietly Excessive talking Hyperactivity www.ndontario.com

8. Impulsivity Blurts out answers before question Difficulty waiting till turn Interrupts Impulsivity www.ndontario.com

9. Incidence: Children ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder of childhood. It affects about 3 - 5% of school aged children. ADHD is diagnosed much more often in boys than in girls. Incidence: Children www.ndontario.com

10. Incidence: Adults It is now known that ADHD symptoms continue into adulthood for about 60% of children with ADHD. That translates into 4% of the US adult population, or 8 million adults. Few adult cases are identified or treated leads to complications Incidence: Adults www.ndontario.com

11. Long term complications Addiction: Drug and alcohol abuse Failure in school: Underachievement Problems maintaining a job Trouble with the law Rejection from peers: rejection, low self- esteem, anxiety, depression Long Term Complications www.ndontario.com

12. Possible causes: Inherited? Genetics? Stressful early childhood experience Trauma /PTSD Currently accepted mechanism: Lowered Dopamine levels, under-stimulation of reward center of the brain Possible Causes: www.ndontario.com

13. Current Medical Treatment Stimulant drugs to increase dopamine in the brain: Methylphenidate ( Ritalin, Concerta) Amphetamines ( Dexedrine, Adderall) Current Medical Treatment www.ndontario.com

14. Outcomes As long as treatment is on-going and consistent, it: Is effective - Reduces and controls symptoms Lessens likelihood of complications However, it is not a cure for ADHD and side effects are many Outcomes www.ndontario.com

15. Side Effects Cardiovascular: rapid heart beat, palpitation, stroke, hypertension Nervous system: depression, seizures, insomnia, headache, Tourette’s syndrome, psychotic episodes Gastrointestinal: dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, anorexia Skin: hives, rash Endocrine: impotence, decreased libido Side Effects www.ndontario.com

16. Nutritional Support Boost Dopamine levels with nutrition Increase intake of dopamine building blocks: l-phenylalanine (essential amino acid) Wheat germ Eggs, Soy, Cheese, Dairy, Meat Nutritional Support www.ndontario.com

17. Specific Nutrients EFA’s Magnesium B Vitamins: Anxiety, Depression, Mood B6 Specific Nutrients www.ndontario.com

18. Antioxidants Antioxidants (beets, celery, carrots, blue- berries, greens) to protect oxidation of dopamine Apples contain quercetin: protect dopamine breakdown/oxidation Bananas contain building blocks for dopamine Antioxidants www.ndontario.com

19. Botanical Medicine Nerve Tonics: Chamomile Avena Hops Melissa Are gentle and safe for children and calm hyperactivity by acting on the nervous system Botanical Medicine www.ndontario.com

20. Lifestyle Prenatal and postnatal care Stress reducing treatments to mother and child which are safe Underlying food intolerances/ allergies Lifestyle www.ndontario.com

21. Other Treatments Elimination Diet Feingold Diet Homeopathy Counseling Stress reduction Other Treatments www.ndontario.com

22. Maintenance Strategies: daily, weekly, monthly and annual to remain healthy How to listen to your symptoms How to take care of your health Maintenance www.ndontario.com

23. References Pub Med Online: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002518 / http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002518 / National Institute for Mental Health: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention- deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/complete-index.shtml http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention- deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/complete-index.shtml ADHD Canada: www.adhdcanada.com/www.adhdcanada.com/ Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance: http://www.caddra.ca http://www.caddra.ca Ritalin-free Kids: Robert Ullman N.D. and Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman N.D. http://www.ritalinfreekids.com/http://www.ritalinfreekids.com/ References

24. For more information call 416-233-2001 or info@ndontario.com

25. To find out more about naturopathic medicine visit: www.ndontario.com www.ndontario.com