Attention deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Jan, 2003 by Farhang Khosh, Deena Beneda

Another study showed interesting results using an Ayurvedic formulation -- Mentat. In this study, 40 hyperactive children were enrolled in a double-blind placebo-controlled study to receive either an active drug Mentat or a placebo. One group of 20 received Mentat syrup and another a placebo. The drugs were given for 3 to 7 months in both groups. Evaluation was done on Yale's Behavior Inventory before and after the twelve weeks of treatment. It was observed that there was remarkable improvement in behavioral pattern along with an increase in concentration. There was significant reduction in hyperactivity, temper tantrums and improvement in language usage. Social behavior improved in those who received Mentat treatment as opposed to those on placebo. Mentat is an Ayurvedic formulation (Himalayan) that has been reported to be effective in disorders involving memory and attention. (26)

Thyroid should be examined in children with ADHD. One study was done examining the relationship between thyroid hormone and attention in 85 seven-year old children with congenital hypothyroidism. It was found that children with higher circulating levels of thyroxine (T4) had significantly more distractibility on an index of cognitive attention. (27) Another study showed that ADHD was strongly associated with generalized resistance to thyroid hormone. (28)

A study of ADHD children suggests that the lack of ability to control impulsive thoughts and actions may be caused by an underactive rather than an overactive adrenal hormone response. The ability to control behavior is thought to be related to the body's release of stress hormones such as cortisol. Researchers compared cortisol secretion in two groups of children: those who had ADHD symptoms for over a year, and those whose symptoms had declined. Salivary cortisol assays performed on both groups showed that children with persistent ADHD had a significantly lower adrenal response. In addition, after performing a series of academic and psychological tests, these children exhibited cortisol responses that were two to three times lower than those children who no longer were experiencing ADHD symptoms. It was concluded that a blunted cortisol response to stress might indicate a more developmentally persistent form of ADHD. (29)

This paper discusses some of the alternative options for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. This has become a serious condition that is affecting many children today. Ritalin, the most popular pharmaceutical choice in treating ADHD, has many short and long-term side effects. Alternative therapies should be considered as viable options to Ritalin. There are many effective alternative treatments that can be used to treat and manage ADHD.

References

(1.) Kidd P. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children: Rationale for its Integrative Management. Altern Med Rev 2000 Oct; 5(5): 402-28.

(2.) www.parentsofallergicchildren.org

(3.) Mannuzza S., Klein RG. Long-term Prognosis in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2000 Jul;9(3):711-26.