The ADHD Generation

Bottom Line:

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is commonly identified when a child has difficulty paying attention and controlling their behavior. Over the past ten years, we have witnessed the rate of children diagnosed with ADHD increase by 42%. The potential for over-diagnosis has caused a lightning rod of controversy within the medical profession as doctors have begun to speak out about the number of prescriptions that are filled each year for powerful stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall.

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Why It Matters:

Providing powerful psychoactive medications to children has a significant set of risks, without providing a cure. And while the medications can improve the symptoms, they don’t address any of the underlying causes of the disorder. This is why leading healthcare organizations have begun to encourage a more conservative approach to managing ADHD. Adding conservative care, such as behavioral therapy, has been shown to eliminate the use of medications for nearly 40% of kids.

• The American Psychological Association has recommended behavioral therapy as a first line treatment for kids under 5.
• Exercise elevates the levels of dopamine and serotonin which can increase focus and attention.
• Reducing sugar intake while increasing protein and high-fiber foods can help stabilize energy levels.

Next Steps:

Our practice has worked with many families who have a child diagnosed with ADHD. While getting regular chiropractic adjustments and keeping a healthy diet alone can have positive outcomes for people with ADD/ADHD, we also offer a program called SHINE. This is a comprehensive, strength-based program that focuses not on repressing symptoms, but rather balancing the body (structurally, chemically, and neurologically) and teaching the individual to use the experience of ADD/ADHD to their advantage. We would love to provide you or someone you know with more information about the SHINE program, or simply about how chiropractic can help. Learn more at our free upcoming workshop: “It’s All About Healthy Kids”, or schedule a free 10-minute consultation with Dr. Mills.

Science Source:

Twenty-Year Trends in Diagnosed Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among US Children and Adolescents, 1997-2016. Pediatrics. 2018. Time. Growing Up with ADHD. 2018.