Approximately 5 million children in the United States have been “diagnosed” with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and two-thirds of them are on some form of potentially dangerous psychiatric drug. This is obviously a major cause for concern for countless number of reasons, two of which are faulty diagnosing and administering of dangerous, mind-altering and numbing street drugs. Scariest of all –
Australia’s recent threat to parental rights to choose whether or not to medicate their children.
Parents in Australia may soon be forced into a tough decision: either administer ADHD medications or else. The latter meaning child protective services would have the right to take the child away.
These drugs are “class 2” narcotics regulated as a controlled substance. The most common form prescribed is Ritalin, which stimulates the body’s central nervous system, and is known to interfere with the complexities of the brain and personality. Many of the long-term consequences are still unknown. Two of the most recent findings link Ritalin to delaying puberty and suicide. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the known side effects include, but aren’t limited to the following: stroke and heart attack, increased blood pressure, violent or aggressive behavior, seizures, slowing of growth in children, new psychotic symptoms as well as new or aggravated bipolar illness.
This recent development is strictly in Australia for now, but for those of us in the United States it’s important to be educated on natural alternatives to treating ADHD and to avoid labeling children. This diagnosis can be difficult to determine and many children are liberally and improperly diagnosed.
Underlying Problems
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Food allergies or sensitivities
• Emotional stress
• Environmental toxins
• Significant increase in childhood vaccinations
Diagnosis & Misdiagnosis of ADHD
There has been a 22 percent increase in the number of children with ADHD since 2003 according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some researchers attribute this rapid increase to greater awareness and more screening efforts. On the contrary, many others believe this rapid increase could be attributed to misdiagnosis in many cases. In diagnosing ADHD, there is really only subjective evaluation as there is no physical test such as a blood test or brain scan.
One study published in the Journal of Health Economics found that about 20 percent of children have likely been misdiagnosed. The study found that many of the youngest children in any given grade were classified as having ADHD symptoms when they were being compared to their older, more mature classmates. Additional evidence suggested that many diagnoses may be driven by teachers’ perceptions of poor behavior among the youngest children in a classroom. The youngest students in a classroom were 60 percent more likely diagnosed with ADHD compared to the oldest classmates.
The study concluded that, “These perceptions have long-lasting consequences: the youngest children in fifth and eighth grades are nearly twice as likely as their older classmates to regularly use stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD.” The study’s conclusions highlight the importance of parents needing to draw their own assessments and remain in charge of diagnosis and/or treatments.
Natural Alternatives to ADHD Medications
• Incorporate omega-3 fats such as
fish oil.
• Diet: Avoid processed foods particularly trans fats, eliminate soft drinks, restrict grains and sugars.
• Remove hazardous pesticides from your house.
• Use safe, organic cleaning products and laundry detergents.
• Try natural supplements and herbs to relieve or improve symptoms:
Magnesium, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-1, 5 HTP,
Zinc and Acetyl L-Carnitine.