August 1, 2019
Do you lack focus?
Are you easily distracted?
Do you have a hard time paying attention to details?
Do you forget daily tasks easily?
Are you restless or tense?
Do you “zone out” a lot?
These days, it’s not uncommon to hear people say “Oh, I’m so ADD!” While we used to associate ADD or ADHD primarily with children, many adults today are being diagnosed with it, as well. Before you assume you have ADD and go to a doctor who will prescribe dangerous stimulant drugs, you owe it to yourself to find the underlying cause of your symptoms. Did you know that research demonstrates a definite connection between low thyroid function and ADD/ADHD?
First of all, there’s ADD (attention deficit disorder) and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Although the terms are often used interchangeably, ADD is one of three types of ADHD.
ADHD is a chronic condition that includes difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive disorder. The symptoms differ from person to person. Both children and adults can have ADHD. There are three main types of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, and a combined type.
Adults with ADHD may have trouble managing time, being organized, setting goals, and holding down a job. This affects their personal finances and family life. They may have poor listening skills, are distracted easily and have a problem with attention, all of which affect their career. They can be restless, edgy or tense. They may also have problems with relationships, self-esteem, addiction and controlling emotions.
Children with ADHD also have trouble paying attention, and may be hyperactive and unable control their impulses. These behaviors interfere with school and home life.
Inattention
Hyperactive
Impulsive
Disorganized
Lack focus
Hard time paying attention to details
Trouble staying on topic while talking, not listening to others
Forgetful
Easily distracted
What many people don’t realize is that hypothyroidism can be a cause of ADHD symptoms. Low thyroid function affects the brain, as is evidenced by brain fog, memory loss, anxiety, depression, inability to focus, and difficulty concentrating or performing basic tasks.
Research found that people with generalized resistance to thyroid hormone have a markedly increased frequency of ADHD as compared with their unaffected family members. (1) It has also been shown that the prevalence of thyroid abnormalities is higher in children with ADHD than in the normal population. (2)
Because the brain uses so much energy, individuals with the slow metabolism and low energy that accompanies hypothyroidism tend to experience a decline in their mental sharpness. It becomes difficult to maintain focus, sharp memory and clarity. Low thyroid function is a common cause of brain fog, depression (3), difficulty concentrating and short term memory loss.
Hypothyroidism is often associated with mood disturbances and cognitive impairment, implying that thyroid hormones are critical for normal brain functioning. In particular, hypothyroidism has been associated with several cognitive deficits, including general intelligence, psychomotor speed, visual-spatial skills and memory.(4)
ADHD is traditionally treated with stimulant prescription drugs, and sometimes a non-stimulant drug. Both types have similar side effects. Some examples of ADHD medications are Adderal, Concerta, Focalin Vyvanse, Quillivant, Ritalin, and Strattera.
General side effects include:
Nausea
Agitation
Loss of appetite
Headaches
Dry mouth
Dizziness
Moodiness
Trouble sleeping/insomnia
Changes in blood pressure and pulse
Tics
Restlessness
Irritability
Between 2005 and 2010, the number of emergency room visits involving ADHD
stimulant medications increased from 13,379 to 31,244 visits (5)
Permanent brain damage (6)
Liver damage
Heart and blood vessel damage
Heart attack, stroke, and sudden death
Changes in personality
Hallucinations
Increased cancer risk
Depression and suicide
Increased cancer risk
If you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD, find out what the underlying cause is first. If you have other symptoms of hypothyroidism, then that is a good indicator that hypothyroidism could be the cause of your ADHD.
Diet also plays an important role in brain function. If you are eating lots of fast foods, sugar and simple carbs, then changing your eating habits to include organic fruits and vegetables, healthy fats such as avocados, and omega 3s that are found in fish oil will benefit your brain.
Don’t wait – take our symptom checker quiz today to find out if you could have hypothyroidism.
Research
1. Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder in People with Generalized Resistance to Thyroid Hormone
2. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Thyroid Function
3. The Link between Thyroid Function and Depression
4. Verbal Memory Retrieval Deficits Associated With Untreated Hypothyroidism
5. Emergency Department Visits Involving Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Stimulant Medications
6. Age-Dependent Effects of Methylphenidate on the Human Dopaminergic System in Young vs Adult Patients With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
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Since 1989, Hotze Health & Wellness Center has helped over 33,000 patients get their lives back using bioidentical hormones that restore hormones to optimal levels, strengthen immune systems, and increase energy levels. Our treatment regimen addresses the root cause of hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, menopause, perimenopause, low testosterone, allergies, and candida.
Led by best-selling author, radio host and leading natural health expert, Steven F. Hotze, M.D., our medical team has over 100 years’ combined medical experience backed by a staff of nearly 100 caring professionals who provide an environment of hope and extraordinary hospitality for each of our patients, who we call our guests. It is our deepest desire to help you obtain and maintain health and wellness naturally so that you may enjoy a better quality of life, pure and simple.
Do you want to live a healthy, happy, purpose-driven life? Do you want to restore your health so that your loss of energy, weight gain, joint pain, depression and lack of drive or motivation won’t hold you back from achieving your personal and professional goals?
Dr. Steven Hotze wants that for you, too. In fact, in his powerful and passionate video entitled, “What I Believe”, Dr. Hotze shares how his Christian worldview and pivotal experiences have ignited a deep desire to offer the message of hope and optimal health to all who need to hear it.
At Hotze Health & Wellness Center, our doctors are changing the way women and men are treated through the use of bioidentical hormones. Our natural treatments have helped over 33,000 individuals with hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, menopause, perimenopause, low testosterone, allergies, candida, detoxification and nutritional deficiencies.
Meet our doctors"After a traumatic accident, I was told that I was in early menopause in my 20s and could never have children, however after restoring my hormones, I am now expecting baby #7!”
Pam White2023-03-10At Hotze Health and Wellness YOU can truly find restoration of your health and vibrant life! You will find the most caring and effective healthcare available! Don't hesitate call them today!!!Ron Guidry2023-03-08Doctors are not the final authority in our journey of achieving/maintaining health and wellness but having a good team of doctors in your support and guidance community is not only helpful it is wise and also essential. The team and staff at Hotze Health and Wellness are health professionals that you can trust to help you navigate all the misinformation that may be keeping you separated from your optimal level of health.Caral Reeves2023-01-17Hotze Beauty is a first class facility! Extreme level of professionalism , knowledge & genuine care❤️🩹Julie Hryszko2023-01-12I’ve been a guest at this facility for 15 years. They are the most efficient, thorough and caring group of individuals I’ve ever experienced. Dr Hotze looks to change the way a typical doctor treats patients and looks for root causes to eliminate medical issues instead of treating “symptoms”. My life has improved 100% since my initial visit. The cost of the treatments are worth it.Shavon Sisson2023-01-11Always a great experience dealing with everyone at Hotze Heath and Wellness! Everyone is kind and helpful.Kori Misson2022-12-21I cannot accurately describe in words how I feel about this practice and the entire staff. I have had quite a few health issues throughout the years, rheumatoid arthritis, sjogrens, weight gain, hair loss, irritability, and that is just the beginning. I had pretty much given up on feeling good, just decided to "live with it" and hope for the best. Two very close friends love the Hotze Wellness Clinic and they have experienced life changing health. Made my appointment and from the beginning I felt heard. Not a in and out fast food style practice. They are looked and are looking at my entire body for overall health and wellness. Connections from mind and body to clinical blood work, even dental questions....they care and I feel as if I can trust them. I am on a path to complete wellness and my goal is to have my RA back in remission as it once was....make yourself a priority. Having hope is an incredible feeling!
Holistic, functional medicine doctors in Houston, Texas specializing in bioidentical hormones, hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, menopause, perimenopause, low testosterone, allergies and LDI treatment, candida, detoxification, nutritional deficiencies, longevity and aesthetics.
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