- NICHE Natural Health
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Updated: May 2, 2018

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by poor attention span and excessive activity and/or impulsiveness that interferes with normal functioning and development. ADHD has been associated with learning difficulties and/or lack of appropriate social skills. Onset usually occurs before age 4, while the average ages for diagnosis is ages 8-10.
Key Points
ADHD has no known specific cause, but numerous suspected risk factors.
Differentiation between ADHD and other conditions has been challenging for physicians, leading to overdiagnosis.
Although considered a disorder in children and always starts in childhood, about 50% of ADHD cases persist in adulthood.
Diagnosed 10 times more often in boys than girls.
Physicians use questionnaires completed by parents and teachers as well as observations to make a diagnosis.
Signs/Symptoms of ADHD
Inattention, poor concentration
Impulsivity, impatience
Hyperactivity
Mood swings
Possible Causes and Exacerbating Factors
Genetic predisposition, biochemical, and behavioral factors
Pregnancy risk factors - Low birth weight, exposure to toxins (lead, alcohol, cocaine, tobacco), head trauma, brain infection
Food additives and sugar
Food allergies
Heavy metal toxicity
Malnourishment, food allergies
Naturopathic Treatment Approaches
Identify and remove exacerbating factors
Identify and treat co-morbid health conditions
Behaviour management
Lifestyle modifications
Exercise to stabilize mood & attention
Eliminate food allergens & toxins
Dietary modifications to stabilize mood & attention
Ensure necessary nutrients for proper brain development
Botanical & nutraceutical supplements to stabilize neurotransmitters & hormones
Higher force intervention and/or specialist referral, if needed
For further information, we suggest you to make an appointment with our naturopathic doctor.
Disclaimer
The information within the NICHE Natural Health web site is intended to help both practitioners and patients make better healthcare decisions and enable patients to take greater responsibility for their own health. NICHE Natural Health is not responsible for the results of your decisions resulting from the use of the information, including, but not limited to, your choosing to seek or not to seek professional medical care, or from choosing or not choosing specific treatment based on the information.
NICHE Natural Health encourages persons who wish to embark on a health or treatment program, or take nutritional or herbal medicines, to contact and be supervised by a qualified healthcare practitioner.