Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is well-treated using naturopathic medicine.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that has as its primary aspects inattention and hyper-active-impulsive behaviour. Most children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder exhibit more of one quality than the other, but regardless of which predominates, signs and symptoms become more apparent during activities requiring focused mental effort.

The exact cause of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is unknown, but brain activity of persons with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is different from those without. This may be related to hereditary factors, or possibly to toxin exposure. It is also frequently concurrent with hyperthyroidism, depression, drug and alcohol abuse and a variety of conduct-related behavioural disorders.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not dangerous, but can result in learning difficulties and injuries by accident.

Seek professional healthcare if you notice any symptoms that lead you to believe you  have attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

In order for common symptoms to be considered potential attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, they should:

  • Last longer than six months
  • Occur in more than one setting (e.g., home and school)
  • Regularly cause disruption at work, school and other daily activities
  • Be severe to the point they cause problems in relationships with other adults and children

Possible symptoms of inattention include:

  • Seeming to not be listening when spoken to directly
  • Difficulty maintaining attention during work or play
  • Avoidance of tasks or activities requiring sustained mental effort
  • Inattention to details
  • Careless mistakes made at work or school
  • Difficulty completing tasks or activities
  • Difficulty organizing tasks or activities
  • Frequently losing possessions (e.g., keys, wallet)
  • Forgetfulness
  • Distractibility

Possible symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsiveness include:

  • Frequent fidgeting or squirming
  • Frequently leaving one’s seat; running; speaking out inappropriately
  • Difficulty playing quietly

Treatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goals of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment are to “calm” the mind and body, identify environmental and dietary toxins that may be contributing to symptoms to prevent future episodes and treat concurrent health conditions (e.g., hyperthyroidism, depression).

Conventional treatment for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may include counseling, and a variety of medications, including psychostimulants or antidepressants. These treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to treating attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be to:

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2009 Feb 18]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/adhd/DS00275.

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