The ADHD Epidemic in Children-Real or Myth?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. Symptoms of ADHD include inattention (not being able to keep focus), hyperactivity (excess movement that is not fitting to the setting) and impulsivity (hasty acts that occur in the moment without thought). ADHD is considered a chronic and debilitating disorder and is known to impact the individual in many aspects of their life including academic and professional achievements, interpersonal relationships, and daily functioning (1)

An estimated 7 million (11.4%) U.S. children aged 3–17 years have ever been diagnosed with ADHD, according to a national survey of parents using data from 2022. Boys (15%) were more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls (8%).  (2)

Why are so many children being diagnosed?

According to mainstream thinking, genetics, brain anatomy, head injuries, environmental exposures such as prenatal cigarette or alcohol use, and in very rare cases, toxins in the environment are leading to the increase in ADHD diagnoses.(3)

However, in a revealing interview between neuropsychiatrist Dr. Caroline Leaf and child psychiatrist and author Dr. Sami Timi, these reasons are mostly myth. While there may be some basis in genetic makeup, Dr. Timi believes that long term management isn’t found in a bottle. Rather, it is working with your child and professionals to discover their unique way of learning and support their journey.

Is the solution in a bottle?

The most common interventions for ADHD diagnosis include:

1. Medications- stimulants are considered first-line treatments (Adderall, a widely prescribed drug for ADHD has several side effects.) Some of these include addiction, stroke, heart attack, psychosis and too many other side effects to list).
2. Cognitive behavioral therapy
3. Neurofeedback
4. Combination of medication and cognitive behavioral training (4,5)

In Steps the Voice of Reason

 We asked our very own Dr. Ben Tapper, Director of Epigenetics to weigh in on the root causes of ADHD.

Here is what he said:

“What if I told you that ADHD isn't just about being 'hyperactive' or 'easily distracted'? What if I told you that it's actually a complex interplay of three key factors?

 Imagine a three-legged stool. Each leg represents a crucial element that contributes to ADHD:

 Leg 1: Toxicity Environmental toxins, heavy metals, and pollutants can wreak havoc on our brains and bodies. Exposure to these toxins can alter brain chemistry and contribute to ADHD symptoms.

 Leg 2: Deficiency Nutrient deficiencies, particularly in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, can impair brain function and lead to ADHD-like symptoms. A diet lacking essential nutrients can leave our brains struggling to focus and regulate.

 Leg 3: Stress Chronic stress, whether from trauma, anxiety, or modern life's pressures, can push our brains into overdrive. Stress can alter brain chemistry, leading to ADHD symptoms and exacerbating existing conditions.

Just like a three-legged stool, if one leg is unstable, the entire stool is unstable. Similarly, when toxicity, deficiency, and stress converge, ADHD symptoms can emerge.

 By addressing these three legs – reducing toxicity, correcting deficiencies, and managing stress – we can create a more stable foundation for our brains and bodies. Let's move beyond just treating symptoms and work towards healing the root causes of ADHD.”

Epigenetic/Functional Medicine Consult:

Book an appointment with Dr. Tapper

We have more stress now than ever before! Stress affects every aspect of our health and can interfere with our mood, energy, blood sugar, hormones, inflammation, and more. Dr. Tapper will help address stress, hormone & cortisol levels through a variety of tests and develop a plan that is specific to you and your health journey.

Here are some common health challenges Dr. Tapper will address in this consultation:

1.) Thyroid

2.) Fatigue

3.) Digestive issues

4.) Hormone Imbalance

5.) Difficulty Losing Weight

6.) Depression and Anxiety

7.) Difficulty with Sleep

8.) Measuring Stress Through A Stress & Metabolic Profile Test                                                                    

Addressing the root causes of ADHD can lead to a better health outcome. Given the shortage of ADHD medications over the past years, it would be wise to focus on the three legs of the stool that Dr. Tapper mentions before adding a potentially addictive drug.

References

1. American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). What is ADHD? Retrieved July 30, 2024, from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Data and statistics about ADHD. Retrieved July 30, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/data/
3. org. (n.d.). Causes of ADHD: What we know today. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/adhd/Pages/Causes-of-ADHD.aspx
4. Cortese, S., Adamo, N., Del Giovane, C., Mohr-Jensen, C., Hayes, A. J., Carucci, S., Atkinson, L. Z., Tessari, L., Banaschewski, T., Coghill, D., Hollis, C., Simonoff, E., Zuddas, A., Barbui, C., Purgato, M., Steinhausen, H. C., Shokraneh, F., Xia, J., & Cipriani, A. (2018).
5. Comparative efficacy and tolerability of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(9), 727-738. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30269-4

Written by Brooke Lounsbury