- Can My Son’s ADHD Be Treated Without Medication?
QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
I have an 11 year old boy who is being tested for ADD at school. He fits all the criteria for it. I want to know: if he has this, is there a way to treat it without medication?
ANSWER:
For almost all with ADHD, it’s a genetic “disorder” where the dopamine D2 gene doesn’t work normally and the individual is much more oriented towards the physical senses and spontaneity instead of considering one’s thoughts and actions. In ADD the brain’s right prefrontal cortex is not as active as it normally is and has a reduced blood flow. Diet can play a role and can even cause some individuals to have an ADHD like syndrome. Eating partially hydrogenated fats markedly lowers available blood and can hamper attention. Avoiding these fats (which are in most fast foods and processed foods) can make a big difference, as can eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Most people with ADHD need medication. The misinformation out there is very sad – as many parents and adults with ADHD are afraid to take medications like Ritalin, which are miraculous. Ritalin has been shown to lower substance abuse, auto accidents and the risk of cancer (especially breast cancer). No long term negative effects have been found. Side effects usually indicate the presence of additional diagnoses, particularly depression (30% of those with ADHD are depressed) and the generalized anxiety disorder.
