| Parents often ask themselves and the experts | | | | not be a warning on the packaging? There is |
| about the causes of ADHD in their children. | | | | also the social impact to consider - children |
| They are often worried that watching too much | | | | may well suffer if they cannot share their |
| TV might be the cause or they blame | | | | food with other kids. It must be pointed out |
| themselves for what they see as bad | | | | that this research is in the early stages and |
| parenting. They sometimes think that bad | | | | therefore no firm conclusions can be drawn |
| schooling, lack of vitamins may well be the | | | | yet. |
| cause. However, research shows that genetic | | | | |
| factors and biological causes are much more | | | | How safe are the drugs which are used to |
| likely to blame. | | | | treat children with ADHD? The most popular |
| | | | drugs are :- Concerta, Adderall and Ritalin. |
| The hereditary factor in ADHD has now been | | | | A popular non-stimulant drug on the market |
| established. About 25% of close relatives in | | | | now is called Strattera. |
| families with ADHD are more likely to suffer | | | | |
| from the same conditon. The figures for the | | | | What side effects are reported in children |
| general population are much lower, only about | | | | taking these drugs? Recently there has been a |
| 5%. | | | | lot of attention in the press about this and |
| | | | there are concerns that children who already |
| The British Food Agency has published its | | | | might have heart condition need to be |
| findings in the Lancet and its research | | | | monitored carefully. The drug called Adderall |
| points the finger at certain food colourings | | | | was withdrawn from the Canadian market |
| and additives (E102, E104 and E110) which is | | | | because of this risk. Whatever drug is taken, |
| found in fiizy drinks and snacks which are | | | | children's heart conditon, blood pressure and |
| normally eaten by children. Their research | | | | blood tests need to be carried out on a |
| showed that these foods certainly increased | | | | regular basis. |
| the levels of hyperactivity in the children | | | | |
| they were studying. | | | | Apart from drugs, what alternatives are |
| | | | available to parents? Sometimes, changes in |
| The neurotransmitters which help the brain's | | | | diet, sleep and routine can be a great help. |
| nerve cells communicate with each other may | | | | Another thing parents can consider are herbal |
| well be affected by a chemical imbalance and | | | | and homeopathic remedies which can help to |
| thereby not function at maximum capacity. | | | | restore the balance in the child's nervous |
| When this happens, the child with ADHD will | | | | system. The great advantage is that there are |
| show impulsiveness, lack of attention and | | | | no side effects or sedation and they can be |
| concentration. | | | | beneficial in restoring good health and |
| | | | harmony within the family. |
| If children's food is at fault, should there | | | | |