ADHD: An Integrative Medicine Approach By Stephen Donnelly, DO
ADHD has skyrocketed over the past decade. From 2000 to 2010, U.S. children and teens diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder jumped from 6.2 million to 10.4 million. It is characterized by symptoms of inattention and/or impulsivity and hyperactivity which can significantly impact many aspects of behavior and performance, both at school and at home. It is important to note that the criteria for ADHD state that symptoms must cause significant impairment in two or more settings (i.e. school and home). Thus, a child who has difficulties at home but none in school, or vice-versa would not fit the diagnostic criteria. There are currently no laboratory or imaging studies that are reliable for the diagnosis of ADHD. In approximately 80% of children with ADHD, symptoms persist into adolescence and may even continue into adulthood. The effects of ADHD sig- nificantly impact the individual throughout childhood and well into adult life, especially if not managed optimally. People with ADHD tend to have a lower occupational status, poor social relationships, and are more likely to commit motoring offences and develop substance abuse. Parents and siblings also suffer as a result of the behavioral problems associated with ADHD; in- creased levels of stress are common as are depression and mari- tal discord. ADHD is now the most common neurobehavioral disorder in children. As of 2007, 9.5 percent of U.S. children had been diagnosed with ADHD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A
ttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder believed to affect up to 1 in 20 children in the USA. The diagnosis of
Maine Pediatric Hypnosis
Treatable conditions: • Bed-wetting • Tourette’s • Migraines • Insomnia • Phobias • IBS • Performance anxiety
Eileen M. Poulin, MD
Certified: American Board of Pediatrics American Society of Clinical Hypnosis
4 Fundy Road, Suite 103 Falmouth, Maine 04105 207.781.0040
www.MainePediatricHypnosis.com 18 Essential Living Maine ~ September 2014
The conventional medical approach to the treatment of ADHD is with a combination of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin), amphetamines (e.g., Adderall) or other types of medications such as Strattera or Intuniv are often used to treat the symptoms of ADHD. As of 2008, an estimated 2.8 million children under the age of 19 years were taking a stimulant medication such as Ritalin for ADHD. This is up from 150,000 in 1970 and less than a million as recently as 1990. Multiple studies show these medications to be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms in the short term, but there are few longer-term studies. Adverse effects of stimulants occur in up to 30% of children with ADHD, commonly including gastrointestinal symptoms, decreased appetite, headaches, tics, and sleep problems. Behavioral interventions include a wide variety of school- and home-based methods which are aimed at improving symptoms and school performance. These include behavioral modification, individual and family therapy, and cognitive therapy. Most studies show these behavioral therapies alone to be less effective, in the short term, than medication. Integrative Medicine is a blend of conventional and “alter-
native” modalities. It is evidence based and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals, and disciplines (both conventional and alternative), to achieve optimal health and healing. By weaving the best of these modalities with the best of conventional medicine, an Integra- tive Medicine practitioner creates a unique partnership between the patient, family, and primary & specialty care providers, to achieve optimal heath and healing.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36