Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Naturopathic Approach

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder A
Naturopathic Approach

• Dr. Raza Shah, BSc,ND

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Introduction

• Definition of ADHD
• Frequent pattern of developmentally
  inappropriate inattention and impulsivity with or
  without hyperactivity.
• Conventional Etiology (Theories)
• -Neurotransmitter Activity
• -Genetic Factors
• -Perinatal or Postnatal injury or disease

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DIAGNOSIS

• Persistent pattern of inattention and or
  hyperactivity-impulsivity
• Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive
  symptoms before the age of 7
• Impairment from symptoms present in at least 2
  settings
• Evidence of interference with proper functioning
• Disturbance not a result of pyschotic dz.

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DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

• It is important to consider the following before
  considering the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD
• -environment
• -oppositional behaviour
• -learning disabilities
• -auditory and visual problems
• -thyroid dysfunction

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CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT

• Drug therapy with RITALIN
• -Pharmacology
• -Side Effects
• -Who not to use RITALIN with
• Psychotherapeutic Counseling

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NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

• Causes
• -Food Additives
• -Sucrose
• -Food Sensitivities
• -Nutrient Deficiency
• -Heavy Metal Toxicity
• -TCM Diagnosis
• -Homeopathic Remedies

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DIET

• Food Additives and Preservatives
• Sugar
• Food Sensitivities
• Heavy Metal Toxicity
• Supplementation

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Elimination of Food Additives and Preservatives

• Feingold Program Elimination of food additives
  as they induce hyperactivity.

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Elimination of Sugar

• Increased insulin levels caused by the increased
  sugar intake will cause a dramatic fall in blood
  sugar this can inturn change the childs
  personality.

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Elimination of Food Sensitivities

• Milk Corn and Wheat

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Heavy Metal Toxicity

• Lead, Aluminum, Mercury, Cadmium, Copper and
  Manganese
• Children absorb much greater amounts of these
  heavy metals than adults.

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Supplementation

• Nutrient Deficiency can result in impaired CNS
  Function
• Most common nutrients are
• -IRON
• -VITAMIN B6
• -MAGNESIUM
• -ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

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Homeopathy

• What is it?
• Common Remedies

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Chinese Medicine

• What is it?
• Hyperactivity in chinese medicine
• Activity of the Spleen and Heart according to
  chinese medicine.

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Psycological/ Lifestyle Issues

• Children with ADHD symptoms usually benefit from
  structure and routine.
• They need predictagble daily rhythms, consistent
  parenting techniques and well defined limits in
  the home and school.

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Questions