| Worried parents often think that watching too | | | | same things as their peers. We are only at the |
| much TV, bad schooling or a poor diet may well | | | | beginning of this research so further studies are |
| be the causes of ADHD and they sometimes | | | | necessary. |
| blame themselves. But the latest research has | | | | How safe are the drugs which are used to treat |
| identified genetic causes and also biological causes | | | | children with ADHD? The most popular drugs are |
| which cause chemical imbalance in the child's brain | | | | :- Concerta, Adderall and Ritalin. A popular |
| as the main culprits. | | | | non-stimulant drug on the market now is called |
| Statistics show that there is a strong hereditary | | | | Strattera. |
| link in ADHD. The close relatives of families with | | | | What side effects are reported in children taking |
| ADHD are 25% more likely to suffer from the | | | | these drugs? Recently there has been a lot of |
| condition. The figures for the general population on | | | | attention in the press about this and there are |
| the other hand are much lower - a mere 5%. | | | | concerns that children who already might have |
| In a recent medical study published by the Lancet, | | | | heart condition need to be monitored carefully. |
| the biological cause of ADHD has been established | | | | The drug called Adderall was withdrawn from the |
| although more work needs to be done. The food | | | | Canadian market because of this risk. Whatever |
| colorings and additives (E102,E104 and E110) found | | | | drug is taken, children's heart condition, blood |
| most often in snacks and fizzy drinks, have been | | | | pressure and blood tests need to be carried out |
| shown to significantly increase children's | | | | on a regular basis. |
| hyperactivity. When there is a chemical imbalance | | | | How can a parent decide what is best? They |
| in the neurotransmitters which help the nerve cells | | | | may well want to consider alternative treatments. |
| in the brain to communicate with each other, then | | | | Even small changes in diet, exercise and daily |
| the child may well develop ADHD and show | | | | routine can help. Herbal and homeopathic remedies |
| symptoms like impulsiveness and lack of | | | | can also be considered. These act by restoring |
| concentration. | | | | the chemical imbalance of the child's nervous |
| Many experts believe that if certain snacks and | | | | system. There are no side effects or drowsiness |
| drinks are to blame for ADHD, why are there no | | | | and they have been shown to be a valid |
| warning notices on the packaging to alert parents | | | | alternative because they can restore wellness and |
| ? If that were to happen, there would be social | | | | harmony. |
| implications as well, because children like to eat the | | | | |