Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are two common conditions in America today. Along with this diagnosis comes an increase in drug prescriptions for children with either ADD or ADHD. The most common drug, Ritalin, has become more controversial in the media today. There are many existing natural alternatives that may reverse the symptoms associated with ADD and ADHD. A properly informed parent, grandparent, friend, or patient can be the best weapon in the fight against ADD and ADHD.

In Arch General Psychiatry, Vol. 52, June 1995, it’s stated that: "Cocaine, which is one of the most reinforcing and addictive of the abused drugs, has pharmacological actions that are very similar to methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin), which is the most commonly prescribed psychotropic medication for children in the U.S." The use of psychotropic drugs in children continues to rise. The number of prescriptions for methylphenidate (Ritalin) has increased approximately six times between 1991 and 1995, and the production of Adderall and Dexadrine, also used to treat ADHD, has risen 2,000 percent in nine years.

Surprisingly, this rise in prescriptions is mainly in the United States. The U.N. has reported the U.S. produces and consumes 85 percent of the world’s supply of methylphenidate. The primary resource M.D.s are directed to consult regarding warnings about prescription drugs is the Physician’s Desk Reference. The Web site www.pdrhealth.com states the following regarding the use of Ritalin: "Excessive doses of this drug over a long period of time can produce addiction. It is also possible to develop tolerance to the drug, so that larger doses are needed to produce the original effect." It also states, "This drug is not intended for use in children whose symptoms may be caused by stress or a psychiatric disorder." The two most alarming warnings state, "This drug should not be given to children under 6 years of age; safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been established." There are cases of children under the age of two being prescribed Ritalin.

There are alternatives out there to the use of medications. Food allergies have often been linked to behavioral disorders, which means a change in the child’s diet may be beneficial. Dr. Benjamin Feingold was the first to bring this type of diet into popularity. It prohibited certain types of foods and food additives and replaced them with more natural foods. A study published in the May 9, 1992 issue of The Lancet reported 76 children were placed on elimination diets removing wheat, milk, chocolate, eggs, oranges, and sugars from their diets. Behavior improvements (reduced hyperactivity) were noted in 62 children. The study also listed several vitamins and minerals that should be increased in the diet to help with the behavioral improvement.

While chiropractors don’t "treat" ADD/ADHD, the positive effects of chiropractic care on children with learning disorders and hyperactivity have become increasingly beneficial in research journals. The Psychoeducational & Guidance Service of Texas A&M University conducted an independent research test introducing chiropractic care to children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. Twenty-four children were evaluated, 12 receiving chiropractic care and 12 receiving medical care. The testing indicated children responded more favorably to chiropractic care in several categories including verbal output, reading and comprehension, attitude and self-esteem, coordination, and emotional maturity.

There are alternatives out there to drugs like Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexadrine. Every child with a misalignment of their vertebrae deserves and needs a chiropractic adjustment. By correcting the subluxation and the nerve interference, function is improved. When the nervous system is working at its maximum potential, our body’s amazing healing powers are working at their maximum. TPW