Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Overview

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, is a syndrome characterized by inability to focus Attention and/or periods of Hyperactivity - commonly exhibited in children but also affecting adults. ADHD is the most prevalent childhood psychiatric disorder. It affects between 5% 18% of American school children.

 ADHD is more prevalent in males than in females. Estimate of the ratio between males to females is 2.28:1 ^[1]

 ADHD is one of the most common childhood behavorial disorders.

 It has been estimated that 2% to 20% of school children in the USA are afflicted with ADHD.  In 2003 estimates were that it affects 5% of school children. 

 There is some evidence that there is an hereditary basis underlying ADHD.

Amino Acids

 Supplemental 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) may be beneficial for ADHD patients due to its role as a precursor for the production of Serotonin, a Neurotransmitter that is commonly depleted in ADHD patients.  ^[2]

 Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) may reduce impulsivity in ADHD patients.  ^[3]

 Glutamine (250 - 1,000 mg per day) may improve the condition of ADHD patients.  ^[4]

 Phenylalanine (600 mg per day) may cause moderate improvement in ADHD patients.  Phenylalanine's usefulness for the treatment of ADHD is likely to be due to its role in increasing brain Phenylethylamine (PEA) levels.  ^[5]

 Taurine may alleviate the Hyperactivity associated with ADHD by sedating the Central Nervous System.  ^[6]

 Tryptophan may be beneficial for ADHD patients due to its role as a precursor for the production of Serotonin, a Neurotransmitter that is commonly depleted in ADHD patients.  Anecdotal Evidence

 Tyrosine (up to 5,000 mg per day) may be useful in the treatment of some cases of ADHD (due to its ability to improve Dopamine metabolism).  ^[7]

Electromagnetic Radiation

 Exposure to Full Spectrum Fluorescent Light may help to prevent ADHD:  ^[8]

 Children who attend schools where shielded Full Spectrum Fluorescent Light is provided are less prone to hyperactivity than those working under other forms of Fluorescent Light.

 Optimal, but not excessive, exposure to Sunlight may prevent ADHD:  Anecdotal Evidence

 However, over-exposure to Sunlight may exacerbate or cause ADHD.

Hormones

 Melatonin may improve Sleep onset, behavior and Mood in ADHD patients with chronic sleep onset Insomnia.  ^[9] 

Lipids

 Alpha-Linolenic Acid may improve the condition of ADHD patients.  ^[10]

 ADHD patients may exhibit low Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) levels (and for this reason supplemental DHA, by raising lowered levels of DHA, may alleviate ADHD).  ^[11]

 Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) may improve the symptoms of Attention/Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  ^[12]

 It has been speculated that ADHD patients may have an impairment in their ability to convert Linoleic Acid to Gamma-Linolenic Acid (therefore direct supplementation with Gamma-Linolenic Acid-containing dietary Oils may be useful for ADHD patients).  ^[13]

 Phosphatidylserine is under investigation as a possible treatment for ADHD.  ^[14]

Minerals

 Calcium deficiency may be an underlying cause of some cases of ADHD.  ^[15]

 Iodine deficiency in mothers during pregnancy may result in ADHD in offspring. 

 ADHD may occur as a result of Magnesium deficiency. Magnesium supplementation at 200 mg per day may alleviate ADHD.  ^[16]

 ADHD may occur as a result of Iron deficiency and Iron supplementation may alleviate ADHD.  ^[17]

 ADHD patients have been found to have low (up to 50% lower) serum Zinc levels.  ^[18]

Neurotransmitters

 Children afflicted with ADHD often exhibit depleted levels of Dopamine.  ^[19]

 Supplemental Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) may improve the condition of ADHD patients.  ^[20]

 Insufficient Brain levels of Phenylethylamine (PEA) may contribute to ADHD.  ^[21]

 Children afflicted with ADHD may exhibit depleted levels of Serotonin.  ^[22] 

Patented Medicines

 Atomoxetine has been used successfully to treat some cases of ADHD.