A Healthy Diet Could Help With ADHD – But is Not a Cure

A recent study found that a way to improve the behavior of kids who have ADHD is to get them to eat a healthier diet. This advice is not designed to be a primary treatment method for ADHD. Could something as simple as a healthy diet be an effective way to lessen the symptoms of ADHD? In the 1970’s, Dr. Benjamin Feingold wrote a book called “Why Your Child is Hyperactive”. Dr. Feingold was a pediatrician and an allergist. The diet he described in his book is now commonly referred to as The Feingold Diet. The basic concept of this … Continue reading

Things to Consider Before Switching Medications

There has been a shortage of several different kinds of prescription ADHD medications. The result is that many parents have been seeking a substitution for the drug that their child uses. There are many factors to consider before switching medications. Since the middle of 2011, there has been a shortage of many types of ADHD medications. Some parents have been calling every pharmacy in their area, hoping that one of them could fill their child’s prescription. These drugs have become very elusive. The biggest reason why there is a shortage of these drugs has to do with a new policy … Continue reading

Gestational Diabetes May Raise Risk of ADHD

A new study finds that babies who are born to mother’s who have gestational diabetes are twice as likely to have ADHD than are their peers, (whose mother’s did not have gestational diabetes). Another factor that increases the risk of ADHD is when children are born into families with a below-average socioeconomic status. There was a study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. Researchers followed 212 children who lived in Queens, New York. The children were from “ethnically and socioeconomically diverse” backgrounds. A total of 10% of the children in the study were exposed to gestational diabetes. … Continue reading

Free Apps to Help Parents of Kids With ADHD

Parents of children who have ADHD are very aware of exactly how stressful this type of parenting can be. Every parent needs a little help sometimes, especially around the holidays (when the kids are out of school). Here are a few free apps that are designed to help out parents of kids who have ADHD. ADHD Angel is a FREE app that is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (third generation), iPod touch (fourth generation), and iPad. This app can be used by parents of children who have ADHD to keep track of important, health related, details. Or, … Continue reading

Helpful Hints to Help Kids with ADHD at Christmastime

The closer we get to Christmas, the more excited most children will become. Parents of children who have ADHD need to be able to separate the myths about this disorder from the facts. There are certain things you can do to help your child cope with the holidays. There are some myths about ADHD that your relatives may mistakingly think are facts. December is a month that typically involves lots of family gatherings. Parents of kids who have ADHD might want to be prepared to gently educate their relatives about their misconceptions about this disorder. Studies show that there is … Continue reading

Researchers Find Four Genes Linked to ADHD

A study has revealed that there are four gene variants that are involved in the brain signaling pathways in some children who have ADHD. This finding could, potentially, be used to help create medications that target those specific pathways. It could also lead to new treatments for kids who have ADHD due to those specific gene variants. Researchers from the Center for Applied Genomics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have discovered that there are four gene variants that affect a sub-set of children that have ADHD. All four gene variants are part of the glutamate receptor gene family. The … Continue reading

Air Fresheners, Allergies, and ADHD

Air fresheners are used in many schools as a means of improving the smell that tends to appear in classrooms that are overcrowded. However, many air fresheners contain chemicals that can irritate the sinuses of children and adults. Could it be possible that an allergic reaction is being misread as ADHD? A study that was presented at the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) this year noted that scented candles and air fresheners can trigger allergy symptoms, can aggravate existing allergies, and can worsen asthma attacks. These same air fresheners are frequently used … Continue reading

Study Links ADHD to Wetting Accidents

A German study finds that there is a connection between ADHD and the likelihood that a child will have a wetting accident. This is one of very few studies that points out what many parents of children who have ADHD have been suspecting. Some of the symptoms of ADHD involve difficulty with paying attention, and a tendency to have low impulse control. Parents of children who have ADHD have probably noticed that these are two factors that make it difficult to successfully potty train a child. It also makes sense that kids who are easily distracted, and who have problems … Continue reading

Poor Bedtime Habits Can Lead to Misdiagnosis of ADHD

Does your child really have ADHD? Or, has your child been misdiagnosed with ADHD because he or she is displaying symptoms that are brought on by poor bedtime habits? A study shows that there are many children who don’t truly have ADHD, but appear to have it, due to not having enough sleep. A study was done that was based on a survey given to 704 parents. The parents had children who were between the ages of 2 and 13. Most of the parents who filled out the survey were mothers. All parents were randomly selected to fill out a … Continue reading

Study Finds Having ADHD Doubles A Child’s Risk of Injury

A study finds that children who have ADHD are twice as likely to be injured seriously enough to require medical attention than are kids who don’t have ADHD. This is definitely something parents of kids who have ADHD need to keep in mind. Some of the symptoms of ADHD include difficulties with paying attention, impulsiveness, and a tendency to be “hyperactive”. These types of symptoms usually end up causing problems at school, where kids are expected to sit down most of the day, and to wait to be called on by the teacher before speaking. ADHD also can cause problems … Continue reading