• Barnes TA

• Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

Method: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been estimated to affect approximately 3.5 million American children. The primary medical intervention involves the prescription of the psychostimulant drug methylphenidate. It has been estimated that the number of children being treated with psychostimulant medication for ADHD doubles every two years. A literature review was undertaken examining recent references from the Medline database, together with other references from alternative sources, such as Chirolars database, conference proceedings and the Internet. Possible etiologies for ADHD are discussed and classified into physical, chemical and mental categories. Alternative treatment options, identified from the literature search, are discussed.

Conclusion: ADHD refers to a combination of symptoms encompassing inattention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. The behavior exhibited by the child with ADHD is usually seen as being disruptive and unacceptable by parents and teachers, and the child may be socially handicapped as a result. Traditionally, the treatment of ADHD had relied on behavior techniques and psychostimulant medication. In planning an appropriate treatment program for the child with ADHD, it is important to consider learning disability and hyperactivity separately. Since ADHD is strongly associated with learning disabilities, its treatment should be based on educational intervention, not drug therapy. The doctor of chiropractic can play a significant role in the care of children with ADHD by assessing all aspects of a childs problem and working to restore balance to the physical, chemical, and mental aspects of the child's life. although the doctor of chiropractic may not be an expert in all areas of care for the ADHA child, it is important to recognize this interplay of structural, chemical and mental influences to provide appropriate chiropractic evaluation and care and to consult with an interdisciplinary health care management team, when necessary.