Experts advise parents to always focus on the positive side of any child’s
behavior: channel his energy in constructive ways, catch her doing
something right and praise her, and make use of individual creativity.
amphetamine-containing drugs for reduce aggressive/impulsive behavior. listed on the Feingold diet: artificial color-
ADHD—Adderall and Dexedrine, as well Certified nutritionist Marcia ings, flavorings, sweeteners, preservatives
as methylphenidates, such as Concerta Zimmerman recommends eliminating and salicylates. The latter are found in
and Ritalin. common allergenic foods, such as dairy aspirin and many foods, including apples,
Although the warning on these and wheat, for a month, then slowly oranges and plums.
drugs is the strongest the FDA can man- adding back nutritious choices. She also Since protein-rich foods, includ-
date, many experts say it’s not strong suggests cutting out additives black- ing eggs, fish, lamb, legumes, skinless
enough. Stating that “misuse of amphet-
amines may cause sudden death and
serious cardiovascular adverse effects”
is misleading, advises Sidney M. Wolfe, a
physician associated with the Health Re-
search Group, since it fails to tell patients
that they may suffer sudden death even
if they use these meds properly but have
certain heart conditions.
Despite these concerns, the first
long-term study of preschoolers tak-
ing Ritalin found benefits, even while
it warned of side effects ranging from
slowed growth to irritability and in-
somnia in 40 percent of young children
participating. “This is a catastrophe,” says
Peter Breggin, a medical doctor and New
York psychiatrist, who opposes the use of
psychiatric drugs for children.
In addition to conducting thorough
physical assessments for heart disease,
Dr. Wolfe advises monitoring anyone
taking these stimulants for aggressive or
hostile behavior. Other concerns include
seizures and vision problems. Youngsters
taking these drugs are also more likely to
smoke, research finds, while Ritalin and
amphetamines have become commonly
abused drugs.
Nutrition Counts
Fortunately, as one recent study sug-
gests, food supplement treatment of
ADHD may be of equal efficacy to Ritalin
treatment. All children, and especially
those with learning difficulties, benefit
from a multiple vitamin-mineral supple-
ment with antioxidants, B complex and
vitamin C. Other useful supplements to
consider are the essential amino acids
that support production of the neu-
rotransmitters necessary for optimal
brain function, and the essential fatty ac-
ids that promote brain development and
August 2008 33
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