ADHD parents have ADHD kids

Posted on Sep 28th 2006 4:31PM by Brian White

Filed Under: Diet & Weight Loss, Motivation

While I think attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is more related to the things we put in out bodies and the morphing activities we participate in rather than a "disease" that all of a sudden appeared a decade ago, kids of parents who have ADHD are more likely to develop it as well.

ADHD is seen by many as the normal manifestation of childhood that is no longer allowed in certain social situations (like times of the day at school); hence, ADHD management tools like prescription medication are used as solutions to the problem in many instances. Is this the mass drugging of kids for possible normal behavior? You make the call on that one.

But, what about parents and "grown ups" who exhibit ADHD symptoms? It's interesting to note than in 60% of the cases where adults are on ADHD medication, it was their children who went on the medication first. That is something that gives me pause, that is for sure. The "Hyperactivity" part of the equation is usually dropped out of the adult version, which is generally considered "ADD". I'd love to walk into an office someday and see the middle-aged workers bouncing off the walls, though -- including Jim Carrey.

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Tags: ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, AttentionDeficitHyperactivityDisorder

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Brad Turner 10-11-2006 @ 5:53PM

Isnt it amazing how school zones are supposed to be drug free yet you have kids linning up in the halls everyday to take their meds so that the teachers can have an easy day. Who is the real loser in all of this OUR children meanwhile the drug companies reap record proffit.

Carolyn 9-28-2006 @ 6:03PM

As a parent who has an ADD/ADHD child, comments by those who have not experience it first hand, nor have any clue regarding the diagnoisis, should really not have a comment. While I do agree that there are probably several parents who would rather dope their child than take care of issues that are really the problem, there are those who need medication. I have such a child. My brother has it as well as myself, and doctors have agreed that it can be genetic. People should walk in my shoes for a week with myself and my son without medication and see the difference in his grades, socialization as well as many factors that are considered. He has been seen by doctors and has been in their care since he was 5. Seen every six months, and I am diligent in his upbringing and with the doctors and the school every step of the way. It is sad to be catagorized and lumped into a bundle because of other peoples perceptions. Until you have been there stick to your other nameless blogs please.

Brian 9-28-2006 @ 6:03PM

Hi Carolyn,

I respect your opinion, but after having a child in the family "diagnosed" when ADHD, we radically changed his diet and three months later he was a completely different child -- like night and day. So, at least in my experience, it had nothing to do with medication and more to do with all the junk he was eating and drinking. In other words, nutrition and nutrition alone, as his other stopped all his medications and changed his diet with outstanding results. No more Coke and McDonalds, in other words. Your mileage may vary of course -- best wishes with your son's care.

Regards,

Brian

Carolyn 9-28-2006 @ 6:16PM

As a parent who has an ADD/ADHD child, comments by those who
have not
experience it first hand, nor have any clue regarding the diagnoisis,
should really not have a comment. While I do agree that there are
probably several parents who would rather dope their child than take
care of issues that are really the problem, there are those who need
medication. I have such a child. My brother has it as well as
myself, and doctors have agreed that it can be genetic. People
should walk in my shoes for a week with myself and my son without
medication and see the difference in his grades, socialization as
well as many factors that are considered. He has been seen by doctors
and has been in their care since he was 5. Seen every six months, and
I am diligent in his upbringing and with the doctors and the school
every step of the way. It is sad to be catagorized and lumped into a
bundle because of other peoples perceptions. Until you have been there
stick to your other nameless blogs please.

Carolyn 9-28-2006 @ 7:06PM

Hi Brian,

I too have changed his diet, schools, teachers, home life. I have tried every fad that came out: certain flours, dyes in the food, you name we tried. In that time frame he has gone to getting "B's" and "C's" to "F's". The last thing I wanted was to be grouped in the "You are medicating your son????" category. The difference was unbelievable and that is where I have always had the problem. Every person is different and every person responds differently to things. Your child reacted well to the nutrition deal. Why didn't mine? Because he is different than other children. But that does not make me a bad parent nor a bad person because my son takes medication.

Brian 9-28-2006 @ 6:46PM

Sorry to hear that -- what works for some does not work for others, which is a trajedy. It really is. We found out that going almost all vegan and dropping all soft drinks with a nephew of mine did the trick completely. It seemed medications were doing nothing at all, but since I don't have all the data I won't say that with 100% accuracy. Best of luck to your future and his as well.

Erica R. 9-28-2006 @ 6:54PM

If a child has true ADHD, no diet in the world can change that fact. ADHD is a real, medically recognized disability that doesn't appear or disappear based on french fries. If it were only that simple. I find it quite irresponsible for anyone to comment on what medication is or isn't appropriate without any first hand experience with the children who struggle with this disability.
I hate the medication I have to give my child, but it has made a huge difference in his life.

Erica R. 9-28-2006 @ 6:59PM

I'm sorry Brian but I completely disagree with you. ADHD is a real, medically recognized disability. If a diet made a difference for your son then he didn't have ADHD to begin with. Friench fries unfortunately don't change this condition. If you read any medical literature on this subject you will find this is the case. There are thousands and thousands of parents out here who would give up their right arm if only diet alone made a difference for their child. Please don't be judgmental about that which you have no experience.

Brian 9-28-2006 @ 7:08PM

As I said, YMMV (your mileage may vary). The nutrition steps that were taken with a family member very much helped him. That may not be true with all cases, but it sure worked in this one. So, yes, I do have experience, just not as a parent (but a very concerned relative). Not being judgmental at all -- you mistook what I said and posted about, which is common sometimes. I truly feel for you -- just trying to explain what helped in a situation I was involved with heavily for a while. After a year now, his mother considers him "cured" -- but it was not medications that did it at all. Again -- your mileage may vary. All situations are different.

Carolyn 9-29-2006 @ 5:40PM

To Brian: I want to thank you for your response, I do hear empathy in your comment and it would seem that you do understand both sides. Thanks again. As I read the comments, I believe that my instant anger was directed to Brad, who it seems, believes that the parents in this world chose to dope their children. This man has no clue.
To Erica: Thanks for joining the fray, your comments are right on!!

Judy Templeton 9-28-2006 @ 7:21PM

I find it interesting that this situation was unknown until a few years ago.
We had misbehaving, inattentive children, etc.
Then the decision wa made to feed them treated soy formulas instead of milk.
A few years later we started hearing about AADD.
Wonder if there is a correlation here?

Brian 9-28-2006 @ 7:33PM

Thanks Carolyn,

It's hard to deal with ADHD, that's for sure. I've seen both sides, but have only had to *partially* deal with one situation where a "radical" change in his nutrition produced outstanding results. I'm not talking a "diet change" here, but a complete reversal of traditional western eating and drinking habits. It saddens me to see kids still dealing with ADHD when nutritive efforts like the one I participated in had no effect. There are other treatments thank goodness, and my heart goes out to the parents and especially the kids that have to suffer through this.

Noelle 9-28-2006 @ 8:40PM

There are many different types of techniques for managing ADHD behaviors. My daughter has been helped by behavioral modification and making certain changes to her external environment:

- She has a chart of all her chores and tasks that she has to do; when she has finished each one she initials next to it. Some of her jobs are more physical (like carrying up the laundry) and some are more focusing-oriented (trying to follow a simple receipe). She'll switch back and forth so she's not doing too much focusing all at one time.

- We've been working on her organizational skills. It's very easy for her to get overwhelmed but we've really been working on her getting into the habit of using her school planner and a calendar and making up a plan.

- She has her routine and it doesn't change very much no matter what - it's easier for her to concentrate if she knows what's coming next.

- She uses an old beeper of mine with a vibrating alarm (since she has a hard time judging the time a task will take). If she thinks something should take 15 minutes, she sets the alarm and when it vibrates, she stops.

- She has a special seat which sits on her chair and allows her to fidget and swivel around with less disruption. It really helps her concentrate - it's much better than having to get up, get a pencil, get a drink, etc. She just has a hard time sitting still! But this way she can sit just not be still.

- Now that she's in a new school, she has to walk to her after-school program rather than take a bus. I've found that she's much more willing to sit right down and do her homework after she's had a chance to get up and stretch her legs with a short walk.

I've also cut out TV during the week and moved up bedtime.

These things have all been successful for me at home. This wouldn't work for every child - for some external structuring and medication is the way to go, or maybe external structuring, meds, and dietary changes. But if it makes the child happier and makes the family function better than you just need to do what works!

Erica R. 9-28-2006 @ 9:48PM

ADHD has been recognized as a legitimate diagnosis by major medical, psychological, and educational organizations, including the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Education. The American Psychiatric Society recognizes AD/HD as a medical disorder in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—the official mental health “bible” used by psychologists and psychiatrists. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is biologically based. Research shows that it’s a result of an imbalance of chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters, within the brain. The problem is rooted in brain chemistry, not discipline or diet.

glenna 10-03-2006 @ 11:33AM

Oh what a can of worms !! When we found out my middle son was ADD we went the diet route. Everything was home grown that went into his mouth, with no colorings, ect. The only thing that helped him was medication. One teacher who critized me for doping my child quickly changed her mind when he got to school one day without his medication. Not only did he not learn, but no one else in the class did either. And he felt bad about himself due to being corrected.
Once it became a factor in the home I learned what to look for
and how to help deal with the problems. My other two sons also
have ADD but to different degrees. And, yes, I am now on medications for the same problem. What I have learned is that diet helps some. It is caused by brain chemisty. Lifestyle changes helps...lists, sticky notes, ect. And if a person really is ADD how the medications works on them is different then how regular people are affected by it. Personally I would have LOVED for their medication to have been ' addictive '. Maybe then they would
have taken it without fail.
One further item. My youngest treatment started when he was in the third grade. He went from barely passing to Gifted. From testing out below grade to Math grade level 7th....reading 9th...after only three months. And in high school we found out that 9 out of 10 children in his Gifted classes were being treated for ADD. Then I realized that my son who had always been a student with the remarks....daydreamer, works below abilities...was also a form of ADD and sadly was never treated.
If a child is just active....great...handle it. But if there is ANY chance..have them tested. If nothing else it lets you know what and how to deal with them. And go to a Doctor who knows this area of health...not just a doctor.

Sherry Dailey 10-04-2006 @ 9:12AM

To begin with I speak from 16 years of experence with my daughter and alife time of experence my self......we both have ADHD! For those of you who feel...we just want to "dope" our kids! Do you have any idea what it feels like not to be able to sit still, every minute of every day? Not to beable to sleep, no matter how exhasted you are? Unable to finish anything you've started, because your driven on to something new? Or to be un able to sit and watch a movie or program that you've been dieing to see, because you feel like your going to jump out of your skin if you don't get up and do something? Have you ever been yelled at or told how anoying you are, everyday of your life? Have you ever sat with your child while she's crying, because all she really wants is........ not the latest ipod or game system (that would be easy) , but just to feel and act like everyone else.......just to be liked by someone!
Believe me, we've tried diet......it doesn't work for everyone! And it took awhile to find just the right medication at the best dose for her. This (DOPE) as you put it!!! Provides her the way to act and feel.....the way that you just take for granit. How unfair to take all that away from a child!!!
If you have high blood preasure, you take a pill for it! If you have sugar, you take a pill or an injection for it! If you have bad eye sight, you ware glasses! I'm sure that you woulden't denie your child that? Unfortunately these disease's which include mental illness can not be wished or dreamed away, just because we'd like someone to be different!!!! Some require the help of med's. And thank god for them!!!!
Why some parents would rather see there child struggel threw life (what a waste!!), rather than help them be all that they can be.........because of what a teacher or uncle Joe might think, is beond me??????

Natalie 10-05-2006 @ 12:44AM

First of all, my first hand experience with ADHD comes from teaching, not parenting, which I realize is a whole different ballgame. However, my seven years of teaching experience with both general education and special education students has taught me a lot. ADHD is a very real disability. However, I do think that sometimes children are misdiagnosed. As a teacher, I would never recommend medication. However, if I see that a child is very active, cannot sit still or maintain focus even when they are very interested in a task, and their inability to attend is causing them social, emotional or academic problems, I might recommend a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation for that child. I love my students and only want the best for them. I am not looking for an easy day as the first poster suggests. I respect and value the opinions of the children's parents. After seven years in NYC schools, I can still tell you the mass majority of people have the best of intentions when it comes to their children. Cut them some slack!

`Marsha 10-25-2006 @ 9:51AM

There is no child that set out to do bad. All children want to do good . There is always a reason for their problems . They have been labeled as lazy, stupid, and Parents have been blamed for lack of disciplined and teachers too that is not always so . There are no perfect children........ They all have some type of disability or handicap any where on the scale 1- 100 . Eye sight, Hearing , Allergies, Bad Teeth , a Physical illness like Diabetes, Hemophilia ,CP ,MS ,MD, A.d.d. A.d.d.h.d , Tourettes, Mental disorders , Depression, Stress in the family, Stress at school Abuse Physical and Mental, their Environment , Bullies , Pier Pressure and the list goes on and on . A child can have more than one of these things that will affect his learning process. And most of these share the same symptoms so it makes it hard to make a diagnoses . Some will have the same treatment some won't . It is our job as a parent to do the best and give them the best we can to make their life easier and healthier and not let them drop threw the system....So if changing their diet, medication, schedules or giving them attention going the whole nine yards to do what is best for your child , What works for one will not for others .We should share what worked for us . and support others and not criticize

lori masterson 10-25-2006 @ 10:46AM

If you really want to get to the bottom of this issue, try looking at what all these children have in common. At least 22 immunizations before the age of 2. Thereby destroying their immune systems and setting them up for a lifetime on the BIGPHARMA chronic illness program ,suprise a drug for everything that ails you and your unsuspecting children. WAKE UP EVERYONE! Ask questions! If it smells like a rat is most often is one. Remember BIGPHARMA doesn't want to find cures or for you to get well. Signed by a mother on a mission to keep her ASD son well and her neurotypical children drug free . God bless you all and keep well! LKM

Tonda 10-25-2006 @ 2:53PM

I am a school nurse with a Master's degree in pediatric nursing. I have worked with children with ADD & ADHD for 10 years. I have seen tremendous improvements with some children that have been placed on the correct medications. I believe every child is their own individual person and must be treated as such when being diagnosed and treated. Sometimes children are misdiagnosed and should not be on medications. Many other things may appear as ADHD/ADD such as stress, worry, depression, asthma meds, reaction to foods etc. It is very important for parents to work with knowlegeable physicians that carefully diagnose and treat each child.

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