By Frank J. Granett R.ph, Special for USDR
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most frequently diagnosed neurobehavioral condition in children and adults in the United States. Currently, over 12 percent of US children and 5 percent of adults are diagnosed with ADHD. Recently, The Price of ADHD Business health segment on the Price of Business radio show interviewed Dr. David Sack M.D. He is the C.E.O. of Elements Behavioral Health, a national network of addiction treatment programs located in Malibu, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Nashville and Fort Lauderdale. As a former senior clinical scientist at the National Institute of Mental Health, his research involved affective disorders, neuroendocrinology and circadian rhythm assessments relative to the onset of neurobehavioral conditions.
The ADHD diagnosing process involving behavioral assessments as the sole criteria is steadfastly gaining resistance. The business model of assessing and treating ADHD in the US is adapting due to concerns of long term health risks associated with premature stimulant drug therapy in young children. Prominent physicians are demanding the addition of bio-assessments to the ADHD diagnosing protocol to rule out underlying causes of the condition. Comprehensive assessments involving nutritional, physiological and environmental risk factors help rule out causes of ADHD-like symptoms. Attention-deficit drugs may provide short term relief of ADHD-like symptoms, including hyperactivity, lack of focus and anxiety. However, the long term effects are now known.
Solutions for over-medicating our youth can be achieved by a straight forward Action Plan for Behavioral Conditions as described in The American Epidemic: Solutions for Over-Medicating Our Youth.
Many critical health risk factor assessments are necessary for the advancement of a healthy focused mind as a child proceeds in their developmental stages of life. A child must develop efficient digestive and toxin elimination organ systems including the liver, kidney, gallbladder, small and large intestine. Additionally, the cervical spine must be assessed to rule out impingement of the brain stem and spinal cord as well as decreased microvascular blood flow to this region. Visual and auditory perception disorders must also be added to the assessment protocol in addition to effective cognitive behavioral therapy intervention.
In today’s America, due to cost constraints, physicians are forced to provide an immediate solution to ADHD-like symptoms. Unfortunately, stimulant amphetamine drug therapy as a first line therapeutic treatment becomes the primary option. Children in America deserve a voice to help determine the underlying cause of their symptoms prior to premature drug therapy. A new vison in the ADHD assessment and treatment process will unite parents, educators, healthcare professionals, business leaders and public health policymakers. The Coalition Against Overmedicating Our Youth (CAOOY) represents this new vision of assessing ADHD-like symptoms in children providing free educational consultation as a 501 c3 non-profit Educational Public Charity.
Visit www.CAOOY.org and open the “Ask the Pharmacist” tab. Learn how to comprehensively assess the ADHD condition…..or email FrankGranett@CAOOY.org
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