ADD and ADHD
As of 2016, 6.1 million children aged 2-17 years had been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in America. Less than half of these children received behavioral treatment for their ADHD in 2016, while 62% of these children were taking ADHD medication. ADHD is more common in boys, and also among children with fair or poor health status. (CDC)
An increasing amount of research links the steady rise in developmental disabilities to environmental exposures including mercury, pesticides, airborne pollutants and common household chemicals, together with a child's genetic predisposition.
A “green pediatrician” dedicated to the integrative care of patients can create an ADD or ADHD treatment plan that includes multiple healing modalities. Deirdre Imus' book, Growing Up Green! Baby and Child Care, details several of these, which include hypnosis, massage, acupuncture, and biofeedback.
Kenneth Bock, MD of the Rhinebeck Health Center, discusses integrative care for developmental disabilities in his book, Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies – The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders. Dr. Bock chronicles how, together with their physicians, many have found better health through a combination of dietary change, supplementation, detoxification and medication.
Prescriptions for ADHD also continue to rise, particularly for teen boys. In 2012, 9.3% of 12-18 year old boys were prescribed ADHD medications, up from 7.9% in 2008.
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Last updated 11-16-2017