Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is estimated to affect 11% of all children, with boys having at least double the risk of developing ADHD compared to girls. Edmond Sarraf, MD, at Southern California Integrative Wellness Center specializes in assessing children for ADHD and prescribing natural treatments before resorting to medications. If you have questions about your child’s behavior, or you’d like to learn about natural treatment options for ADHD, call the office in Los Angeles.

ADHD develops due to dysfunction in areas of the brain that regulate attention, motor function, and executive function. Executive function includes the skills children need to exert self-control, direct their actions, and achieve established goals.

Children with ADHD aren’t being purposefully oppositional or disobedient. They have difficulty controlling their own behavior and paying attention due to their underlying brain disorder, and they need treatment that helps restore balance.

ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood, but the problem doesn’t simply go away without treatment, so some aren’t diagnosed until adolescence or young adulthood.

ADHD

What Symptoms Develop Due to ADHD?

ADHD causes symptoms that are categorized as inattentiveness and hyperactivity and impulsivity. Some children may have the inattentiveness component without hyperactive behaviors.

ADHD symptoms are more severe than the bouts of hyperactivity that occasionally affect all children. When children have ADHD, their symptoms affect their ability to succeed at school, make it hard for them to establish friendships, and disrupt family life.

These are a few examples of behaviors typically caused by ADHD:

Inattention:

  • Struggles to pay attention
  • Easily distracted
  • Disorganized
  • Often loses things
  • Doesn’t follow instructions
  • Starts an assignment and doesn’t finish

Hyperactivity and impulsivity:

  • Constantly moving
  • Very high energy
  • Fidgets while sitting
  • Can’t engage in quiet activities
  • Talks excessively
  • Often interrupts others

Children with ADHD also have trouble with working memory. This means they may not temporarily store information, so they find it hard to follow instructions and learn.

How is ADHD Treated?

Dr. Ed’s goal is to first discover the root cause of any label that has been placed on your child, such as ADHD, then find the right path for each individual.

Many children with ADHD are medicated with stimulants. However, Dr. Ed believes that medication should be the last resort and used only when absolutely needed. He develops treatment plans that rely on many possible approaches to help children with ADHD, such as:

  • Food therapy
  • Homeopathy
  • Herbs
  • Chinese medicine
  • Mind-body therapies
  • Sports
  • Essential oils

This is only a partial list of the many natural treatments available to effectively treat ADHD. Dr. Ed also helps families learn about ADHD and how to break habits and develop new mindsets. The doctor may recommend seminars or send YouTube videos for inspiration.

If you’re concerned about your child’s behavior, call Southern California Integrative Wellness Center.