What's on the horizon for today's ADHD youth?
What’s on the horizon for today’s ADHD youth?
(Flickr user: Broma)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affectes 3-7% of children in the United States. Interestingly, ADHD is more common in non-hispanic, English speaking kids, who have health insurance. With the exception of males, income has no significance on who gets ADHD and who does not.

Many parents are concerned about the longterm effects of ADHD drugs like Ritalin and are looking for alternative healthcare options. Direct medical costs for each ADHD individual is estimated at $1,574 per child leading parents of ADHD children to spend almost double for healthcare than what families without ADHD children spend. When food agencies are allowing health claims on sugary cereals like Fruit Loops, parents of ADHD kids are desperate for answers on not only what they can do for their children but who they can trust.

Debate on ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis of ADHD has increased substantially over the past decade. This has led to debate as to whether the condition is really increasing or whether just the diagnosis is increasing. When big players like the pharmaceutical industry are involved, the public is becoming increasingly weary. Continue reading “ADHD and nutrition: finding an alternative treatment that works” »