While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment
Attention deficit disorder has been increasing in incidence. The Standard American Diet was drastically changed when the US government published the 1977 Nutritional Guidelines that recommended an excessive amount of carbohydrates in our diet (grains were stressed as an important component of this plan). Since this change, attention deficit disorder diagnoses have skyrocketed. I would argue strongly that this is not due to increased detection and diagnosis.
Attention Deficit Disorder Intervention Omega 3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA): mackerel, salmon, sardines, anchovies, cod liver oil, herring, eggs, walnuts, chia seed, brussels sprout. Supports nerve cell function. Low-carbohydrate, high fat diet. This diet can result in production of ketone bodies to use for fuel. -Ketones are more efficient energy than glucose. Ketones increase mitochondrial efficiency and production. -Ketones increase GABAergic tone and decrease Glutamateric tone. Increasing GABAergic tone results in inhibition of neurotransmission, improves sleep, improves anxiety, “calming effect”. Glutamate can damage or kill nerve cells if overactive. Excessive glutamate has also been associated with the following conditions: ALS, MS, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, stroke, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Mental health conditions associated with a glutamate disorder include: Anxiety, autism, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia. -Ketones increase the release of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), promotes survival and maintenance of nerve cells. -Ketones have been shown to improve mitochondrial dysfunction which affects energy production and nerve cell functioning. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Gut micro biome health appears to be linked to neurologic functioning, including attention deficit disorder. Research has shown that there are more neurotransmitters present in the intestines than in the brain. You can use Prebiotics to improve the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Some examples include: Artichoke, garlic, onions, leeks, and asparagus. Probiotics help to restore gut bacteria with fermented foods. Some examples include: Yogurt, Kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, apple cider vinegar, and certain cheeses. Keep in mind that if these products are not refrigerated, then they are likely preserved and not as beneficial for your health. It is important to prevent these products from being light exposed for extended time periods. Ensure adequate sleep-adequate sleep is not present, attention will be very challenging. Attention to congestion, oral health, and mouth breathing-deficiencies in these areas leads to poor sleep and children often compensate with attention and concentration disorders.
Focus technique-use focus refocusing technique for 13 minutes. Focus on spot 1 cm behind your forehead above your nose with her eyes closed. If you start to drift, come back and refocus to this area. Do not perform this near bedtime as it improves focus and wakefulness for some period
Binaural 40 Hz beats-use free app the generates these beats to help improve focus before and activity that requires concentration.
White and pink noise-use of free apps that generates this noise to help improve focus before an activity that requires concentration.
NSDR (nonsleep deep rest), hypnosis. Andrew Huberman has spoken of the importance of these techniques on the Huberman Podcast. Improves neuroplasticity, decreases stress, improved cognitive function, improves memory, improved focus and mental clarity, feel more energized, can allow you to have better sleep at night.
Supplements to consider (adults)-phenylethylamine, alpha GPC, creatine, L-Tyrosine Mental health provider can help with behavior and organizational tools and at times medications
I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!
Jason Williams, D.O.