Biochemically, ADD/ADHD is likely caused by a deficiency in dopamine, a natural "feel-good" brain chemical called a neurotransmitter. Some of the dopamine that brain cells make, projects to and activates the frontal lobes. One of the most important functions of the brain’s frontal lobes is the integration of thoughts, feelings, sensory information and updated feedback about current motor activity. The frontal lobes compile all this information and are instrumental in "choosing" the next task to attain goal completion. So it is little wonder that when dopamine activity is compromised, thus interfering with the frontal lobes, a person becomes unfocused and distractible.

How can we put natural dopamine back into our bodies? First, a brief lesson in basic chemistry. Dopamine is made from tyrosine, or phenylalanine, two of the essential amino acids which are the building blocks of all life. These are converted by our enzymes (made from the DNA in our genes) into the next natural brain chemical called L-DOPA. Folic acid, Vitamin B3 (niacin) and iron, (a mineral) are required for this enzyme to make L-DOPA from tyrosine. Next, another enzyme, (from our DNA), converts the L-DOPA into dopamine, as long as there is enough Vitamin B6 available. Dopamine converts to norepinephrine, as long as Vitamin C is available. And finally converts to epinephrine. Norepinephrine deficiency can cause depression and dopamine deficiency causes ADD/ADHD. Both can be treated with nutrients and amino acids, the raw materials the body uses to make these neurotransmitters, naturally.

The original dopamine deficiency may be caused by a combination of factors: exposure to environmental pollutants, nutritional deficiencies, food or airborne allergies, stress of a high paced lifestyle, gastrointestinal injury and genetic vulnerabilities. These all combine to cause changes in brain chemistry which underlie the behavioral problems listed above.

It could be just a dietary deficiency of the necessary nutrients mentioned above. It could be a "brain allergy", such as a food allergy causing the deficiency. Most of the time, if it’s an allergy, it has something to do with casein (milk protein) or gluten (wheat protein). So it is wise to eliminate these offending foods from the diet. If the allergy is due to an airborne allergen, like pollen, then allergy shots may help.

If the allergy is due to Leaky Gut Syndrome, which allows proteins to leak into the bloodstream, causing an immune problem, that can also be tested for and treated properly. Intestinal damage can be caused by toxins in the environment and the free radical by-products created when the body rids itself of those toxins. The Nutrient Transfer® in NSR Focus helps heal the GI tract while delivering the necessary nutrients. Antioxidants also may help in this situation.

Supplementing the nutrients listed above may be enough to alleviate many ADD/ADHD symptoms. However, if the cause is due to a complicated combination of factors mentioned above, other companion treatments may be necessary.

References

Bornstein, R et al, Plazma Amino Acids in Attention Deficit Disorder Psychiatry Research 1990 33(3) 301-306

McConnell, H Catecholamine Metabolism in the Attention Deficit Disorder: Implications for the use of Amino Acid Precursor Therapy Medical Hypotheses 1985 17(4) 305-311

Nemzer, E et al, Amino Acid Supplementation as Therapy for Attention Deficit Disorder Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 1986 25(4) 509-513

Practice Parameters for the Assessment and Treatment of Children, Adolescents and Adults With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 36:10 Supplement, October 1997

Shaywitz, S & Shaywitz, B Biologic Influences in Attentional Deficit Disorders in Levine, M et al Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, W.B. Saunders Company, Philidelphia 1983

The Use of Focus with Children and Young Teens with Attention Deficit Disorder Is Backed by Clinical Research and Professional Practice

Professional Guidelines Recommend The Use of Proven Psychological Methods Along With or Without Medication In The Treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder:

The prescribing information provided by CIBA ( the manufacturers of Ritalin®) states "Ritalin® is indicated as an integral part of a total treatment program which typically includes other remedial measures (psychological, educational, social) for a stabilizing effect in children with a behavioral syndrome characterized by the following group of developmentally inappropriate symptoms: moderate-to severe distractibility, short attention span, hyperactivity, emotional lability, and impulsivity."

The same literature also states, "Drug treatment is not indicated for all children with this syndrome..... Appropriate educational placement is essential and psychosocial intervention is generally necessary. When remedial measures alone are insufficient, the decision to prescribe stimulant medication will depend upon the physician’s assessment...."(1)-Physicians’ Desk Reference 1998

Dr. William Barbaresi notes that "Comprehensive treatment, including both medication and nonmedical intervention, should be coordinated by the primary-care provider."(2)-Mayo Clinical Proceedings 1996

Similarly Dr. Michael Taylor concludes, "The most successful management of children with attention deficit disorder involves a coordinated team approach, with parents, school officials, mental health specialists and the physician using a combination of behavior management techniques at home and at school, educational placement and medication therapy."(3)-American Family Physician 1997