28 Apr ADHD-Diagnosing the wrong deficit?
A.D.H.D. or a sleep deficit? In the Sunday Review, Vatsal G. Thakkar questions if a substantial proportion of A.D.H.D. cases are really sleep disorders in disguise.
“For some people — especially children — sleep deprivation does not necessarily cause lethargy; instead they become hyperactive and unfocused. Researchers and reporters are increasingly seeing connections between dysfunctional sleep and what looks like A.D.H.D., but those links are taking a long time to be understood by parents and doctors.”
I would assert, NO, it is not. The sleep deficit is merely a symptom of it. It can also be seen in autism. Look to immunology, serotonin levels which regulate the input of melatonin and sensory processing issues that disable the ability to block out stimuli.
A multi-factorial approach to symptom reduction includes:
A Structured Schedule
A Whole Foods Diet: rule out food sensitivities, remove processed and preservatives. I have witnessed incredible improvements in cognitive function and behaviour through dietary intervention.
Evaluating Endocrine Imbalances: Anemia, thyroid disorders, dysglysemia, adrenal dysregulation (particularly in adults). Correcting for these deficiencies is paramount.
Reduced TV and technology: no more then 10% of day
Increased vigorous exercise that is not limited to organized sport
Address Executive Function as a primary challenge
Vaccination schedules and other challenges to pre-toddler immune function.
Look to the biological differences through brain scans to see the disorder as real and improve medical access to these tests.