A study conducted by researchers from the University of Montreal and Harvard University according to an article published by Time Magazine (2010)  found that children with concentration levels of pesticides in their urine were 35% more likely to be prone to develop ADHD. The higher these levels, the more and more the risk multiplied.

This study, while not the most current, has been a topic of big debate, simply because more and more people are starting to question the effects of pesticides and food preservatives and other toxins in our environment and how they relate to our health. All of us want to be healthier – but often times we do not know the right information to make healthy choices.

What Most People Don’t Realize: Most Food is Poisoned

Unless you purchase food that is certified organic, you are consuming pesticides. It is otherwise impossible to avoid them. Even foods that say “all natural” may contain toxins that can negatively impact one’s health. Reading labels is not enough – you need to be sure that the foods you eat are organic in order to avoid pesticides.

This is hard for a lot of parents to grasp, especially because there are many name brands we have come to trust or use quite a bit. For example, a recent study on apple juice found that well known companies such as Motts apple juice tested unacceptably high for having arsenic in apple juice – up to 5 times higher than the considered “safe” level by the EPA. We are talking about microscopic particles here of course, but when you consider the whole entire human body is made of microscopic particles, it is not that surprising or astonishing that it could have an effect on some people, especially children who have a smaller body weight and are in their early developmental stages.

While some foods are better than others (ie: spinach absolutely should be organic, while foods that need peeled generally contain much less) – it’s very hard for a parent with a child with special needs (and likely a picky eater) to find foods that are safe. Even if you are lucky enough to live near a grocery store that offers organic food, it can be extremely expensive and out of budget for many families. Sometimes however, the cost of food far outweighs the negative effects of pesticides.

Why Would Pesticides Have a Role in ADHD?

It is hard to understand why pesticides may have such a big role in ADHD symptoms. However, if you understand the science of food and digestion and how it makes the brain function, it makes it much easier to see the potential for a link.

Leaky Gut Syndrome:
Many kids with ADHD experience digestive problems that can cause constipation and malabsorption of nutrients (which then also factors into behavioral issues and the way the brain functions). It also suggests that perhaps these children simply have a compromised immune system that cannot simply process all the toxins in our every day world.

This is a concept often associated with the term leaky gut syndrome and is also a common topic of discussion amongst autism researchers. (Leaky gut syndrome suggests that food particles and toxins are permeating through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream, causing food allergies and toxin overload).

Toxic overload is not a surprising concept in the research associated with ADD. Many people have discovered that symptoms of ADHD are actually symptoms of poisoning from heavy metals or other dangerous chemicals that are present in our environment.

For example, studies are now finding that flouride, which is found not only in toothpaste but also in most public drinking water, can cause the very same symptoms of ADHD. Mercury is another hot debate, as it is often found in vaccines (though many are now changing their formula) as well as in dental fillings. All people who experiment the symptoms of ADHD should also be screened for lead, as the symptoms for lead poisoning are often similar as well.

Do leaky gut sydriome and toxic overload explain everything? Unfortunately, not always.

It is important to remember that ADHD is a set of symptoms, that describes hyperactivity and the inability to focus or concentrate or complete tasks. These symptoms likely have a variety of different causes, and most likely there is no one single cause to pinpoint that would be true for all children. For example, a child with food allergies and sensitivity to preservatives, may display similar characteristics of a child with lead poisoning. Both may experience chronic constipation and an ability to focus and concentrate. A child may also have ADHD from other reasons, such as a genetic disposition for the way the brain functions or how the body’s immune system works.

Bottom Line: There is no conclusive evidence about the link between ADHD and pesticides. Finding a doctor who you can trust (and is not just some quack looking to make a fortune at your expense) is extremely difficult to do. But, what I can tell you, as a mom of an eight year old boy, switching to an all organic diet has made all the difference.

Difficulty concentrating is one of the common symptoms of depression, and the trademark characteristic of attention deficit disorder, so the fact that the two are often related is not a surprise.

Caregivers for children with ADHD and other behavioral health conditions can also often feel depression, especially if their responsibilities seem too difficult to cope with or the parent feels overwhelmed.

Depression and ADHD are also both genetically linked in some families, which can also make it difficult to tell the difference between one another.

How can you tell if you or your child are depressed?

In general, feelings of depression last for a period of two weeks and longer. Everyone has their share of ups and downs in life, but when the downs seem to be more frequent than the ups – and shaking away the blues becomes more and more difficult, it marks a cause for concern to speak with a professional regarding depression.

Here are some of the common signs you may be depressed:

Feelings of Out of Control or Being Overwhelmed
Feeling sadness
Feeling apathetic towards life and others
Avoiding Family and Friends and Social Interaction
Increased irritability and outbursts
Feelings of being worthless
Feelings of self-blame
Feelings of anxiousness or unexplained fears
Headaches and fatigue
Thoughts about death or suicide

Most doctors are able to quickly evaluate and diagnose depression. There are also many clinics who provide free depression screening. It is important however to know what the differences are between ADHD and depression:

Chronic Sad Mood: It is not unusual for someone with ADHD to experience sadness or unhappiness, but most times it is a reaction from a specific event. With depression, one may feel unhappy or sadness for no reason at all. The ADHD mind, quick to forget and move on, generally does not dwell too long on one thing – whereas with depression it is a recurring mood that does not go away. I

It is also important to note that most people who suffer from depression are generally in denial about it. They do not want to admit they are depressed, or they will not be honest that they feel the characteristic symptoms. Parents of children with ADHD, but with no medical diagnosis for themselves are especially prone to being in denial about depression.

Depression can start at just about any age, so while it is more commonly diagnosed in older children, even toddlers and elementary school students can display the signs and symptoms of depression.

It’s OKAY to Feel Depressed

Before we go on any farther about what to do about depression, we want to make clear that it is okay to be depressed. There is nothing “wrong” with you – millions of other people have depression and feel the same feelings as you do.

With the way our society is today, depression is higher than ever. Why? Because people are not nice to each other. There is high stress and ridiculous demands put on us everywhere. Much of what we see on television and through the media can also make us feel depressed. We generally do not eat as well as we should, which can also play a big role in our mood and well being.

For most people, life is chaotic, whether you have ADHD or not.

So if you feel depressed, don’t be embarrassed about it. Don’t try to deny it. Because depression does not have to last forever. It can be treated in a number of different ways.

Common Treatments for Depression

Screening for Physical Disorders: Diabetes, Thyroid Disorders, and many other physical conditions can sometimes be linked to depression. It is helpful to work with a doctor who is experienced in both the physical and emotional sides of depression. Often times for example a patient who is feeling depressed may simply have a thyroid or hormonal imbalance. This is especially common in women.

Changes in Diet: Food plays a big role in how much energy we have and how well our bodies are able to perform from day to day. When you take care of your body physically, it will help it work out things that bother us emotionally as well. Sugar for example can lead to depression, as it causes changes in blood sugar levels that can cause erratic mood swings. Caffeine is another stimulant that can sometimes cause depression when used in excess. Eating foods that are high in Omega 3 Fatty Acids, and reducing sugar consumption can often help one feel better without the need for medication.

Therapy: While therapy sometimes has a negative stigma attached to it, it’s actually quite helpful IF you do your homework and get a good therapist. There’s no need to feel ashamed about talking to a therapist about your problems and thoughts and feelings – most of us simply were never taught the skills required to deal with the frustrations of life. For children, play therapy is usually the most beneficial and helps kids learn techniques to talk about their problems and work through them.

Medication: Medication is usually a last resort as a treatment for depression, and often medications can have severe side effects. However, medication can also often be a major help for some. It is important to research whether depression may be a side effect of a medication. It is also very important to be careful when combining stimulant and anti-depressant medications together. Some medications for depression, such as Wellbutrin, can sometimes make some people feel worse.

To find the best treatment for depression, identifying the cause is key in choosing one that will be effective. For example, if it is a physical problem, treating the physical problem will treat the depression. If it is due to a poor diet, a healthier diet can help. If it is due to just experiencing a low time in your life, therapy can help you work out problems and find solutions to help you be happy and enjoy life again to its fullest. If it is believed to be due to a chemical imbalance, medications may help.

If your doctor suggests you have depression, make sure they do a thorough evaluation to diagnose the cause of it. When there is a clearly defined cause, it is much easier to choose the treatment that will be the most successful and effective for you.

If you or your child is suffering from depression and ADHD, here are some things you can do to help:

1. Seek Treatment: Why suffer when you don’t have to? There are people in every town who can help you deal with and treat depression. It’s nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about – it’s no different going to the doctor for a sore throat or a fever.

2. Reduce Triggers: While no one can live in a bubble and remove all stress from our lives, there are a lot of things that we can change that will make it easier to cope with depression.

3. Find an Outlet: It’s good to find ways to help deal with feelings as they come up. Some people do better with writing or painting, others can find that jogging or pounding tennis balls can be therapeutic. Finding a positive way to express your feelings can help you greatly.

4. Get Outside: Natural sunlight and fresh air can always help any situation feel brighter. Research has shown that those who do not get enough sunshine can be prone to depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder, because it is especially common in areas that get less light in the winter months.

Depression and ADHD can be overwhelming sometimes, but it is not a hopeless situation. There is a lot of help out there available – you do not have to do it alone! Speak with your doctor, or find if there are services available in your area. Many times these services are available free of charge, even if you do not have insurance.

It is important to remember while reading through this checklist that no two children are the same and that different children may exhibit difference behaviors for different reasons. This is why it is so important to speak with your child’s pediatrician if you are concerned he or she may have a problem.

Another important consideration are the two things that are used the most heavily when making a diagnosis: consistency of the behavior and the potential possibility of harm to self or others. Consistency means the behavior lasts in almost all situations and has occurred regularly typically for at least 6 months or longer. The potential harm to self or others for example could be that the child’s hyperactivity has led to trips to the emergency room for stitches or a broken bone.

That being said, here are some general guidelines of an ADHD checklist concerned parents can use to gauge if their child may have the condition and a professional evaluation is in order.

Inattentive Symptoms:

• Easily distracted by interruptions or things going on around him or her.
• Forgetful, often misplaces things or doesn’t remember what they did.
• When spoken to directly seems to ignore the person talking.
• Unable to begin a project and see it to completion without multiple prompts.
• Unorganized and has trouble organizing belongings or projects.
• Seems unmotivated to do uninteresting tasks or projects that require mental effort, such as school work.

Hyperactivity

• Has difficulty sitting still, even in situations where they are focused on an activity
• Stands up or leaves seat while eating dinner, during class, and in other situations where staying sitting is expected.
• Talks excessively and/or loudly
• Has difficulty relaxing or doing quiet activities
• Often engages in activities that may be inappropriate, such as running indoors, jumping on furniture, etc.

Impulsiveness

• Interrupts others conversations
• Intrudes on “personal space” of others
• Has difficulty waiting turns

Many children will often have a combination of the above symptoms, though some children can have inattentiveness without the hyperactivity and the hyperactivity without the inattentiveness.

Again, it is important that you assess the behavior in the circumstances and situations it occurs. Many children will display some of these characteristics of ADHD from time to time, simply due to environmental factors and as a normal part of child development. However, if these symptoms are present regardless of environment or occur very often and daily then it may be time to speak to a behavioral or mental health specialist. Speaking to your child’s pediatrician is a great resource to begin with if you believe that your child exhibits several of the symptoms listed on this ADHD checklist.

Many parents struggle with sleep disorders with their ADHD child. Some children will often have insomnia, others may be prone to sleep walking, night terrors, and in studies have shown to get less REM sleep. Sleep apnea is a condition where people snore and may actually even stop breathing while sleeping. It often affects older overweight people, but children certainly get it as well, often being due to excessively large tonsils or adenoids.

Children, like adults, need to get enough sleep in order to be healthy. While most adults will feel sluggish and tired when they do not get enough sleep, many children will actually behave the opposite and act hyperactive throughout the day. However, for many kids it is unknown if sleep disorders cause the behavior to worsen or if it the attention hyperactivity disorder that causes some sleep problems, such as insomnia.

Sleep apnea is typically diagnosed by parents speaking first with their pediatrician and then with a pediatric ears, nose, and throat specialist. (Also known as an ENT). Parents will notice that their child snores excessively or at times while sleeping may even seem as if he or she is gasping for air. An ENT will often have x-rays done of the tonsils and adenoids, as well as possibly refer to have the child monitored by a sleep research center. If it is believed that enlarged tonsils are the culprit, it is likely the tonsils and/or adenoids will be removed. However, there may be other causes for sleep apnea, such as a deviated septum, being overweight, relaxed throat or tongue muscles, and others.

In one study conducted by the University of Michigan, it was found that half of 22 children who exhibited symptoms of ADHD prior to having treatment for their sleep apnea saw improvements in behavior one year later. However, for the other 11 patients there was little to no change in their behavior. Obviously, a much larger sample would be needed in order to conclusively say that there is a link between treating sleep apnea and curing ADHD.

I learned about this study soon after learning that my own son would need to have his tonsils removed because they were excessively large and I was looking for more information about the procedure. I was not surprised when his doctor recommended they be removed, especially because I had my own tonsils removed as a child and so did my mother. (I guess big tonsils runs in our family!) He was diagnosed with ADHD at just three years old and he was 4 years old when they removed his tonsils. I was really hoping that maybe he would start sleeping better at night and that it would have a positive effect on his behavior.

His surgery went very well with no complications, though because of his age and history of sleep apnea they did require we stay overnight at the hospital for observation. While there were no complications, both of us were pretty miserable since he couldn’t do the things he wanted to do (ie: run around and jump around) and I couldn’t keep him occupied enough!

While he no longer had the sleep apnea, by age six he still struggled with insomnia quite a bit. We were able to solve many behavioral problems through changing our parenting techniques and intensive therapy, but still at age six the hyperactivity and distraction were at levels just as high as ever before.

The bottom line? There likely is some relationship between ADHD and sleep apnea as well as other sleep disorders. After all, we all know that getting enough sleep is important and will affect our behavior. Unfortunately there is not enough evidence to support that sleep disorders cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorders or that treating them will diminish the symptoms or characteristics of ADHD. As always, if you have concerns about your child’s sleep patterns and habits, speaking to your doctor is critical in getting the latest up to date information and for choosing the best course of action for your child.

Have any personal stories to share about ADHD and sleep apnea? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

For parents of kids with an ADHD diagnosis, the most critical component of hyperactivity is that it is constant and consistent. You do not think that your kid is only sometimes overly energetic or active – you use the word always.

Children with extreme hyperactivity usually begin their day starting off with extreme energy. Parents might not even be fully awake enough to find the coffee pot and make themselves a cup of morning coffee and their child is acting as if he or she has already had about 6 cups of coffee. The hyperactivity continues through breakfast – he or she will not be able to sit still at the table while eating, often standing up or rocking the chair back and forth.  The child might talk excessively about many different things all at once. Most of us, even those who are “morning people”, do not have that type of energy the moment they wake up in the morning!

Throughout the day the hyperactivity will continue. A younger child or toddler will likely display behavior such as jumping up and down on furniture or running through room to room. Children in school will likely display signs of restlessness as they try to sit through class, and the restlessness may lead to other problems that disrupt the classroom. Even when children are engaged in physically demanding sports such as swimming or soccer and others they may not show any signs of wearing out.

By the end of the day, when parents are exhausted and you would think that your child should be ready to sleep, you may find that your hyperactive child cannot fall asleep. He or she may toss and turn in bed and even when routines are in place will lie awake restlessly until finally they simply can’t stay awake any longer. At that point, the child may be in such a deep sleep that very little will cause him or her to awaken, which is sometimes attributed to the belief that ADHD children are more prone to continue bed wetting until later ages in life than others. Many parents also wonder if these sleeping habits could be a link between ADHD and sleep apnea.

Behavior like that described above is not just once a week or once a month thing for the ADHD child. What is described above is a “normal” day in the life of a hyperactive child – and it continues this way for quite some time before parents and teachers begin recognizing it as a problem and often before a licensed professional will give an evaluation and ADHD diagnosis. Days where the child does not act hyper are welcome breaks, but few and far in between.

Having a hyperactive child poses many things that need to be addressed for both parents and children. Parents might find themselves exasperated by the boundless energy and find themselves getting angry at the child or unable to deal with the constant demand for attention and redirection. Hyperactive behavior can also lead to injury if the child is doing things such as jumping on furniture or other reckless behavior.

So What Can Parents Do?

The first thing to do if you haven’t done so already, is to consult with a well qualified professional about your child’s behavior. No two children are alike, and many different things can cause a kid to display the symptoms of hyperactivity. Just because you think your son or daughter may be displaying some of the symptoms of ADHD does not necessarily mean he or she has it – many other things can cause similar characteristics.

Your pediatrician should be able to give you referrals for different behavioral health specialists in your area. Other tremendous resources include your state or county’s department of child welfare or medical assistance office. Several areas have programs that can provide you with services at little to no cost as well as a caseworker who will help coordinate services and help you make a decision on what is best for your child. You can expect to receive an evaluation of behavioral and emotional factors which if leads to a diagnosis of ADHD will then lead to creating a treatment plan for helping you regain control of your life.

There is a lot of different controversy about the many different treatments and remedies available for ADHD. Despite what the media would make you believe, medication is often a last ditch resort after many months of cognitive behavior therapy seems to prove ineffective. Medication does have its place for treating the problem, but it cannot be considered a “cure” since the child will still need to learn ways to cope with behavior. Children under the age of 6 diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are very rarely placed on medications.

There are also an array of alternative treatments, such as experimenting with diet or taking different vitamin supplements. Again, these also meet quite a bit of controversy and opposition, especially amongst medical professionals. Lacking well documented studies and research also contributes to confusion on what is actually effective in treating the disorder. However, many parents have found that preservatives and food dyes and other chemicals in processed food can trigger hyperactivity.

With or without medication, it is crucial for parents to seek different skill building activities with the child to help him or her control the energy and channel it into productive and positive activities. A behavioral therapist will be able to suggest different relaxation activities and calming techniques that you can do in conjunction with therapy or medication that over time will help show improvement.

It’s also very important that as a parent you seek the support that you need as an individual. It can be very demanding to have a child that is constantly full of boundless energy. Speaking to your own counselor for ways you can cope and find peace will not only help you but also help your child. Parents should also be sure to get much needed breaks and time for themselves in order to avoid becoming resentful or depressed.

If you are concerned about your hyperactive child, the best thing you can do is talk to a professional in your area about his or her behavior. The worst that can happen is that you do absolutely nothing and the problem escalates to larger issues that may be more difficult to fix later on. While there’s no instant cure for decreasing hyperactivity, there is plenty of help and support for the parents of a hyperactive child.

Generally speaking, the symptoms or signs of the condition need to be present for 6 months or longer and need to be affecting the child’s school or family life in a negative way before a diagnosis will be given. ADHD can often be mistaken for other problems such as depression or other emotional or behavioral problems, though it is not uncommon for the two to go hand in hand, especially if parents are stressed out and the child feels badly about the things they have no control over.

Understanding your child’s personality and behavior is critical in treating the condition and learning positive ways to channel the hyperactivity and inattentiveness. Being familiar with the different traits will help you and your doctor or therapist know which activities can be the most beneficial in teaching coping skills.

Here are some of the most common characteristics of the ADHD child:

1. Easily Distracted: Kids with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder often have a hard time paying attention or staying focused on one task at a time. They may for example begin playing with one toy and before they’ve even engaged in play have already lost interest and moved onto something else. It is difficult for them to stay focused on any task for a long period of time, even if it is something they enjoy.

2. Forgetful: No doubt because of their likelihood of becoming easily distracted, many kids with the condition are also easily forgetful. They may forget they have homework due in school, or even walk into a room and forget why they went in there the first place.

3. Impulsive: The hyperactive child often has problems with self control and will engage in impulsive behaviors, such as grabbing things without thinking or having trouble keeping their hands to themselves. They frequently “act before they think”. They may also interrupt others mid sentence or in the middle of an activity.

4. Disorganized: It can be very difficult for children with ADHD to be organized or keep things in one place. They frequently misplace and lose items, even those of great importance.

5. Over Talkative: Many kids with hyperactivity often “talk a mile a minute”. Thoughts and sentences are not always related and they will often change the subject several times in a short period of time.

6. Restless and Fidgety: While it’s normal for many kids to be restless in certain situations (ie sitting through a long formal ceremony for example), the hyperactive child cannot sit still at all in most situations. They may for example be constantly fidgeting in their seat at school or even stand up while sitting at the table eating dinner.

7. Difficulty Completing Tasks: Kids with attention deficit and hyperactivity often have problems beginning and finishing projects. Something that would take most people of similar age and ability 10 minutes to complete might take the ADHD child much longer or even several hours.

Most of these characteristics and the signs and symptoms used for diagnosis are all relatively negative behaviors and traits. For that reason, it’s important to also recognize some of the positive traits that children with the disorder have.

High Creativity: It’s not unusual for the child with ADHD to also display high levels of creativity. They may be good at coming up with stories or poems or find great delight in making music or artwork. Because they do not rigidly focus on one particular thing, they can often “think outside the box” much easier.

Boundless Energy: So many parents often say “If I only had half the energy as my kid did!” Their high levels of energy can make them excel in athletic situations or other activities that captivate their interest. They can go hours without tiring.

Intuition: Many children with ADHD are highly intuitive to the things going on around them. They can often “sense” how a person feels without them saying so or see deeper that what is obvious on the surface in a situation.

Every child and situation will be different, but for the majority of children most of these conditions are present. Some traits may be more heightened in some children than others. A professional evaluation is necessary to know for certain if a child should have an ADHD diagnosis or not. While many of the characteristics of ADHD seem like negative things, the good news is that with the right support system for both parents and kids, all of them can ultimately develop into strengths.