Although hyperactivity is associated with ADD it is not a necessarily symptom of the disease.

I decided to write this quick note after reading your Q&A’s about Attention Deficit Disorder. A simple definition of ADD (attention deficit disorder) = The lack or reduced ability to focus.

Although hyperactivity is associated with ADD it is not a necessary symptom of the disease. I am an ADD adult with 3 ADD kids, an ADD aunt and a suspected Add great grandfather. Hyperactivity is present only in my one son and aunt. This fact is important, as many children are not diagnosed with this deadly disease simply because they are NOT hyper. There are many schools of thought on this issue but my personal opinion, based on my experience, is that genetic personality plays a large role in “hyperactivity”.

Today’s research shows us the deadly results of non-diagnosis or lack of proper treatment for ADD. Children with ADD are 3 times more likely to be hit by a motor vehicle, visit the emergency room 5 times more often, required or be rescued by police or fire officials 7 times as much as non-ADD children. The greatest and perhaps the most deadly effect of ADD is the social or lack of social acceptance. This leads (in later life) to drug abuse, prison, and suicide. It is estimated that 25% of addicts are ADD. (70% are abused and the rest seem to fall into sexual preference category.) Our prisons are quoting a 30% ADD inmate population.

That said, here is my diet experience.

Non-diagnosed ADD adults have found only a few substances that allow a greater ability to focus. Nicotine, cocaine, and alcohol are all common. My experience after trying all the natural methods and diets is, there are no dietary advantages or disadvantages. A healthy diet is essential for anyone. You will find a change in diet affects a “normal” person, physically, mentally and emotionally and the same is true for a person (child or adult) with ADD. It is my experience (with the exception of licorice extract) no foods or diet help the actual lack of natural chemical flow to the focus sensors in the brain.

I am not a Doctor and have not written any books about ADD. I have spent the last 3 years exploring this disease and how it affected my life. I have been a fanatic believer in natural treatments and a healthy diet. Today, I use the recommended medicines for my children and myself. I must admit that I waited too long in using the recommended treatment for my first son. At age 17 he is showing negative effects of the many years of natural remedies and special diets. It is like denying my diabetic child her insulin.
Keep up the great work Joanne