Irritability. Running around nuts. Inattention. Temper tantrums. Poor grades in school. Forgetting to do things.

All these can be used to label someone with Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

A Diagnosis of ADHD requires that an individual meet the criteria requirements listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).

DSM-IV Criteria for ADHD:

I. Either A or B

A. Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level.

Inattention

• Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
• Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
• Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
• Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
• Often has trouble organizing activities.
• Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
• Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
• Is often easily distracted.
• Is often forgetful in daily activities.

B. Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level.

Hyperactivity

• Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
• Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
• Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).
• Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.
• Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor."
• Often talks excessively.

Impulsivity

• Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
• Often has trouble waiting one's turn.
• Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).

II. Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years.

III. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home).

IV. There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning.

V. The symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).

Based on these criteria, three types of ADHD are identified:

1. ADHD, Combined Type: if both criteria 1A and 1B are met for the past 6 months

2. ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type: if criterion 1A is met but criterion 1B is not met for the past six months

3. ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: if Criterion 1B is met but Criterion 1A is not met for the past six months.

_Source:

_{American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, D.C. 2000}

Proper Diet:

• provide home-cooked meals,
• stop the fast-food,
• limit refined carbohydrates such as donuts, white rice, chips, bread, noodles and potatoes.
• provide balanced protein with each meal such as beans, meats, quinoa and nuts.
• limit sugar, preservatives, food coloring and additives in foods. Numerous children and adults cannot tolerate MSG, food coloring, sulfites and corn syrup.
• provide healthful snacks which will help maintain proper blood sugar balance. Easy effective snack ideas are: hummus and vegetables, almond butter and celery with raisins, whole-grain breads with peanut butter and jelly.

Proper Laboratory Evaluation:

• Amino Acid Profile via blood or urine helps determine which amino acids the child is low in. Once determined, a supplement is created based on the deficient amino acids. Improvements are seen in the child ranging from immediate up to three months.
• Heavy Metal Analysis: determining if lead, mercury or other heavy metal is causing malfunctioning of neurotransmitters. There are many types of heavy metal tests out there. Consult with your physician.
• Spect Scan: a very expensive test that may not be needed if the amino acid profile is done first. Try avoiding this one unless your doctor highly recommends it. Again, the amino acid profile may do the trick.
• Sleep study: if your child snores heavily, is exhausted all the time and you notice irregular breathing patterns during their sleep. A sleep study may show lack of effective respiration. If so, a cpap machine or removal of allergens may bring back proper breathing during sleep. A dust mite cover is highly recommended for their pillow and mattress. This alone likely won't bring back proper breathing patterns but it sure will help.
• Complete Digestive and Stool Analysis: this will show if the child can absorb nutrients, what type of bacteria are in their digestive tract and if there are any parasites causing trouble. If the child cannot absorb nutrients, is high in candida and/or has parasites, this alone may cause symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Common signs of parasites or worms: constant picking of the nose and itching of the anus.
• Food Allergy Panel or Food Elimination Challenge: many children and adults are intolerant to foods - especially dairy and gluten. Removal of gluten and dairy alone may significantly improve your child's attention and health. For those wanting a quick test, the food allergy panel may show some potential intolerances and food allergens. The best thing to do is discuss the Food Elimination protocol with your physician. This will truly show the best results.
• Environmental Allergens: this will show if your child is sensitive or allergic to molds, pets, dust mites, pollens, grasses and others. These definitely have an impact on attention and health of your child. Removal of environmental allergens is key to restoring proper focus and attention.