The document discusses ADD and ADHD as complex neurobiological disorders linked to neurotransmitter deficiencies, particularly norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Key symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, with diagnosis primarily based on observed behaviors rather than definitive tests. The document also highlights potential causes such as genetic factors, prenatal exposure to toxins, and various medical conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms.

1. ADD/ADHD
By Kimmer Collison-Ris
MSN, FNP-C, WOCN

2.  ADD and ADHD are complex neurobiological disorders in
which neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers of the
brain, do not work properly.
 Researchers believe the neurotransmitters, norepinephrine,
dopamine, and serotonin are deficient.
 Through the use of PET scans, NIMH researchers have found
reduced blood flow and activity levels in the brains of adults
with ADHD when they were working on thinking tasks.
 In addition the white matter that carries messages between
neurons, is also smaller (without indication of brain damage).
 (retrieved from http://www.chrisdendy.com/keyfacts.htm)
ADD/ADHD

3. http://brainandspine.titololawoffice.com/Anatomy%20of%20Impairment0001.jpg

4. ADHD Causes…
 Current research indicates the frontal lobe, basal ganglia, caudate
nucleus, cerebellum, as well as other areas of the brain, play a significant
role in ADHD because they are involved in complex processes that
regulate behavior (Teeter, 1998).
 higher order processes are referred to as executive functions.
 include such processes as inhibition, working memory, planning, self-
monitoring, verbal regulation, motor control, maintaining and changing
mental set and emotional regulation.
 According to a current model of ADHD developed by Dr. Russell Barkley,
problems in response inhibition is the core deficit in ADHD.
 has a cascading effect on the other executive functions listed above
(Barkley, 1997).
 factors that account for neurological differences in brain development
and functioning that contribute to ADHD
 fetal exposure to toxic substances (e.g., alcohol and tobacco) during
pregnancy,
 exposure to lead,
 trauma to the brain from head injury or illness
 differences attributed to heredity.
 http://www.myadhd.com/causesofadhd.html

5.  Chronic, lifelong condition, beginning
before age 7
 children tend to be unnerved by sensory
overstimulation, such as transitions from
one activity to the next
 children with ADHD do not generally
experience despair as a symptom
 moods approach suddenly and can
dissipate quickly
 Tend to wake alert
 Have trouble falling asleep
 difficulty calming down and falling asleep
 Misbehavior is accidental
 Ignoring authority figures, running into
things, and making messes results from
inattentiveness
 http://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/
adhd-misdiagnosis
ADHD

6. www.squidoo.com

7. Symptoms
 Symptoms of inattention
 fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
in schoolwork, work, or other activities
 has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
 does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
 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)
 has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
 avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require
sustained mental effort (e.g., schoolwork or homework)
 loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school
assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
 is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
 is forgetful in daily activities

8.  Symptoms of hyperactivity
 fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
 leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which
remaining seated is expected
 runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is
inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to
subjective feelings of restlessness)
 has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
 is “on the go” or acts as if “driven by a motor”
 talks excessively
Symptoms…

9.  Symptoms of impulsivity
 blurts out answers before questions have been completed
 has difficulty awaiting turn
 interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or
games)
 The presence of six or more symptoms under the category of
inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity may indicate a
problem if they occur frequently, result in impairment, and
are not caused by other conditions.
 http://www.myadhd.com/getadiagnosis.html
Symptoms…

10. http://www.mindthesciencegap.org/2012/11/01/adventures-in-dysfunction-the-adhd-
brain/

11. ADHD-like causes
 ADHD is diagnosed by health
professionals who form their
opinion by observing a child's
behavior.
 There are no brain scans,
blood tests, or anything else
definite that is used during
diagnosis.
 There are many other
problems that have the same
symptoms of ADHD.
 any problem dealing with the
fuels of the body: water,
food, blood and air can cause
behavior problems

12. Conditions that seem like ADHD
 Allergies
 Anemias
 B vitamin deficiencies
 Carbon Monoxide poisoning
 Central Auditory processing Disorder
 Cardiac conditions
 Dietary Factors
 Early-Onset Bi-Polar disorder
 Early-onset diabetes
 Excessive amounts of Vitamins
 Genetic defects
 Hearing and vision problems
 Head injuries
 Heart disease
 High mercury levels
 High manganese levels
 Hypoglycemia
 Hyper or hypothyroidism
 Iron deficiency
 Learning disabilities
 Malnutrition or improper diet
 Metabolic disorders
 Mild to high lead levels
 Post-traumatic stress disorder
 Sensory Integration Dysfunction
 Sleeping disorders
 Spinal Problems
 subclinical seizure/seizure disorders
 Tourette's syndrome
 Toxin exposures
 Viral or bacterial infections
 Worms
There are also many medical, biological, emotional and mental conditions
that mimic ADHD (http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/adhd/50-conditions-that-mimic-adhd)

13. Conditions mimicking ADHD…
 Brain cysts
 beta-hemolytic
streptococcus
 Candida Albicans infestation
 Early stage brain tumors
 Emotional problems
 Fetal alcohol syndrome
(FAS)
 Gifted Children
 Genetic Disorder XYY
 Intestinal parasites
 Intentionally or
unintentionally sniffing
materials
 Klinefelter syndrome
 Lack of exercise
 Lack of understanding and
communication skills
 Porphyria
 Some medications
 Temporal lobe seizures
 Spirited children
 spoiled and undisciplined
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/adhd/50-conditions-that-
mimic-adhd

14. Diagnosing ADHD
 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published guidelines
(2000)for assessomg ADHD.
 (1) the primary care clinician should initiate an evaluation of children
ages 6 to 12 who present with inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity;
 (2) the diagnosis of ADHD requires that a child meet the DSM IV
criteria;
 (3) the assessment requires evidence directly obtained from parents or
caregivers regarding the core symptoms of ADHD in various settings,
the age of onset of symptoms, duration of symptoms, and the degree
of functional impairment;
 (4) the assessment of ADHD requires evidence directly obtained from
the classroom teacher (or other school professional);
 (5) the assessment should include evaluation for associated conditions;
 (6) other diagnostic tests are not routinely indicated to establish a
diagnosis of ADHD but may be used for the assessment of co-existing
conditions (e.g., learning disabilities, mental retardation).

15. Homeobotanicals
 Homeobotanicals are a Natural Health modality
delveloped in New Zealand (1984)
 BOTH homeopathic and botanical indications are
considered for their therapeutic purpose.
 Homeobotanical (Hb) formulas are
 are a CORE THERAPY (used as a base for health
management regimens)
 range may assist with many healthcare applicationssupplied
to a qualified Practitioner as a concentrate
 formulations are considered suitable for all ages.
 Only supplied as concentrates to qualified Hb providers
 http://www.herbalenergy.co.nz/homeobotanicals.cfm

16. ADD/ADHD Physical Complaints
-Anemia
-Anxiety
-Appetite disorders
-Attention Span
-Autoimmune Disorders
-Autoinfection
-Bacterial infection
-Behavioral Disorders
-Bowel Inflammation
-Bowel assimilation disorders
-Bowel problems
-Brain function
-Chronic inflammation
-Concentration
-Dehydration
-Depression
-Digestive disturbances
-Dull confused mind
-Emotional Stress
-Emotional Exhaustion
-Eye Disorders
-Excitability
-Food Allergies
-Food sensitivities
-Forgetfulness
 -Hearing Disorders
-Hypoglycemia
 -Immune Deficiency
-Irritability
-Learning problems
-Memory problems
-Mental exhaustion
-Mood Swings
-Nausea
-Nervousness
-Obesity
-Oversensitivity
-Overwraught/Overwelmed
-Spinal irritation
-Screaming
-Vomiting

17. Homeobotanicals & ADD/ADHD
Anxiety
Chronic inflammation
Irritability
Nutritional problems
Food assimilation
Illnesses/infections
Allergies
Oversensitivity
Sleep Disorders
RestlessnessDepression
Sleep Disorders
Hyper reactivity

18. Aggravating Factor Hb Formula Support
Allergies/
Sensitivities
R: Supports the normal pulmonary ventilation. Assists lungs, respiratory
tract.
B: "Blood Purifier" for lymphatic stasis and suppurative conditions.
L: Acute and chronic hepatic dysfunction. Supports normal liver and gall.
A: Acute and chronic allergies for airborne, dietary and idiopathic
sources.
Food Allergies/
Sensitivities
M: Addresses derangement of viscera which may cause severe
headaches.
A: Acute and chronic allergies for airborne, dietary and idiopathic
sources.
Anemia B: "Blood Purifier" for lymphatic stasis and suppurative conditions.
F: Hormone balance, reproduction etc.
D: Acute and chronic gastrointestinal distress. Inflamed stomach.
#5: To assist the assimilation of nutrients. Used where poor diet is a
factor.
#7: The maintenance remedy for immunity and vigorous health.
EENT: Visual
Disturbances
O: Used externally as a lotion and/or internally as a remedy for
visual disturbances.
Hb Formulas for ADD/ADHD Sx

19. Aggravating Factor Hb Formula Support
EENT: Hearing Altered B: "Blood Purifier" for lymphatic stasis and suppurative conditions.
I: Herbal antiseptic & immunity boost for acute & chronic infection.
J: Localized anti-inflammatory action on the musculo-skeletal system.
#2: Restores the normal balance of the entire endocrine system.
Cn1: For prevention of chronic degeneration. Benign and neoplastic
lesions.
GI: Anorexia/
Poor Appetite
E: Nervous debility & excessive stress. Enhances all blends.
P: For the support of pancreas function. Balances hormone & enzyme
physiology.
#3: Use for earliest stages of febrile & infectious illness.
#5: To assist the assimilation of nutrients. Used where poor diet is a
factor.
Hbs for ADD/ADHD

20. dzehnle.blogspot.com

21. Title page photo:
truthfrequencyradio.com & http://theaddvocates.com/wp-
content/uploads/2010/07/adhd-girl.jpg
Hb formula image: www.apothecary-shoppe.com
 McDougle CJ, Naylor ST, Cohen DJ; Volkmar FR, Heninger GR; Price LH
(1996). A Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Fluvoxamine in Adults
With Autistic Disorder. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1996;53(11):1001-1008.
doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1996.01830110037005. Retrieved from
http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=497673
 Mercola.com (2014). Environmental Toxins linked to rise in autism.
Retrieved from
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/04/02/environmental-
toxin-exposure.aspx
 Sukhodolsky DG, Scahill L, Gadow KD, Arnold LE, Aman MG, McDougle CJ,
McCracken JT, Tierney E, White SW, Lecavalier L, and Vitiello B. (2008).
Parent-Rated Anxiety Symptoms in Children with Pervasive Developmental
Disorders: Frequency and Association with Core Autism Symptoms and
Cognitive Functioning. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology January 2008,
Volume 36, Issue 1, pp 117-128.
References