ADHD: Part 1
What is ADHD?
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders worldwide and is defined by hyperactivity-impulsivity, inattention, or a combination of the two. ADHD can negatively impact one's professional life, academic performance, interpersonal relationships, and quality of life. Whilst there is no known single cause of ADHD, the interaction of genetic and environmental factors is involved in its aetiology. Dietary patterns have also been considered a factor in increasing susceptibility to developing ADHD.
Research suggests dysregulations in the neurotransmission systems (mostly dopaminergic and noradrenergic), and structural and functional alterations in the brain may also play a role in the development of ADHD. Other monoaminergic neurotransmission systems implicated in ADHD include the serotonergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic. Neuroimaging studies have reported structural differences in ADHD brains where their brain regions, cortical surface area and thickness appear smaller compared to neurotypical individuals.
Individuals with impulsive-hyperactive ADHD may struggle with self-control and often interrupt others during conversation, fidget in their seats and behave in a disruptive manner. Symptoms of the inattentive type of ADHD include making careless mistakes in their work and having trouble organising their tasks. Individuals may also present with both impulsive-hyperactive and inattention-type symptoms. Other common clinical findings of ADHD include nutrient deficiencies (including omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and iron).
How ADHD may affect nutrition
Due to poor executive function, individuals with ADHD may struggle to plan and prepare meals. Appetite loss is a common side effect of ADHD medication and may result in long hours between meals or skipping meals altogether. Additionally, individuals with ADHD are more likely to make impulsive dietary choices, particularly for foods and beverages which increase dopamine (including chocolate and coffee). In turn, a healthy diet abundant in an array of whole foods can positively affect ADHD symptoms, including reduced hyperactivity, improved focus, and mood.
Treatment options for ADHD
Whilst there is no known cure for ADHD, its symptoms can be treated and managed. The most effective treatment management for ADHD symptoms will involve a multimodality approach, which may include the following: proper nutrition, regular physical exercise, individualised supplementation, meditation, psychotherapy, and medication.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not substitute medical advice, nor diagnose and treat any health conditions. Consult with your qualified healthcare provider before implementing any dietary changes or supplementation.
REFERENCES
Abd El Baaki, O.M. et al. (2021) “Diet modification impact on ADHD outcome,” Bulletin of the National Research Centre, 45(1). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/s42269-020-00466-x.
da Silva, B.S. et al. (2023) ‘An overview on neurobiology and therapeutics of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder’, Discover Mental Health, 3(2). doi:10.1007/s44192-022-00030-1.
Farsad-Naeimi, A. et al. (2020) ‘Sugar consumption, sugar-sweetened beverages and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis’, Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 53, p. 102512. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102512.
Ly, V. et al. (2017) ‘Elimination diets’ efficacy and mechanisms in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder’, European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 26(9), pp. 1067–1079. doi:10.1007/s00787-017-0959-1.
Volkow, N.D. et al. (2009) “Evaluating dopamine reward pathway in ADHD,” JAMA, 302(10), p. 1084. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2009.1308.
