“Increasing the consumption of omega-3 fats in foods or through supplementation, along with a balanced and healthy diet, has been shown to promote mental health in children. This is especially true for children with complex neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD or autism. I take omega-3 supplements every single day and recommend them to every parent and child in my practice.”
This is not a chapter about the common cold or easily handled childhood ailments. In this chapter, we’re covering the heavy hitters, those behavioral and developmental difficulties that can be incurable and wreak havoc with a family’s life.
That doesn’t mean this chapter and its associated ailments are without hope. As you’ll soon read, symptoms of even challenging conditions such as autism, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder can be ameliorated by specific nutritional plans and supplements.
If your child has been diagnosed with one of the disorders covered in this chapter, rest assured you are not alone. Thousands of parents just like you have faced what lies ahead in these pages. So let’s review both conventional remedies and treatment alternatives for behavioral and developmental conditions.
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are medical conditions associated with impulsivity, restlessnes, and difficulty concentrating. Originally, ADHD and ADD were considered separate disorders, but ADD is now commonly classified as ADHD without the hyperactivity component.
It is now estimated that nearly 10 percent of school-age children are diagnosed with some form of ADHD. Historically more boys than girls are diagnosed and the condition has a genetic component, though environmental triggers are clearly involved.
In very young children, symptoms of ADD and ADHD can be confused with typical childhood behavior—like running around aimlessly. In older children, common symptoms include short attention span, difficulty concentrating in class, sloppy schoolwork or chores at home, inability to sit still, and extreme disorganization.
While some children will outgrow ADD and ADHD symptoms naturally, treatment is often required for a child to realize his full academic (and eventually professional) potential. The following conventional remedies and treatment alternatives can help your child if he’s dealing with ADD or ADHD.
ADHD/ADD Side-by-Side Comparison
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Researchers at the Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurology at Eberhard-Karls University in Germany compared neurofeedback versus methylphenidate in children with ADHD. In total, 34 children between the ages of 8 and 12 were assigned to the neurofeedback or methylphenidate group according to parental preference. Results showed both treatments led to equivalent improvements on all subscales of the Test of Variables of Attention. A second study at the University of Gottingen in Germany evaluated 102 children, ages 8 to 12, who performed either 36 sessions of neurofeedback training or a computerized attention skills training over a four-week period. For both parent and teacher ratings, improvements in the neurofeedback group were superior to those of the control group.
Kathi J. Kemper, MD, MPH, Director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Wake Forest University and author of The Holistic Pediatrician and Mental Health, Naturally, urges, “When it comes to ADHD and ADD, avoid artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners. If it was made in nature, eat it; if it was genetically modified, ate something genetically modified, or was raised or made in a factory, don’t.”
Concentration can be improved and hyperactivity can be reduced with Pycnogenol extract. Originating from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, Pycnogenol is usually dosed starting at 50mg each morning. For the most natural approach to helping children with ADD/ADHD, look to nature itself. Research has shown there is a direct correlation between time spent outdoors at play and reduced ADD/ADHD symptoms.
Don’t you just wish you could throw a temper tantrum at work? Your boss hands you a difficult assignment and you stomp around her office, tell her you hate her, and fall on the floor screaming at the top of your lungs. Wouldn’t life be grand if that behavior didn’t cost you your job? Well, kids often get away with anger and temper tantrums because we can’t fire them!
Abrupt displays of frustration or rage characterize anger and temper tantrums. Screaming, crying, and flailing are some common traits of the inconsolable child. As your child grows, so does her understanding of the world. Unfortunately, childhood emotions don’t always progress on the same timeline. Some of the most common reasons for an outburst include the following:
• Wanting to do something independently when a parent prefers to help
• Wanting a toy, game, or food treat and hearing the word no from a parent or caretaker
• Fatigue, hunger, thirst, illness, or other symptoms where a child simply feels “off”
• The inability to do something because of height, age, or other restrictions
Without the self-control, logic, and reasoning skills of an adult, anger and temper tantrums are a natural part of the maturation process. As the helpless parent experiencing a tantrum in line at the grocery store, you may want to learn about the remedy choices discussed here.
Anger and Tantrums Side-by-Side Comparison
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School recess and group classroom behavior was analyzed by the Department of Pediatrics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. The study analyzed the amount of recess for children ages 8 and 9 in the United States and its impact on behavior in the classroom. In total, more than 10,000 children were analyzed. Researchers determined that children experiencing at least one daily recess period of 15 minutes or longer achieved higher rating of class behavior scores by teachers.
Communication with your child is critical in helping him deal with emotions and appropriate responses to them. Harvey Karp, MD, Creator of the Happiest Toddler on the Block DVD/book, offers this sage advice. “The key to success in quickly reducing a toddler’s tantrums is to change your way of speaking to a more primitive, 3-step language, I call ‘toddler-ese.’ Sincerely acknowledging your child’s feelings using short (1–4 word) phrases, repetition (4–10 times) and reflecting about 1⁄3 of your child’s level of upset in your tone of voice and gestures can stop over 50% of tantrums … often in seconds.”
Low blood sugar is thought to negatively impact childhood behavior by creating an adrenalin release that leads to behavior imbalances. A balanced diet is key, as well as a nutritious breakfast shortly after waking when children often have low energy from a night’s sleep. Finally, omega-3 fatty acids are thought to promote solid sleeping habits and help reduce instances of negative childhood behavior.
It’s hard to believe a 5-year-old can get stressed out. With no bills to pay, mortgage to cover, or long commute, what could possibly freak out a child? Then again, when the sandbox is your office, turf wars (or should we say sand wars) can break out at a moment’s notice.
Anxiety and stress are emotions triggered by internal or external pressures placed on your child. These stressors can grow as he ages and may include bullying, unstable home life, routine disruption, and even too much schoolwork or too many activities.
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Thousands of years ago, the stress response was critical for survival. Our early ancestors needed a fight-or-flight response for nature’s unexpected emergencies like wild animals attacking. Today’s stressors are not typically life-threatening (e.g., a big test coming up), yet the body reacts in the same chemically induced way: muscles tense, breathing quickens, and the heart pounds. Chronic stress, the kind we experience most often these days, has a different chemical impact on the mind and body and is thought to be more harmful than acute stress.
When under stress, your child may exhibit a range of symptoms including bad habits (for example, nail biting), regression in school, bed-wetting (for younger children), insomnia, unstable emotions, withdrawal from friends and family, and anger. Physical ailments can even join the fray, including nausea, stomach pain, and fatigue.
If your child is acting like an accountant on April 14, you’ll want to review the following conventional remedies and treatment alternatives available for consideration.
Anxiety/Stress Side-by-Side Comparison
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Researchers at Flushing Hospital in Queens, New York, studied the effects of yoga on inner-city children’s well-being. This pilot study compared fourth- and fifth-graders at two after-school programs in Bronx, New York. One offered an hourly yoga class for twelve weeks; the other did not. The yoga group reported using fewer negative behaviors when experiencing stress and had better balance than the control group.
Valerian root is a natural anxiety-reducer. Pure Encapsulation makes a pleasant-tasting liquid form. When taken at bedtime, valerian can help ensure a restful night of sleep. You can also consider melatonin. This neurohormone helps normalize the body’s ability to handle stress while maintaining proper sleep schedules. Finally, hypnosis can retrain the brain’s thought processes and reasoning skills. Feelings of anxiety and stress can be reduced or eliminated when the mind is retrained to focus on calming thoughts.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a whole-body neurodevelopmental disorder impacting a person’s communication, behavioral, and social development. It’s important to note in this section that the treatment alternatives discussed are for managing symptoms, not to truly cure the disorder.
Definitive causes of ASD are unknown but are thought to be related to the influence of various environmental factors in genetically predisposed children, predominantly males. There are different types of autism; in some cases, developmental delays are present from birth, while in others they first appear between one and three years of age. While no two cases are identical, frequent symptoms include the following:
• Repetitive movements such as rocking or arm-flapping
• Over- or under-reactions to external stimuli
• Lack of verbal development or verbal regression
• Sensitivity to sounds, scents, or touch
• Atypical eye contact when conversing
As children age, additional symptoms may include difficulty sharing, inability to maintain friendships, trouble displaying emotions, and an inability to perceive or display social cues. One or two of these symptoms is not typically an indicator of either disorder; this may simply be normal childhood behavior. The presence of quite a few of the symptoms interfering with daily functioning may point toward autism. It is very important to have your child evaluated promptly if you suspect one of these conditions. Early intervention can make a world of difference.
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In the last 10 years alone, the prevalence rate of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders has doubled to over 1 percent of children. While greater awareness of autism may explain some of the increase, many experts now agree that environmental factors play a significant role.
It’s important to note that a high percentage of children with ASD experience gastrointestinal (GI) issues. Many treatment alternatives in this chapter are nutritionally-based for this reason.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Side-by-Side Comparison
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At the Department of Pharmacy, Health and Well-Being at the University of Sunderland in the United Kingdom, researchers studied the effectiveness of a gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet for children with ASD. In a 2-stage, 24-month, randomized, controlled trial, nearly 75 children, ages 4 to 11, were assigned to a GFCF diet or not. Those on the GFCF diet showed significant improvements in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS) compared to the control group. Results showed that dietary intervention may positively impact the developmental outcome for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.
Daily multivitamins can help reduce anger, aggression, and irritability in children with autism by addressing nutritional imbalances that may be leading to brain dysfunction. Similarly, an increase in omega-3 fatty acid consumption is believed to improve behavioral issues and motor skills while reducing hyperactivity. Finally, the Department of Psychiatry at Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut, demonstrated that a multimodal yoga, dance, and music therapy program significantly improved behavior, communication, and social skills in children with autism.
All children have mood swings. Some, though, have such incredible difficulty regulating their feelings so that they cannot function at home or at school. The most severe form of mood dysregulation, bipolar disorder, is characterized by extreme mood variations including periods of mania and/or periods of depression. The manic phase includes a range of symptoms such as excessive talking, hallucinations, lack of fatigue, grandiosity, and preoccupation with an idea or activity. Conversely, the depressive phase is characterized by withdrawal from friends, family, and daily activities; persistent sleeping or fatigue; extreme irritability; and feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
The most challenging part of parenting a child with bipolar disorder can be the rapid and unexpected swing in moods and behavior. A manic phase can quickly jump to a depressive state with little or no warning.
Prior to an official diagnosis of bipolar disorder, you may notice any of the following symptoms in your child:
• Severe irritability with little provocation
• Extreme aggression toward family or extreme separation anxiety for younger children
• Hearing or seeing things that are simply not there
• Impulsive actions with little or no regard for consequences
Similar to the discussion on autism spectrum disorders, the treatment alternatives covered here are not cures for bipolar disorder. However, they can help with mood regulation to minimize the severity of symptoms.
Bipolar Disorder/Mood Regulation Side-by-Side Comparison
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At the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, researchers examined the effects of children with bipolar disorder consuming a 36-ingredient micronutrient formula (EMPower Plus). In total, 120 children were studied in 11 different trials. The mean symptom severity of reported bipolar symptoms was 46 percent lower than baseline in these open-label trials. The growing body of research from these studies strongly suggests that micronutrients show a therapeutic benefit for children with bipolar disorder. Given the paucity of observed side effects compared to conventional treatments, the opportunity exists for a reduction in the psychiatric medications while still improving ailment symptoms.
Similar to previous ailments covered in this chapter, omega-3 fatty acids can help promote mood stabilization. Additionally, healthy nutrition, consistent sleep patterns, and regular exercise help regulate moods. Exercise in particular releases endorphins, which help to modulate hostile and aggressive emotions.
Feeling blue accompanies even the happiest childhood—it’s the persistent presence of sadness that indicates depression. It’s unrelenting and can interfere with daily functioning at home, in school, and with friends.
While no single cause of depression is known, it can be attributed to a number of factors including environmental issues, physical or emotional health, and life events (e.g., a difficult illness or death in the family). Depression also has genetic links as depressed children often have a family history of the condition.
The most common signs of depression include lack of energy, fatigue, friend/family withdrawal, frequent crying, persistent sadness, extreme irritability, and feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. As children get older, these symptoms may be accompanied by substance abuse, reckless sexual behavior, and morbid or suicidal thoughts.
When symptoms persist for longer than two or three weeks, it’s worth investigating to see if it’s a case of depression. While a strong family and friend support system is most important in handling depression, these conventional remedies and treatment alternatives can also offer some relief.
Depression Side-by-Side Comparison
As with bipolar disorders, a key to coping with depression includes focusing on good nutrition, sleep, and exercise. As Timothy Culbert, MD, FAAP, further indicates:
“Sedentary lifestyles can contribute to depression. I suggest more time in nature and ‘earthing’ practices. Redesigning academic, social, and home environments so kids experience more consistent positive feedback, social connections, and recognition of their strengths and talents as a person are all important changes as well.”
Studies also specifically suggest that certain B vitamins like folate are found in lower amounts in depressed children. Natural light and light therapy, perhaps involving vitamin D mechanisms, can also help alleviate depression symptoms. Finally, yoga is one of several mind-body therapies that can act as a mood-lifter.
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At the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cincinnati, researchers investigated the connection between omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies and mood disorders. Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency is associated with mood disorders and dietary omega-3 supplementation is well tolerated and effectively corrects these deficiencies. Omega-3 supplementation adds to the efficacy of medications in the treatment of mood symptoms and may in fact be effective as a solo treatment for mood disorders in children and adolescents.
“Daddy, daddy, I just had a terrible dream that Elmo stopped sharing and grabbed my Hot Wheels race car without asking. Can I sleep in bed with you and mommy tonight?” Whether you let your little one co-sleep or coddle them back into bed is your decision. Either way, this is not a case of night terrors, just a bad dream.
Night terrors are much more disruptive and include a number of characteristics, including screaming while asleep, sleepwalking, thrashing in bed, and persistent sweating or rapid heartbeat. Also, children experiencing night terrors typically have zero recollection of the experience. In contrast, your child can usually recall a nightmare the next day.
While night terrors can occur at any age, the most common range is preschool through elementary school. In most cases, children will outgrow night terrors, although the condition can be exacerbated by stress, anxiety, illness, new medications, or sleep deprivation. Check out these treatment alternatives to keep night terrors at bay.
Night Terrors Side-by-Side Comparison
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Addressing mineral deficiencies may be effective for a variety of sleep disorders, including night terrors. At the Department of Nutritional Sciences at Penn State University in Pennsylvania, researchers studied the effects of iron and/or zinc supplementation on infant sleep patterns. In total, over 1,300 infants received iron-folic acid with or without zinc daily for 12 months with assessments conducted every 3 months. Maternal reports of sleep patterns were studied, including napping frequency and duration and frequency of night waking. Researchers discovered that micronutrient supplementation for infants at high risk for iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia was connected to increased night sleep duration and less night waking.
Zinc deficiency, as referenced, may contribute to night terrors. L-5-hydroxytryptophan (L-5-HTP) may also help to reduce or eliminate instances of night terrors. It can be taken in supplement form. Before giving zinc and L-5-HTP to your child, a medical professional should be consulted for exact dosage. Finally, consider hypnosis for a child with sleep concerns. Research has shown that hypnosis can retrain the body to fall asleep gradually rather than immediately drifting into deep sleep. This gradual process is thought to reduce the occurrence of night terrors.
Characterized by an involuntary preoccupation with illogical thoughts and fears, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) causes a child to perform repetitive behaviors that interfere with daily living. Even when the repetitive behavior is not performed, children have lingering or even debilitating worry about the task.
While the exact cause of OCD is unknown, it is thought to be linked to disruption of serotonin levels in the brain that impact normal thought processing. Obsessive and compulsive behaviors differ from each other. Examples of obsessive behaviors include the following:
• The desire to keep things in order or symmetrical
• Fears of dirt, grime, germs, or contamination
• Persistent fear of personal or familial harm or illness
• Obsession with a particular idea or object
Compulsive behaviors are more about repetitive behaviors. These may include brushing one’s hair over and over again, repeatedly checking that doors or windows are locked, counting something relentlessly, or walking an identical route over and over.
Changes to a daily routine can trigger or exacerbate OCD symptoms. These may include rearranging furniture, moving to a new home, or changing schools. Additionally, as we noted in Chapter 12’s discussion of Tourette’s syndrome and tics, certain infections (like strep throat) can trigger acute-onset OCD symptoms—often associated with motor tics—also known as PANDAS. From medications to behavioral therapy, these treatment alternatives may help your child.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Side-by-Side Comparison
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At the UCLA-Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, scientists examined cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating OCD in children and adolescents. Authors noted that CBT is “now widely recognized as the gold standard intervention for childhood OCD.” Relying on exposure and response prevention, CBT has been demonstrated to be equally effective to SSRI medications like sertraline for pediatric OCD.
In one small, controlled trial, Silybum marianum (more commonly known as milk thistle) was found to be just as effective as fluoxetine (Prozac) for OCD. Dietary supplements inositol and N-acetyl cysteine may be effective in some cases of OCD; both have been studied in cases of treatment-resistant patients. Additionally, kundalini yoga, acupuncture, and mindfulness meditation all have some data to suggest they can alleviate symptoms of OCD.
Have you ever put your toddler to sleep at 7 P.M. and marveled that they slept until 7 A.M. the next morning? What you wouldn’t give for a twelve-spot! You may not even get that in two nights combined.
It’s recommended that growing children get at least 10 hours of sleep per night. Unfortunately, many children fall short due to sleep problems and sleep deprivation. As parents know, a lack of sleep can influence mood, behavior, and performance in school. Of course, parents expect night wakings for newborns and even younger toddlers, but when the problem persists beyond early years you likely have a sleep problem that requires further attention.
The most common symptoms of sleep problems include an inability to fall asleep within 30 minutes, multiple night wakings, trouble waking in the morning, and daytime fatigue. In some cases, these issues can be easily resolved through daily routine or environmental changes (i.e., eating dinner further away from bedtime or changing the nighttime thermostat). Unfortunately, there’s not always an easier answer, and you’ll need to investigate these treatment alternatives.
Sleep Problems Side-by-Side Comparison
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At the Department of Neurology and Sleep-Wake Disorders in The Netherlands, researchers studied melatonin as a treatment for chronic sleep onset insomnia in children. In the study, 40 elementary school children ages 6 to 12 were examined. Each participant had suffered at least one year of chronic insomnia. The children received either 5 milligrams of melatonin or a placebo. After four months of trial, researchers found that melatonin was significantly more effective than a placebo in advancing sleep onset and increasing sleep duration.
Lavender aromatherapy can help promote relaxation and lead to an easier time falling asleep. Place five drops of lavender essential oil in a small spray bottle filled with water. Shake well and then spray onto a pillow before bedtime. Guided imagery can help a child both fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Conducted by a medical professional or with a CD, your child’s thoughts will be directed toward relaxation, peace, and sleep. For babies, white noise sound machines have been known to simulate the sounds of a mother’s womb, thereby helping babies fall asleep and stay asleep longer.
Stuttering interferes with normal speech development patterns and is characterized by long silences, partial sound repetition, or the drawing out of syllables. Any of these speech conditions negatively affect the normal fluency of speech. Children suffering from stuttering or other speech problems often feel frustrated or angry by their inability to communicate clearly. Worse yet, in older kids, being made fun of or bullied at school only worsens negative feelings.
Stuttering is one common speech problem, but others include the following:
• Dyspraxia: impaired ability of the tongue, lips, and mouth to synchronize properly in vocalizing sounds and words
• Dysarthria: a nervous system disorder that slows or slurs speech due to a weakness or paralysis of the face or mouth
• Orofacial myofunctional disorder: a muscular disorder where the tongue moves too far forward in the mouth and affects the pronunciation of certain sounds or syllables
Speech therapy is a time-tested conventional treatment course for any of these speech development issues. Jan Klein, MA, CCC-SLP, points out, “If a speech-language disorder or delay is suspected, early detection, assessment, and intervention can be instrumental. Aside from remediation of the disorder and or delay itself, often the child’s frustration level is reduced, self-confidence is gained, and the family becomes educated on how to best help their child. Typically, session frequency and duration for speech therapy depend upon the nature and severity of the disorder and or delay.” Often used in combination with speech therapy, nutritional supplements have been shown to add value for speech disorders.
Speech Development/Stuttering Side-by-Side Comparison
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The Children’s Hospital and Research Center in Oakland, California, studied verbal apraxia, a neurologically based speech disorder common in autism spectrum disorders. The goal of this pilot study was to see how this condition responded to omega-3 and vitamin E supplementation. In total, 187 children were treated with vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation. Over 97 percent of participating families reported dramatic improvements in a number of areas, including speech, eye contact, and sensory issues.
Other nutritional supplements may promote a child’s speech and language ability, as a complement to speech therapy. Methyl-B12 and folinic acid have been studied in autistic children with promising results. Finally, hypnosis is thought to help reduce or eliminate stuttering in children by assisting cognitive speech processes. As the child gets older, self-hypnosis can become a successful and easy-to-follow game plan for reducing stuttering.
A child performing a yoga pose.
“Every day our children are inundated with stressful stimulation. Through the use of breath and guided meditation, children learn to quiet their minds and understand that they have the personal resources to self-soothe. The practice of yoga offers a road map to inner peace, centeredness, and self confidence.”
—Geri Topfer (Founder and President) and Penny Feiner (Executive Director), Kula for Karma (www.kulaforkarma.org)
Before you dismiss the camel pose and downward dog as crazy animal gestures, researchers at the University of Mississippi Center for Health Behavior Research explored the therapeutic effects of yoga on improving quality of life. Examining published articles and research initiatives on yoga, they noted the multitude of ailments and conditions that can benefit therapeutically from yoga. Results showed that yoga enhances muscular strength and body flexibility while promoting improved cardiovascular and respiratory functioning. It can also reduce stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and sleep difficulties.
As an adult, you may associate yoga with challenging poses or extreme heat sessions. This is not what kids’ yoga is all about. Instead, the goal is for children to begin exploring body movements that build flexibility, resilience, and strength, combined with learning calming breathing techniques and stress-relieving thought processes. In today’s busy, overscheduled world, yoga may be the perfect antidote. Developing more relaxed, gentle, and optimistic-minded kids sure is a worthwhile goal for your family.