Shauntae Gregory

My inquiry project is on: ADHD and the Alternatives to Medicine. This topic is of
importance to me because both my older brother and my nephew have ADHD. My nephew
has a severe case and needs medication, which I am not against because I know that holistic
medicine only goes so far. However, my brother is not currently on any medication. He
exercises regularly and eats right to maintain focus. He is a prime example of how
alternatives can be effective. I chose to construct a prescription pill bottle because my
campaign for the overall project is Put Down the Pills, and I feel that this will provide a
relevant visual aid. It will draw my audiences attention and it completely relates to the topic.
The pill bottle is a representation of the prescriptions I am hoping to get ADHD patients to
stray away from. I am trying to reach out to several different perspectives as far as audiences.
When finished with my presentation, I hope to have persuaded the person who was neutral
and didnt care about the medicine or the alternatives, but just wanted a method of control, as
well as the people for and against the alternatives. The audience needs a method of control to
the disorder and that is what I am here to provide.
ADHD is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD is characterized by a
behavioral disorder that causes the subject to have a short attention span. The symptoms of
ADHD include, but are not limited to: Hyperactivity, difficulty controlling behavior, and lack
of attention and ability to focus (1). People with ADHD are born with it. It is a medical
disorder. Anybody can have ADHD. It is genetic. However, it is not sex-linked but
autosomal. It can be controlled, but scientists have not yet been able to find a total cure. This
disadvantage has to do with the dopamine levels in your brain. It occurs when the levels are
lower than normal. ADHD occurs as a result of fluctuation of dopamine levels in the brain.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter. A neurotransmitter is a chemical sent through nerve cells to
provide a specific function in the body. Dopamine receptors contribute to many functions
however the most prominent are: pleasure and motivation. Scientists also believe that since

Shauntae Gregory

dopamine plays a role in motivation, depending on the levels, in the individual's brain it leads
the person to be either a "slacker" or a "go-getter"(2). Scientists at the National Institute of
Mental Health conducted an experiment were they injected two groups of adults with
radioactive glucose. One group classified as hyperactive and the other as normal
(Armstrong 5). The injection helped to prove ADHD as a medical disorder. The group with
ADHD is labeled as having abnormal brains (Armstrong 4). There was less metabolism
found in the prefrontal lobes of the hyperactive group (Armstrong 4). The frontal lobe of
the brain controls attention and motor activity. This helped to prove ADHD a real disorder, as
well.
ADHD medication is often over prescribed to adults, as well as children. Sometimes,
lack of maturity can be mistaken for this disorder. Research shows that men tend to be
diagnosed over women. This fact seems to correlate with maturity because we know that
men mature slower than women. There have been plenty of cases where a child has been
diagnosed with ADHD at a very young age. Some children are misdiagnosed. How can we
truly know if a child is hyperactive if all children should be energetic? Again, this correlates
with immaturity (3). Scientists interviewed a group of ADHD kids individually to ask how
they felt when on their medications. The medications actually stunt the growth of children
diagnosed with ADHD. This causes them to be thinner and shorter than the other children
(Adams). The drugs also impacts brain growth. When an MRI test was done on children
with the disorder, results unveiled they were up to three years behind in development from
other children (Adams).
Adderall and Ritalin are the most popular drugs prescribed to help with ADHD.
However, there are side effects for both of these that hurt people later on in life, if not
presently. Adderall causes loss of appetite, mood swings, anxiety, and problems sleeping (4).
This drug can also increase the chance of heart and cardiovascular issues. Ritalin can

Shauntae Gregory

potentially lead to tachycardia (increased heartbeat), abdominal issues, chest pains, anxiety,
and more (5). These side effects can be both long term and short term. Nonetheless, when
taken off these medications, many patients suffer from withdrawal symptoms. In addition to
all of these side effects, it may also affect memory. Look at your child. Do you want to
watch them endure this, when it can all be avoided by not taking the medicine?
The first alternative to ADHD medication is diet. While the importance of diet
applies to every human being, ADHD patients should especially be cautious of their diet.
Many people are not aware that certain foods and food coloring increase hyperactivity. Red
and yellow food coloring are believed to increase hyperactivity. The ADHD patient should
consume food with omega-3, such as nuts and fish. In addition, eating healthy meals instead
of fatty and sugary foods will also help inhibit hyperactivity (6). One of the biggest
influential factors in the life of an ADHD child is their diet. Incorporating a good amount of
protein into their diet is the best way to go. Proteins helps to increase concentration. This
includes plenty of meat, eggs, and dairy products.
The second alternative to ADHD medication is exercise. Exercise helps keep the
ADHD brain focused. A person doesnt have to do anything strenuous. Anything to get the
heart pumping. Cardio exercises are good for everyone but some daily jumping jacks, sit ups,
jogging, etc. will do wonders for the ADHD patient. Furthermore, exercise is good for the
body overall and another plus: it's completely free! (7)
In conclusion, the side effects of ADHD medication have been proven to be worse
than the disorder itself. Therefore, these medications cannot be essential if they potentially
make a person worse in more aspects than just one. As previously stated in paragraph 1,
there are some cases in which the medication is absolutely needed in order for the person to
live a normal, everyday life. In those cases, I am not at all against medication. However, for

Shauntae Gregory

those patients out there who could be on the medication or not: tThe alternatives are much
safer, healthier, and more cost effective.

Bibliography:
1) http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivitydisorder/index.shtml?rf=71264
2) http://psychcentral.com/news/2007/08/07/dopamine-influences-adhd/1107.html
3) http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/ccp/80/1/128/
4) http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/food-dye-adhd
5) http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-63163/adderall-oral/details#
6) http://www.drugs.com/sfx/ritalin-side-effects.htmloral/details#side-effects
7) http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/3142.html
8) http://www.naturalnews.com/023334_child_children_brain.html
9) Armstrong, Thomas : ADD/ADHD alternatives in the classroom