Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), previously known as attention-deficient disorder (ADD), is a condition typically associated with unruly children. However, this neurodevelopment disorder is often a lifelong condition that needs monitored treatment by a healthcare professional. It’s also important to note that symptoms can manifest in adulthood, and adult ADHD diagnoses are not uncommon.

Diagnosing ADHD

Diagnosing ADHD is a multistep process that can’t be done through simple bloodwork or brain scans. In fact, there is no single test that can determine ADHD. Healthcare providers rely on patient-specific behavioral data and often seek information from parents, teachers, coaches, and other adults routinely involved in the child’s life and care. This information helps fully assess the child’s behaviors in different social situations.

When assessing an individual for ADHD, healthcare providers rely on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). The criteria for an ADHD diagnosis in children are having six symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or a combination, for at least six months and in at least two different settings (e.g., school, home, etc.).

The symptoms of inattention include:

• Difficulty maintaining attention
• Difficulty listening or following directions
• Carelessness
• Avoiding activities that require focus
• Forgetfulness
• Easily distracted
• Losing things easily

The symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity include:

• Difficulty with quiet activities
• Restlessness
• Excessive talking
• Regularly interrupting others
• Difficulty waiting their turn

ADHD is diagnosed more often in boys than girls, and the average age of diagnosis is 7 years. Symptoms usually present in children aged 3 to 6 years; however, an ADHD diagnosis can happen at any age.

The daily value percent (%DV) on the nutritional facts label shows how much of a nutrient in one serving of food contributes to a total daily diet. This information can help determine if a food serving is high or low in an individual nutrient. As a rule, 5%DV or less of a nutrient per serving is considered low, and 20%DV or more is considered high.

When diagnosing adults, healthcare providers rely on individuals to disclose their behaviors. Adults need to have at least five symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or a combination. Healthcare providers look for the following additional markers: underachievement, engaging in risky behaviors (e.g., reckless driving), and difficulty in maintaining relationships.

If you are worried that you or your child may have ADHD, talk with your healthcare provider.

Treatment Options

While medication is most commonly associated with ADHD treatment, healthcare providers often recommend a more holistic approach to start. This approach includes behavioral therapy options for children and adults as their first-line treatment, including specific training for parents to help support their children.

These treatment options, such as talk therapy, education, training, creating routines, clear expectations, and a healthy lifestyle, are designed to make positive changes to help the child or adult learn to identify and correct behaviors.

Introducing healthy sleep, exercise, and nutritional habits are important factors in behavioral therapy. Incorporating these habits into a daily routine can help individuals make more positive choices and give them a sense of control over their treatment and lifestyle.

ADHD Diet

We have heard time and again that a healthy, balanced diet is essential to overall wellness, so it’s no surprise that what you or your child eats may impact ADHD symptoms. Both kids and adults may benefit from a high-protein, low-sugar, no-additive diet.

Foods rich in protein are a great place to start. Protein-rich foods, such as lean meats, eggs, beans, nuts, and low-fat dairy, may assist the body in preventing blood sugar surges that are known to increase hyperactivity. They can also help the brain make neurotransmitters—how brain cells communicate—and in children, high-protein breakfasts may help build brain-awakening neurotransmitters, which aid in a healthy sleep-wake cycle.

Some research has indicated that symptoms of inattention associated with ADHD may improve with increasing vegetable and fruit consumption. Green leafy vegetables like broccoli, lettuce, and spinach are a great source of nutrition and supply extra vitamins and minerals. Fruits such as apples, kiwis, and berries are especially good because they also increase the amount of complex carbohydrates in your diet.

Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and legumes, may help control blood sugar levels and keep you feeling fuller, longer. Being satiated may improve focus and attention in children and adults with ADHD.

Research has shown that healthy fats have been shown to support heart health, memory, and immune function. Research also suggests that including healthy fats high in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, avocados, tofu, walnuts, and soybeans, may help improve hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention symptoms in individuals with ADHD.

Food to avoid

Not unlike most healthy diet plans, the ADHD diet has a list of foods that should be avoided. Foods with high sugar content, like desserts, kid’s breakfast cereals, and sodas; simple carbohydrates, like potato chips, white bread, and granola bars; unhealthy fats, like fried foods, high-fat dairy, and processed meats; and drinking beverages containing caffeine should be avoided or limited as often as possible in an ADHD diet.

Vitamins and minerals

In addition to eating healthy, certain vitamins and minerals have been shown to decrease ADHD symptoms and help support a healthy lifestyle. Incorporating foods high in these vitamins and minerals, or taking them as supplements, can support an ADHD diet.

Research has shown that one of the best supplements to help with symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity is omega-3 fatty acids. Other supplements include zinc, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, inositol, and ginkgo biloba. These vitamins, minerals, and herbs have been shown to help with focus, anxiety, and restlessness in children and adults with ADHD.

As with all supplements, discussing how to safely add them into your or your child’s ADHD treatment plan with a licensed healthcare provider will provide more optimal results and avoid any harmful reactions or interactions that may occur.

While a healthy lifestyle that includes focusing on nutrient-rich foods, regular exercise, and following a routine can support a reduction in ADHD symptoms, it doesn’t take the place of managed care from a professional. If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, consult your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and a treatment plan that will work for you or your child’s individual needs and symptoms.