Project Title: The Most Promising Natural Agents and Their Efficacy in Standalone or Augmented Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, a Literature Review. Authors: Andrew Xu, MD
Program: Southern Colorado Family Medicine, Alamosa Rural Training Track
Abstract: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent mental health disorder that often starts in childhood and persists into adulthood. Symptoms include limited attention and hyperactivity. Regarded as the most common childhood neuropsychiatric disorder, it may contribute to low self-esteem, troubled relationships, and difficulty at school or work. Traditional treatments include medication such as dopaminergic stimulants and behavioral therapy. While efficacious, medications such as Adderall and Ritalin come with a set of side effects that may not be tolerated. Supporting theories present that ADHD is due to a lack of endogenous brain chemicals or of essential nutrients which prevents optimal neurotransmission. If such is the case, it is reasonable to supply the brain with necessary nutrients either in augmentation-to or before the use of stimulant medications. There are a number of natural products, such as vitamins or botanicals, that have been tried for treatment of ADHD and have shown efficacy. This poster will give an overview of the top few natural supplements for the treatment of ADHD in its mechanisms, efficacy, and whether they present an effective therapeutic adjunct to traditional medication therapy.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to…
• Summarize the most researched nutraceuticals and bio-molecules that have shown efficacy in treatment of mood and attention disorders.
• Contrast the efficacy of natural treatments to pharmaceuticals, and to show specific research about combination/augmentation therapy strategies
• Identify the circumstances that contribute to deficiencies in certain nutrients and the demographics that are most vulnerable.
Category: Integrative medicine
***This Poster did not undergo review by the proposal review committee