Exploring ADHD and how Systematic Kinesiology can Help
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that develops during childhood. In a nutshell, it has 3 defining characteristics for those affected; difficulty concentrating, experiencing unusual levels of hyperactivity and having a tendency to act impulsively. The National Institute of Mental Health states that ADHD symptoms can appear as early as between the ages of 3 and 6 and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Naturally, parents of any child receiving a diagnosis may feel troubled and concerned. That being said, there are a number of modalities: medications and therapies which can be used to help treat symptoms. Systematic Kinesiology is one of the modalities which can help. This article will explore what ADHD is, how it affects everyday life, classic symptoms and how Systematic Kinesiology can help.
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
The National Institute of Mental Health defines Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. These aspects are explained further below:
Inattention: means a person is easily distracted and finds it difficult to focus.
Hyperactive: means a person may move around constantly, fidget and have a lot of energy.
Impulsive: the definition of ‘impulsive’ is to act without forethought. Consequently, a person acting impulsively acts without thinking and may show little self-control.
The signs and symptoms encountered during ADHD can differ, depending on which aspect of ADHD the individual is experiencing e.g if the individual is experiencing hyperactivity and impulsivity or if they are finding it difficult to focus. Some of the signs and symptoms are listed below.
Signs and symptoms for hyperactivity/impulsivity:
Finding it difficult to sit still and quietly
Fidgeting and squirming
Interrupting others when they are doing something
Talking excessively
Unexpectedly making a big decision without thinking
Signs and symptoms of inattention:
Constantly losing items
Difficulty organising their tasks and activities
Easily distracted and forgetful
Making frequent mistakes and missing the details
Never finishing a task
Seems not to listen when being spoken to
Causes of ADHD
ADHD is extremely common. In the UK, there is a childhood incidence rate of 5% and an adult incidence rate of 3-4%. That provides for a total estimate of 2.6 million people in the UK with ADHD. Despite how common it is, experts are not one hundred percent sure about the cause. One could state that there is no single cause; rather, a variety of factors can increase the risk of developing the condition. Some of the factors and theories are reviewed below:
Dopamine: is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for pleasure, satisfaction and motivation. For example, if you do something and achieve it, you feel good. This is because you have a surge of dopamine in the brain. According to Healthline, scientists have observed that levels of dopamine are different in people with ADHD, compared to those without it, they are lower. Because of this, some researchers theorise that ADHD causes its symptoms. For example, John Ratey, M.D., professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School in Boston states that the lack of dopamine, causes ADHD sufferers to be ‘chemically wired’ to always seek more (thus causing impulsivity). However, this does not mean that a person with lower dopamine levels will have ADHD, the studies simply suggest that DAT1 (causing the lower dopamine levels) may influence ADHD-like traits.
Environmental factors: several environmental risk factors have been associated with the potential development of ADHD. These range from a mother’s actions during pregnancy (such as smoking and/or drinking alcohol), to exposure to contaminated substances (such as heavy metals).
Genetics: decades of research show that genes play a vital role in the onset of ADHD. For example, studies on family, twin, and adoption show that ADHD runs in families and the mean average heritability rate is 76%.
Structural differences in the brain: there is research which suggests that people with ADHD have less grey matter volume in the brain than those without it. The findings conclude that structural alterations in the brain underlie attention problems in patients with ADHD.
Consequently, it is proven that genetics play a large part in the onset of ADHD but there are other potential contributing factors too. Either way, we do not have control over whether we are going to develop ADHD, so for any child receiving a diagnosis, it can be overwhelming for them and the parents.
ADHD and its effect on everyday life
Of course, it depends on the severity and the individual but ADHD can be said to be life-impacting.
ADHD and school/work: some of the key symptoms of ADHD are fidgeting, forgetfulness, disorganisation and lack of attention; children with ADHD can often struggle in school. It is hard enough to remember your P.E. Kit, homework and school equipment without ADHD, let alone if you are suffering from symptoms. In addition, ADHD is not considered a learning disability, but it does cause learning difficulties. For example, students are expected to sit still for an hour and focus on one subject in detail. This is next to impossible for a child struggling with hyperactivity, impulsivity and lack of attention.
ADHD and relationships: As impulsiveness is one of the defining characteristics of ADHD, children diagnosed with it can often be selfish, act without thinking and cause arguments with their parents, friends and siblings. Consequently, raising a child with ADHD can be difficult and tiring because the children do not respond to parenting methods the same way as others.
ADHD and emotions: As individuals, our emotional maturity continues to develop until around the age of 35. This process can be slower in people with ADHD, and they may not reach the same levels of emotional maturity as others until a lot older. Additionally, ADHD sufferers may also have low self-esteem and confidence as a result of living with their symptoms for so long.
ADHD and coexisting mental health conditions: If you have ADHD you’re more likely to experience a mental health problem. There’s evidence that anxiety, depression and conduct disorder (persistent patterns of antisocial, aggressive or defiant behaviour) are more common in those with ADHD. There is also evidence in adults that there is a strong connection between ADHD, drug abuse, and alcoholism.
Treatment for ADHD
There is no definite cure for ADHD, but there are treatment options that can make symptoms more manageable. If you or a loved one are suffering from ADHD, there are several medications and effective behavioural therapies. Healthline has a really good article exploring the variety of options in detail, from natural remedies to medications to therapies. This article will focus on how Systematic Kinesiology can help to relieve symptoms.
Systematic Kinesiology and ADHD
Systematic Kinesiology is a holistic therapy that aims to identify imbalances in the body. When an imbalance is found, Systematic Kinesiology restores the body to homeostasis. To magnify the lasting effect of balancing the muscles and circuits in the body, Kinesiologists often work with supplements such as Magnesium, Zinc, Iron and many, many others. Zinc plays an essential part in the maintenance of brain structure and functions and the metabolism of neurotransmitters. Some scientists have theorised that Zinc is important in treating ADHD, and studies point to the possible association of zinc deficiency with the onset of ADHD. For example, preliminary investigations have shown that children with ADHD have lower zinc concentrations in relation to others. Systematic Kinesiology would check anyone suffering from ADHD, against various vitamins and minerals, to see what their bodies are lacking and require to work at their optimum.
Systematic Kinesiology also works by addressing the whole person. As mentioned, restoring balance is the key to a healthier, happier life. Kinesiologists believe that all parts of a person are interrelated and they work with MCPE: Mind, Chemical, Physical and Energy.
M - anything to do with trauma, feelings, and emotions
C - anything to do with food, water, drugs, medication, chemicals
P - anything to do with structure, bones, muscles, posture
E - anything to do with life force, aura, chi
As touched on, those who suffer from ADHD are likely to suffer from coexisting mental health conditions (such as depression and anxiety) and emotional stressors. Whilst attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is not a mood disorder, it can make it more difficult to regulate emotions. Consequently, life with ADHD can seem unbearable and tough, as your emotions are in a constant state of flux. Sufferers can become easily bored and frustrated and these frustrations can seem intolerable or bring on depression and shifts in mood. Systematic Kinesiologists would work with MCPE to help sufferers manage and receive relief from these symptoms and emotional traumas.
With all this in mind, it must be said that the current research on the effectiveness of Systematic Kinesiology in helping ADHD is not conclusive. If you or a loved one are suffering from ADHD, Systematic Kinesiology can help restore your body to balance, providing relief from symptoms and coping mechanisms. If you would like to find out more, please contact us.
