The ADD Debate Continues: Jef Gazley describes what Attention Deficit Disorder is and the natural treatments available.

The subject of attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) is a highly debated topic. Some think it is a facet of social behavior, some think it is attributable to environmental toxins, while others don’t believe it even exists at all.

Doctors know that it is real and affects not only children, but also adults. Through the recent research on this condition and the advent of brain imaging, we know that it can be hereditary. According to Dr. Daniel Amen in his book Healing ADD, if one parent has it, a child will have a 60 percent chance of having it, and 90 percent if both parents do. It is a chronic condition and does not go away with age.

Amen says there are seven different subsections of ADD and many of them show no hyperactivity. ADHD is not a different condition than ADD, it is simply one of the seven types, and each particular type can be seen in color on a SPECT brain imaging scan, making the diagnosis certain.

As for the best and least damaging way to treat ADD/ADHD, Amen advises that it is quite possible to get 30 percent improvement through good consistent parenting, a diet that avoids red dye, bananas, corn and simple carbs, a good self-discipline technique such as yoga or martial arts, aerobic exercise and general supplements such as GABA, L-tyrosine, fish oil or flax seed oil and others. Stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall can have side effects.

Jef Gazely is a licensed professional counselor. He offers natural supplement and homeopathic amino acid blend ADD-care which has been shown to return the brain to normal in brain scans. For more information, visit add-care.com.