Sarah sat in her daughter’s doctor’s waiting room mindlessly flipping through a magazine, more consumed with what the paediatrician would recommend than the latest celebrity scandal.  Her 12 year old Emma, iPod ear buds in and music cranked, slouched in the chair next to her watching a toddler stack wooden blocks on the floor in front of her.

Emma was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD six months ago.  Sarah consulted the paediatrician, concerned about her daughter’s performance in school and lack of friends.  Today’s discussion would be on a course of treatment.

According to the Centre for ADD/ADHD Advocacy, Canada, ADHD affects about 5 to 12% of school age children worldwide and can continue through adolescence and adulthood.  Traditionally symptoms are treated with special education and stimulant medications.  A study released in The Lancet in February 2011 suggests that symptoms can be managed through following a hypoallergenic diet.

To be continued…