A recent report on the June 15 CBS Early Show recommended chiropractic as a potential treatment option for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

In speaking with CBS anchor Julie Chen, medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton noted that some studies have shown alternative treatments such as chiropractic and dietary changes to be beneficial for children with ADHD.
To view the segment, click here.

The report stemmed from a recently released study in The American Journal of Psychiatry suggesting that children and teens who take stimulants like Ritalin for ADHD have an increased risk for sudden cardiac death; however, the FDA says the study has major limitations.

Following this nationally televised report, you and your staff may receive questions from concerned parents.  Parents are cautioned not to stop any medications without talking to their doctor. The ACA offers several resources for its members that may help in discussing this issue:

Patient Education Handout
“Treating Children with ADHD”
 

Articles from the Journal of the American Chiropractic Association (JACA)
“Children with ADHD: Medical vs. Chiropractic Perspective and Theory—Part I”
 

“Children with ADHD: Medical vs. Chiropractic Perspective and Theory—Part II”