Diet Therapy For Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Gains Support By Doctors, Researchers And Parents

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RIVERHEAD, N.Y., April 10, 1996 -- An increasing body of evidence supports diet as an effective treatment for ADD and ADHD according to the Feingold Association of the United States. Persistent hyperactivity and difficulty paying attention are among symptoms commonly associated with these disorders.

According to the Feingold Association, a non-profit organization supporting a dietary approach to these problems, nearly four million children in this country are affected. Three million have been prescribed amphetamine-like drugs, such as Ritalin.

"Many of them can be helped by simply avoiding eating certain food chemicals. Changing brands, not necessarily the child's diet, can help them to avoid having to rely on powerful drugs," says Feingold Association President, Pat Palmer.

According to immunologist Robert Sinaiko, MD, "The research connecting diet and behavior often goes unread. For two decades, the scientific literature and parents have noted that certain synthetic, petroleum-based food additives act like drugs on certain children, impairing learning and triggering symptoms which look exactly like ADD and ADHD."

He cites a number of studies based on double-blind, placebo- controlled food challenges published in major scientific journals such as Science and the Lancet. "These and others prove that learning or behavior in certain children is significantly impaired for several hours following the ingestion of artificial food colors," according to Sinaiko.

"Many children could truly benefit from this information but it is being ignored in favor of drug therapy. Unfortunately, drugs have side effects and medicating the child doesn't cure anything. Any root causes often will persist through adulthood if not addressed. It's time we physicians saved recommending drug therapy as a last resort," says Sinaiko.

Dr. Sinaiko and the Feingold Association echo the concern recently announced by the United Nation's International Narcotics Control Board. The U.N. board is alarmed that effective and proven non-drug treatments may be ignored and addictive psychostimulant medications like Ritalin and the amphetamines are being over-used in this country.

"In many cases, the treatment depends more on the practitioner than on the symptoms presented,' says Jane Hersey, author of Why Can't My Child Behave? She continues, 'A psychologist will focus on family dynamics; an allergist will prefer allergy testing; a doctor who favors drugs will provide a prescription, and one who favors diet will suggest the family consult the Feingold Association."

"Diet is, by far, the least expensive alternative," says Hersey. "It also is risk-free. If diet is not sufficient, a parent can then explore other options."

"Some parents feel their child needs both diet and medication. We don't judge parents' decisions or add more pressure to them," states Palmer. "We just want parents and physicians to know that diet therapy is another option for treating behavior and attention problems. Parents have that right."

The Feingold Association offers a free brochure by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to F.A.U.S., 127 E. Main St., No. 106, Riverhead, NY 11901.

Available for interviews: Pat Palmer, office: 516-369-9340; and Jane Hersey, office 703-768-3287

CONTACT:Pat Palmer of the Feingold Association, 516-369-9340