The book opens up with the words, "You have changed my child's life!" Dr. James Greenblatt, who is opening up a new integrative psychiatry practice near me, recently gave a lecture that I attended and gave away this book. In the lecture and the book, he presents natural alternatives to ADHD, which include supplements, nutrition, neurofeedback, and a basic understanding of the brain. His book responds to, explains, and differentiates a lot of controversies out there about different ways to treat ADHD naturally. Much of this information I have heard before, and I am rare and well researched on that count. But his ideas are presented clearly and comprehensively, and with the science to back it up. What I loved about the presentation, is that he stated that each of these may be significant for some, or may have a lesser or more powerful effect, but that very few of these are standard ticket cure-alls. He suggested certain medical tests that can indicate whether one's child is low or high on things like zinc versus copper, possibly dairy sensitive, and another test that measures HPHPA (sp?). He did however tell us, if we were overwhelmed, which would be the first avenue to take. And for that I am forever grateful - and immediately did some quick shopping on Amazon. I am deliberately not naming the alternatives he suggested, because I feel that one should make a consultation or read the book, and as a care provider myself, I feel its wrong to offer the answers without the theory and science behind it. Besides, his book was a giveaway, likely meant to help, but also promote his practice, and I do not want to take advantage of his kindness.
The theory however, I will freely share, to see if there are readers out there to whom the book might speak urgently. First of all, Dr. Greenblatt considers ADHD a "medical disorder in which genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors imbalance the brain causing imbalanced behavior." His plan is to correct the imbalances, and there are numerous suggestions to try to do so, based on what is suspected might be going on with your child. He argues for a well nourished brain and body, and reminds us that all kids WANT to behave. He cites in both the book and the lecture, amazing transformations in children, based on some simple changes. Its hard to ignore.
Two of my three children struggle with attention deficit, and I had attempted for many years to treat it naturally. But however well researched, I didn't have a comprehensive guide like this, and felt overwhelmed in the myriad of options, none of which showed much difference. Nor did it have the consummate overview of the theory and best use. For example, I decided to order zinc online, as there was a line in the book about competitive athletes who sweat out copious amounts of zinc daily. (Please do your own research on this.) I immediately bought some kind of child palatable zinc that was 30mg. To my surprise as I read, I then learned that for a 4-8 year old child, 120mg of zinc is recommended, and for a 14-18 year old child, 410mg! No wonder nothing I did on my own ever worked. And its not like this kid has been tested for copper/zinc imbalances. Again, I argue for consultation or to pick up the book if it appeals. I get it - its super easy to freak out about my child failing math (due to inattention and distraction) and to hope the holy Amazon cart has a quick cure. Its actually more of a process. It takes some time and trial and error. But Dr. Greenblatt argues, there is science behind this imbalance regulation theory, and if you get lucky and hit the jackpot - then hey, it may be the most important investment you might make.
I thought the book was great, and even better that these ideas are making their way out and are transforming lives. Its a great resource, and if you or your child struggles with ADHD, I would say its a must have.