Comprehensive ADHD Management Strategies

Comprehensive ADHD Management Strategies

In a recent episode of the Institute for Functional Medicine’s podcast, Pathways to Well-Being, Dr. Kate Kresge delves into a holistic approach to managing ADHD, emphasizing a multifaceted strategy encompassing nutrition, exercise, behavior interventions, and collaborative care.

Nutrition plays a pivotal role, focusing on addressing allergies and nutrient deficiencies. Dr. Kresge advocates identifying allergens, building tolerance, and stabilizing mast cells to mitigate histamine release. She recommends micronutrient analysis and highlights the importance of omega-3 fatty acids, thyroid hormones, and lead screening in preconception care.

Behavior interventions, particularly parent behavior training, are vital in empowering families to navigate ADHD challenges. Dr. Kresge emphasizes a shift towards reward-based models to reduce conflict and foster independence in children with ADHD. Exercise is also a potent intervention, with activities such as jumping and cardiovascular exercise showing promise in enhancing attention and executive function. Dr. Kresge underscores the accessibility and effectiveness of brief, regular exercise sessions.

Beyond conventional approaches, Dr. Kresge explores higher-order interventions like vagal stimulation and mindfulness. These techniques are seen as avenues to bolster emotional regulation and executive function in individuals with ADHD.

Dr. Kresge advocates for a multidisciplinary team involving primary care physicians, psychiatrists, naturopathic doctors, dietitians, and movement therapists. Effective communication with teachers is highlighted as essential for optimizing outcomes in children with ADHD.

Overall, Dr. Kresge champions a personalized, comprehensive approach to ADHD management, emphasizing the importance of tailored interventions beyond medication. By addressing various aspects of health and well-being, this approach aims to empower patients and their families to navigate ADHD effectively and improve overall quality of life.

Incorporating the following tests can help physicians gain valuable insights into their patients’ overall health and potential contributors to ADHD symptoms.

ADHD Basics:

CBC w/DIFF, CMP, Copper, RBC, DHEA-Sulfate, Ferritin, Hemoglobin A1C, Homocysteine, Immunoglobulin E, Iron, TIBC, Lead, Lipid Panel, Magnesium RBC, Mercury, Prolactin, TSH, Testosterone, Free & Total w/SHBG, Vitamin D, 25-OH, Total, Zinc RBC

Access Medical Labs offers custom panels tailored to your patients’ specific needs. Learn more about them here.