Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 2/21/2005

Question
I have 4 sons, 1 of which has been diagnosed 4 years ago as ADHD/ODD.  He is on Concerta and Lexapro for mild depression.  My 2nd oldest son just last week was diagnosed as being ADHD.  We're going to start him on Concerta as well.  My question is more in the dietary form rather than medical - are there any particular foods that should be kept from kids who have this disorder?  Or is it more of a food allergy for some kids?  I've read lots of different things on this subject and would like to try to eliminate different foods to see if it makes a difference, but really don't know where to start.  Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Julie


Answer
As I have not examined your son I can only comment and not treat! Putting a child onto a stimulant needs to be seen as not only what medication but what dose is ideal, as all children are different. Starting with Concerta ,a long acting medication is not always ideal and moreover where does one start as there are a number of different doses. It is sometimes'easier to start with the short acting Methylphenidate and build up to an optimum dose, three times a day  and then swop to the long acting medication but with the knowledge that the dose you choose it right.

Next there is no diet that affects ADHD as the condition is a neurologicaly inherited variation in brain function maturation. A lot of "hype" in the media has been published without any scientific validation concerning the value of diet. If he were my patient I would suggest forget about the diet.