Rev Enferm. 2001 Jan; 24(1): 11-4.

[Attention deficit and infantile hyperactivity]

Berdonces JL.

Universitat de Barcelona.

Hyperactivity is a very common disorder in children (specially males) that today is considered as a clinical syndrome by scientific medicine. American Psychiatric Association establishes 10 symptoms to diagnose it, but they can be resumed in three characteristics: Impulsivity, Distraction, and Hyperactivity. There are different ways to treat it, but psychiatric medication has major risks in children. From complementary medicine we can find several aids in changing diet patterns and supplementing with vitamins or minerals. Chocolate, sugar, sweeteners, additives, preservatives, dyes, can enhance the incidence of this syndrome; instead the supplementation with lipids rich in PUFA's can prevent it. B complex vitamins, magnesium, copper, manganese or calcium can be interesting and in herbal medicine, sedative plants like passion flower, valerian or lemon balm are useful aids. Also liquorice, fennel and berries can be used for different physiological actions.