ADHD treated experimentally with amino acids and B-vitamins

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From dallasnews.com

UNT to test ADHD treatment with amino acids, B-vitamins

08:51 PM CST on Friday, November 14, 2008

By CANDACE CARLISLE Denton-Record Chronicle ccarlisle@...

Researchers at the University of North Texas have started

interviewing about 200 third- and fifth-grade Denton students to

determine their eligibility for a study on an experimental treatment

for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Researchers plan to test children with ADHD using chocolate-chip

cookies loaded with amino acids and B-vitamins during a 14-week study

beginning in January. Some children will receive placebos.

The cookies have the equivalent level of amino acids found in a 35-

ounce portion of beef or 19 eggs.

Often, children with ADHD have trouble concentrating and sitting

still, which can prevent them from reaching their full potential,

said Dr. Trent Petrie, UNT professor of psychology.

" It's all about regulating emotions for a specific time, " Dr. Petrie

said.

Currently, children with ADHD often rely on stimulant medication like

amphetamines and methylphenidates for treatment.

" We really don't know the long-term affects of neurological active

medication, " said Dr. Kaminski, an associate professor of

psychology at UNT. " There is a press for something with [fewer] side

effects. "

Modifying diet to help control ADHD symptoms isn't a new idea, but

using amino acids is, said Dr. C. Young of ADD/ADHD Treatment

Center in Plano.

Dr. Young said he has spent the last 30 years treating ADHD in

children. Prescription medication is an effective ADHD treatment in

children about 90 percent of the time, he said.

" It's not known to be effective, " he said of using amino acids. " I've

never tried treating someone with steak and eggs. It's going to have

to be proven to me.

" Until something comes along better, I'll stick to what I'm doing, "

he said.

Teachers will evaluate participating children in their classes. The

school district will receive compensation for every child it monitors

for the study, Dr. Petrie said.

NeuroAssist, a private company, is footing the $268,000 bill for the

study.