As reported in the Montreal Gazette, a group of doctors recently published an open letter in the Journal of Montreal warning against the overuse of medication for children with ADHD. They are now proposing a different kind of solution, more exercise and less screen time. They recommended 30-45 minutes of daily physical activity. There is now a movement to mandate 40-minutes of recess time in Quebec schools.

The doctors stated that studies are showing that excessive screen time can “lead to the development of symptoms of ADHD or aggravate them should they already exist. They also suggest that schools impose a ban on the use of smartphones and tablets in classrooms unless they are used for learning purposes.”

The open letter from these physicians came out after a study showed that 14.5 percent of children aged 13-17 are prescribed stimulant medication in Quebec versus 4.3 percent in the...

Contributed by Kate, author of Memoirs of an ADHD Mom, located on our Facebook page.

It is easy for all of us to complain about our issues, to talk about the things we don't like about our ADHD or our children's ADHD. It disrupts our lives, makes us work harder, causes turmoil.

But not this week! No, this week we are celebrating Valentine's Day, the day of love. It's time for us to talk about all the things we love about our ADHD. C'mon let's celebrate it!

My ADHD makes me spontaneous and a risk taker. I am up for anything. Therefore I have had more experiences than a lot of people. I have gone on spur of the moment road trips, taken jobs I wasn't necessarily prepared for, jumped from the highest rope swings I could find into the river below - the list goes on and on.

I am super generous. I give my time and support to all of those around me.

I think my ADHD makes me very funny. I...

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics and covered in News Medical Life Science reviewed a study regarding increased mental health issues in children.  The study states that one in seven children are affected by some type of mental health issue.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan reviewing the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health.  The survey was taken by parents of children and adolescents between the ages of 6-18. The results showed 7.7 million children had at least one mental health condition.

The mental health conditions included:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Eating Disorders
• Body Dysmorphic Disorders

It was reported that the prevalence of mental health conditions in children vary from state to state:

• In Hawaii, 7.6 percent of children are suffering from one...

Scientists have observed that lower levels of dopamine are associated with symptoms of ADHD. A study published in European Neuropsychopharmacology shows that caffeine appears to normalize levels of dopamine and improve concentration in people with ADHD. Does that mean it can be used as treatment?

Additudemag.com released an article discussing the truth about caffeine for ADHD. Here are a few key points to consider:

• The effects are different for each individual - there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
• The stimulant calms some people while creating anxiety in others.
• Caffeine may interact poorly with certain medications.
• The amount of caffeine needed to affect ADHD could be unhealthy.
• The research is relatively small and inconclusive.

The safe level of consumption can vary for each person based on their age, weight, level of sensitivity, and...

Valentine’s Day is known for giving the gift of chocolate and snacks filled with sugar. We do this because we want to show our family and friends how much we love them by giving them something special. Sugar does not cause ADHD. However, if your loved one has ADHD, eating excessive amounts of sugar may make their symptoms worse.

The University of South Carolina conducted a study which found that the more sugar hyperactive children consumed, the more destructive and restless they became. A study conducted at Yale University indicates that high-sugar diets may increase inattention in some children with ADHD.

Click here to see 45 healthy treats for Valentine’s Day (or any special holiday). To help your loved one maintain their focus throughout the day, you may want to consider:

• Fruit berries
• Hard-boiled Eggs
• Vegetable melodies
• Sushi with salmon
• Cheese and...