A study published in the journal Pediatrics states that if a child has ADHD, he or she is also more likely than their peers to have a defecation problem such as fecal incontience or constipation.

The study authors used the U.S. military health system database to analyze 742,939 children of active duty military personnel between the ages of 4 - 12.  Of the sample size 4.4% or 32,773 children had an ADHD diagnoses.  Of those with ADHD, 4.1% had constipation compared to 1.5% of children who were not diagnosed with ADHD.  Researchers also noted kids with ADHD were significantly more likely than those without ADHD to have fecal incontinence - actually six times higher!  Researchers suspect that children with ADHD may digest food more slowly or irregularly than children without ADHD.

The researchers recommend the following for clincians who are treating children with ADHD:

• Educate parents about the link, which might lead to better screening and treatment of constipation and fecal incontinence in children with ADHD.  For children with constipation, increasing fiber in the diet is key.

• Some children who require a specialist referral to medically manage constipation or fecal incontinence may benefit from a screening for ADHD.

• For patients who have both ADHD and defecation disorders, "more aggressive medical treatment of the constipation or fecal incontinence may be warranted."

Researchers note that typical reinforcement programs, dietary changes and toliet sitting regimens may be more difficult for children with ADHD and therefore they should be sent to a health specialist sooner to help them with these issues.

For information on how homeopathic bowel nosodes can help children who suffer from gut issues, please read Bowel Nosodes Help Children with Gut Issues or phone us at 310-738-8878.