Lecture to explore treatments for ADHD

Is children’s diet responsible for contributing towards Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? And can nutrition help to manage the condition? These and other issues relating to ADHD will be explored in a free lecture at the University of Teesside on Tuesday 21 November.

Entitled 'ADHD and alternative treatments' the lecture will be delivered by Dr Dave Woodhouse, Director of the University's Cactus Clinic. It will take place in Room CL1.87, first floor, School of Social Sciences & Law, Clarendon Building from 5.00pm-6.00pm, with an opportunity for questions from the audience. Refreshments will be available in the first floor from 4.30pm. It is open to the general public.

The Cactus (Clinical and counselling training units) clinic was first opened at the University in 2000 by the late Professor Steve Baldwin. Through the clinic, Professor Baldwin aimed to provide alternative treatments for children with ADHD, such as counselling, family therapy and psychotherapy. He was totally opposed to the prescription of the amphetamine drug Ritalin for children with ADHD.

Following Professor Baldwin's death in the Selby train crash in February 2001, the Cactus clinic closed. It re-opened in February 2003, thanks to a donation from Professor Baldwin's family.

Dr Woodhouse said: "The lecture will refer to work being conducted at the Cactus Clinic. This work is exploring the possible nutritional factors that contribute to attentional, hyperactive, impulsive and behavioural problems of the children we have studied. I'll also be examining the effectiveness of a holistic nutritional approach to the management of ADHD. A number of case studies will be presented to illustrate some of the issues involved.

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