Functional Medicine for
ADHD & ADD
A Root-Cause Approach to ADHD Treatment.
Helping Your Child Focus, Thrive, and Succeed — Naturally
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and ADD affect focus, executive function, emotional regulation, and daily performance in both children and adults. For many families, the challenges extend beyond the classroom — impacting confidence, relationships, behavior, and overall quality of life.
While conventional treatment often focuses on symptom management, a functional medicine approach looks deeper. Instead of asking only how to control attention and behavior, we ask why those symptoms are occurring in the first place. We investigate the full biological, neurological, nutritional, and lifestyle context influencing brain balance and cognitive regulation.
🔹 Inattention Symptoms
Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or conversations
Frequently making careless mistakes
Trouble following through on instructions
Avoiding or delaying tasks requiring sustained mental effort
Frequently losing items (keys, homework, phone, paperwork)
Easily distracted by external stimuli
Forgetfulness in daily activities
Appearing not to listen when spoken to directly
🔹 Executive Function Challenges
Poor time management
Chronic procrastination
Difficulty prioritizing tasks
Trouble starting or completing projects
Difficulty organizing complex tasks
Weak working memory
Difficulty transitioning between tasks
ADHD is just another word for fun, exciting, and adventurous.
Finally! A Natural solution to your child’s ADD/ADHD without the use of harsh medications: An Integrative Functional Medicine Approach.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) — which includes both inattentive and combined presentations previously labeled ADD — is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of children and adults have been diagnosed with ADHD, and prevalence estimates for children remain around 10–11% of the pediatric population. ADHD diagnoses are more common in boys than girls, but recognition in girls and adults has risen substantially as diagnostic awareness improves.
According to the CDC website, in 2003, 7.8% of children were affected. By 2007, that number had risen to 9.5%, and in 2011, it was up to 11%. It has been almost five years since this last number has been published; I am unclear why there has been a lack of reporting in the last few years. (Update - according to the most recent polls done in 2016, the rates continue to hover around 10-11%. Unless you are a young African American boy; then your rates may be has high as 16%!)
Here are some more recent and sobering statistics:
ADHD has been shown to affect the areas of the brain that allow for and are involved in problem solving, planning ahead, understanding other’s actions, and controlling impulses.
The activity in theses areas of the brain is directly correlated to the primary symptoms that are necessary for the diagnosis of ADHD and/or ADD. The primary symptoms are hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattentiveness.
🔹 Hyperactivity Symptoms
Fidgeting, tapping hands or feet
Inability to remain seated when expected
Feeling restless or “on edge”
Excessive talking
Difficulty engaging in quiet activities
Constant motion or acting as if “driven by a motor”
🔹 Organization & Planning Difficulties
Cluttered workspace or environment
Missing deadlines
Poor planning for long-term goals
Frequently overwhelmed by responsibilities
Difficulty breaking large tasks into manageable steps
🔹 Academic & Work Performance Impact
Underperformance despite intelligence
Difficulty completing assignments
Frequent job changes
Poor follow-through
Strained relationships due to forgetfulness or impulsivity
🔹 Impulsivity Symptoms
Interrupting others frequently
Difficulty waiting for one’s turn
Blurting out answers prematurely
Making decisions without considering consequences
Risk-taking behavior
Emotional impulsivity or sudden mood reactions
🔹 Emotional & Behavioral Regulation
Low frustration tolerance
Irritability
Mood swings
Sensitivity to criticism (rejection sensitivity)
Difficulty regulating stress
🔹 Sleep & Lifestyle Patterns Often Associated
Difficulty falling asleep
Delayed sleep phase (night owl tendencies)
Waking unrefreshed
Inconsistent routines
Children (2020–2022 NHIS Data)
According to the CDC’s National Health Interview Survey, about 11.3 % of U.S. children ages 5–17 have ever been diagnosed with ADHD. This equates to roughly 1 in 9 children.
Boys are diagnosed more often (about 14.5 %) than girls (8.0 %).
Older children (ages 12–17) show higher prevalence (~14.3 %) than younger children (ages 5–11, ~8.6 %).
Children & Adolescents (2022 Parent-Reported Data)
Based on the 2022 National Survey of Children’s Health, about 11.4 % of U.S. children ages 3–17 have ever been diagnosed with ADHD — roughly 7.0 million children.
This represents an increase of about 1 million diagnoses since 2016.
Adults (Recent National Estimates)
Recent estimates suggest about 6 % of U.S. adults (approximately 15.5 million people) have a current ADHD diagnosis.
Long-Term Trends
CDC surveys show that prevalence in children increased significantly between 2003 (about 7.8 %) and 2011 (about 11.0 %) — a 42 % rise.
The most recent national data (2020–2022) shows continued high prevalence, though not a major jump beyond the ~11 % range.
If you’re reading this page, my guess is that you already know the signs and symptoms of ADHD and you are looking for an alternative to the harsh drugs you or your child may be on. If so, keep reading.
Typical Treatment for ADHD -
Medication side effects and pharmaceutical concerns.
What parents and patients should know.
Chances are, if you’ve landed on this page, you have a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD — and you’ve likely already had the conversation about medication. You may also be very familiar with the potential side effects that can come with the drugs commonly prescribed to “manage” symptoms.
Let’s take a straightforward look at the most common categories of ADHD medications and the known side effects associated with them.
1️⃣ Stimulant Medications
Amphetamines & Methylphenidate
The most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD are stimulant drugs. These include amphetamine-based medications (such as Adderall) and methylphenidate-based medications (such as Ritalin, Focalin, and Concerta).
These medications can be effective in improving focus and reducing impulsivity in many children and adults. In fact, they are considered first-line therapy in conventional ADHD treatment guidelines.
(CDC ADHD Treatment Overview)
However, like all medications, they come with potential side effects.
Common short-term side effects may include:
Decreased appetite and weight loss
Irritability or mood changes
Sleep disturbance
Headaches
Increased heart rate or blood pressure
Tics in some children
The FDA has also issued warnings that stimulant medications may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events or psychiatric symptoms in certain individuals, particularly those with underlying risk factors.
(FDA Safety Communication)
For some families, the benefits outweigh the risks. For others, concerns about long-term impact raise important questions.
2️⃣ Non-Stimulant Medications
Atomoxetine (Strattera)
Non-stimulant medications are often used when stimulant medications are not tolerated or when families prefer an alternative.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) works differently than stimulants and affects norepinephrine pathways in the brain.
Possible side effects may include:
Sleep difficulty
Fatigue
Nausea
Mood changes
Increased anxiety
Rare cases of liver injury (as noted in prescribing information)
While many children tolerate this medication well, parents should always be aware of potential risks and monitor closely with their prescribing physician.
3️⃣ Antidepressants Used Off-Label
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
In some cases, antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) are used off-label for ADHD symptoms, particularly in adolescents and adults.
Side effects may include:
Sleep disturbances
Headaches
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Elevated heart rate
Increased seizure risk at higher doses
The functional medicine approach to a balanced perspective to ADHD
A Balanced Perspective
To be clear: medication can be life-changing for some children and adults with ADHD. Many families report meaningful improvements in school performance, task completion, emotional regulation, and overall daily functioning. For some children, it can provide the stability needed to learn, build confidence, and participate more fully in life.
At the same time, medication primarily works by altering neurotransmitter activity — typically dopamine and norepinephrine — to improve focus and impulse control. What it does not do is investigate why those pathways may be dysregulated in the first place.
Medication can manage symptoms. It does not necessarily address potential contributing factors such as:
Nutrient deficiencies (iron, zinc, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids — all of which play roles in brain function)
Sleep disruption (poor sleep quality significantly worsens attention and behavior regulation)
Gut health imbalances (the gut-brain connection influences neurotransmitter production and inflammation)
Blood sugar instability (rapid glucose swings can impact mood, focus, and energy)
Chronic low-grade inflammation
Environmental toxins and lifestyle patterns
For some children, these underlying imbalances may amplify symptoms. For others, they may be central contributors.
And this is where a functional medicine approach becomes valuable.
Rather than asking only, “Which drug is best?” we ask a broader question:
“Why is the brain struggling with attention and regulation in the first place?”
Is there a nutritional gap?
Is sleep chronically inadequate?
Is inflammation present?
Is the gut functioning optimally?
Are there metabolic stressors affecting brain performance?
Our goal is not to replace appropriate medical care, nor to suggest that medication is inherently wrong. Instead, we aim to expand the conversation. Functional medicine looks upstream — exploring whether physiological imbalances may be contributing to symptom expression and whether correcting those imbalances can support improved focus, behavior, and long-term brain health.
For some families, this approach works alongside medication.
For others, it provides additional tools and clarity.
Either way, the objective is the same: helping your child thrive — not just cope.
This is taken from WebMD.com:
“The FDA has issued a warning about the risk of drug abuse with amphetamine stimulants. FDA safety advisors are also concerned about the possibility that all amphetamine and methylphenidate stimulants used for ADHD may increase the risk of heart and psychiatric problems.
The FDA has also issued a warning about a connection between antidepressants (including the non-stimulant Strattera) and an increased risk of suicide in adults aged 18-24, especially in the first one or two months of treatment.
While these risks may seem alarming, keep in mind that experts generally consider these medicines safe when they are monitored properly by a professional. Serious problems are rare. Still, you should discuss the risks and benefits of these drugs with your doctor.”
It is important to understand what this means.
These medications are widely prescribed and, for many individuals, can be helpful when properly monitored. Serious adverse effects are uncommon. However, “rare” does not mean nonexistent — and every family deserves to understand both the benefits and the risks.
The question is not whether medication can work. The question is whether we are having a complete conversation.
When experts describe these medications as “safe,” that assessment is based on large clinical trials, post-marketing surveillance data, and regulatory review processes. At the same time, it is also true that pharmaceutical research, marketing, and education often involve industry funding and influence.
That does not automatically invalidate the science — but it does mean that families should be thoughtful, informed, and proactive in asking questions.
Parents have the right to ask:
What are the short-term and long-term risks?
What monitoring is necessary?
Are there cardiovascular considerations?
How will mood and behavioral changes be tracked?
Are there complementary approaches that can reduce dose requirements or support overall health?
Medication decisions should never be casual. They should be individualized, carefully monitored, and revisited regularly.
This is not about fear. It is about informed consent.
As a practitioner, my role is not to dismiss conventional treatment — but to ensure that we are addressing the whole child. If medication is used, we should also be asking:
Is sleep optimized?
Is nutrition adequate?
Is the gut functioning properly?
Is inflammation present?
Are there metabolic stressors contributing to symptom intensity?
When we broaden the discussion beyond “medication versus no medication,” we create a more comprehensive and responsible plan of care.
The goal is not to criticize — it is to make sure no piece of the puzzle is ignored.
Why has there been such an increase in the rate of ADHD and/or ADD?
While the exact cause of the increase in the rate of ADHD is not very clear, it is clear that there are a few different issues that can contribute to the development of ADHD and ADD. This tends to be a very ambiguous topic. Depending on where you look for your information, you can always find something to back it up. I’ve done my fair share of research and digging. I tend to side with the people who have done the studies and don’t actually have anything to gain by publishing those studies.
Digestive Symptoms in Children with ADHD
Interestingly, research has shown a higher rate of gastrointestinal complaints among children with ADHD compared to their peers.
For example, some population-based studies have reported increased rates of constipation and fecal incontinence among children diagnosed with ADHD.
(Study Reference Example)
The CDC also notes that children with ADHD frequently have co-occurring conditions that may affect sleep, digestion, and overall regulation.
(CDC ADHD Data)
Why does this matter?
Because digestion is not separate from brain function.
Chronic constipation, abdominal discomfort, irregular bowel habits, and gut inflammation can:
Increase systemic inflammation
Disrupt microbiome balance
Impair nutrient absorption
Alter neurotransmitter signaling
Affect mood and behavior regulation
The Medication–Gut Cycle
Another important consideration is that some medications commonly prescribed for ADHD may suppress appetite or alter digestive patterns. Reduced food intake, dehydration, or appetite changes can worsen constipation in susceptible children.
This can create a challenging cycle:
Medication → appetite suppression → digestive slowdown → increased gut imbalance → behavioral worsening when medication wears off.
It’s kind of like a nasty merry go round that you can never get off.
This does not mean medication is inappropriate. It simply means that digestive health deserves attention — especially in children already demonstrating gastrointestinal symptoms.
Why Functional Medicine Looks at the Gut First
When we evaluate a child with ADHD from a functional medicine perspective, we often begin with a very simple but powerful question:
How healthy is the gut?
We ask:
Are bowel movements regular and complete?
Is there chronic bloating, abdominal discomfort, or food sensitivity?
Is nutrient absorption adequate?
Are there signs of inflammation?
Has there been repeated antibiotic exposure?
Is the microbiome balanced?
Because if the gut is inflamed, imbalanced, or underperforming, the brain may struggle to function optimally.
The digestive system is foundational. It is not just about processing food — it is about regulating nearly every major system that influences brain development, behavior, and emotional stability.
In many ways, improving the rest of the body depends on first improving gut health.
Why the Gut Comes First
You cannot effectively optimize neurotransmitters if the body cannot properly absorb amino acids and micronutrients.
You cannot calm inflammation if the intestinal barrier is irritated and allowing inflammatory signals into circulation.
You cannot stabilize blood sugar if digestion is erratic.
You cannot support restful sleep if the gut is producing stress signals or disrupting serotonin pathways.
The gut is upstream of many of the systems we are trying to regulate in ADHD.
Systems That Depend on a Healthy Gut
When intestinal balance improves, it positively influences:
1️⃣ Neurotransmitter Production & Signaling
The gut plays a significant role in synthesizing and regulating neurotransmitter precursors. Dopamine, serotonin, and GABA pathways are influenced by nutrient availability and microbial activity. If digestion is compromised, these pathways may be affected.
2️⃣ Inflammation Regulation
The majority of the immune system resides in the gut. An imbalanced microbiome or irritated intestinal lining can promote low-grade systemic inflammation — which has been associated with cognitive and behavioral changes.
Supporting gut integrity often helps calm inflammatory signaling.
3️⃣ Nutrient Absorption
Iron, zinc, magnesium, B-vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids — these are all critical for brain development and function. If absorption is impaired, even a good diet may not translate into adequate nutrient status.
You cannot build optimal brain chemistry without adequate building blocks.
4️⃣ Blood Sugar Stability
Digestion directly impacts glucose regulation. Rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar can worsen irritability, impulsivity, and focus challenges.
Balanced digestion supports steadier energy and cognitive performance.
5️⃣ Sleep Regulation
The gut influences serotonin production, which is a precursor to melatonin — the body’s primary sleep hormone. Chronic gut imbalance can contribute to poor sleep quality, and inadequate sleep is strongly associated with worsening ADHD symptoms.
6️⃣ Detoxification & Environmental Load
The gut is a major route of toxin elimination. If bowel function is sluggish, metabolic waste and environmental exposures may recirculate rather than exit efficiently.
Efficient elimination supports overall neurologic resilience.
The Bigger Picture
This does not mean the gut is the only factor in ADHD.
It does mean that it is often a foundational one.
When the intestinal environment is inflamed, constipated, dysbiotic, or poorly functioning, every other system we try to optimize — neurotransmitters, inflammation, sleep, blood sugar, nutrient status — becomes harder to regulate.
But when gut balance improves, we often see ripple effects:
More stable mood
Improved sleep
Better focus
Fewer digestive complaints
Increased tolerance to stress
Functional medicine looks at the body as an interconnected system. And in many children with ADHD, restoring intestinal health becomes one of the first and most important steps in creating a stable neurological foundation.
Supporting digestive balance may not be the entire answer — but it is frequently a critical starting point.
Gut Health & Brain Balance in ADHD
Over my years practicing functional and alternative medicine, one pattern has consistently stood out — many children struggling with ADHD symptoms also show signs of underlying physiological imbalances. While every child is different, certain categories of dysfunction appear repeatedly.
One of the most common — and most overlooked — is intestinal balance.
The gut is far more than a digestive tube. It plays a central role in immune regulation, nutrient absorption, inflammation control, and communication with the brain through what is known as the gut-brain axis.
Researchers now recognize that the gastrointestinal system communicates directly with the central nervous system through neural, hormonal, and immune pathways.
(NIH Gut-Brain Axis Overview: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6469458/)
A significant portion of the body’s neurotransmitters — including serotonin and dopamine precursors — are influenced by gut function and the microbiome. While exact percentages vary in the literature, it is well established that gut health plays a meaningful role in neurotransmitter signaling and overall brain chemistry.
When the intestinal environment is disrupted — whether through dysbiosis, chronic constipation, inflammation, food sensitivities, or poor nutrient absorption — brain function can be affected.
Dr. Craig Mortensen has been practicing alternative medicine for over 15 years. Over those years, he has developed a system and protocol for helping patients with ADHD eliminate or reduce the need for medications that patients are often on for life.
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