Gaba Supplement for ADHD and Poor Attention Span in Kids???

GABA is a calming neurotransmitter. It is an ingredient in a supplement called Nutrasleep that helps some in my family sleep better. As to whether or not it will help your son's ADHD symptoms is something nobody can answer because what is causing the symptoms can be so varied.

My own daughter had been diagnosed with ADHD because of inattention and lack of concentration, but she had not been thoroughly vision tested, endocrine tested, had a sleep study done... nothing! What the psychiatrist at least had done was ruled out parenting issues and environmental factors - such as TV watching and video games. I do believe allergies did contribute to it! He also had her do testing to rule-IN ADHD and it said she DID have ADHD but in the end... she did not. She was given medications with bad results because she did not have TRUE "ADHD" - where the frontal cortex maybe isn't developed as well or something. Here is something to read about what else the same symptoms can be: http://itsnotmental.blogspot.com/2009/04/is-it-adhd-atten...

At least the supplements are so very benign, and I am amazed how the psychiatrist was not "afraid" of amphetamines and antipsychotics, antidepressants, benzodiazapines, etc used with children but was "afraid" of food stuff. People died from what he gave my kids but no one ever died from those supplements.

Anyway, back to your GABA question.... Here are questions to ask yourself - How is your son's sleep? Is he anxious? If so, GABA maybe can help. Fish oil is also very important for growing brain cells, as is attention-extending activities slowly increasing attention span.

There has also been some positive results in research studies showing the EMPowerplus supplement may help with ADHD in adults, so you may want to look into that as well - www.TrueHope.com (call them - they do have a powder form for children, but you should ask about it, and of course consult your child's pediatrician.)

My son was diagnosed with Adhd at 4, I would seek out play therepy and occupational therepy before seeking out supplements - it is a world of difference when you get physical help vs seeking help in a pill or supplement - at least so far. His Adhd is "soo bad" that a phsycotherepist wanted to put him on SERIOUS medications including anti depressants at 4! I have a happy, loving son who gets frustrated easily but if given the ability to "move on" from the frustration at his own pace he is "back on track" and yes, for the attention issues - well your son is 3 he really needs no actual focus except to love life right now. If your concern is discipline, seek out an Occupational Therepist, I know ours has come up with some of the MOST effective ways!

Hi S.,
Our son had ADD & we saw great results for him with a nutritional supplement...we never had to go with medications and his focus & temperament improved dramatically! Feel free to message me for the details.

Dear S.,

I'm not familiar with Gaba however if you would like to send me your email I can forward you a recorded call by a mom who has spoken on a national level and has children with special needs. She has seen amazing results with her own kids. I would love to give you more information but I had my hand slapped the last couple responses, so, I'm a little confused as to what I can and can't say.

Warmest regards,
C.

Most kids don't get diagnosed with ADHD until 4-5. Does he go to preschool( through LAUSD) or is he getting these services through third parties? At 3 their attention span is very limited, so it is something that has to be worked on, and the additional few hours of preschool would help. Talk to your pediatrician, there are kits sold by the American Academy of Pediatrics for help in diagnosing ADHD, and what type, but again, not sure if he has to be at least 4-5 to be applicable, and at any rate, not all peds have them. What they can do is refer you to a behavioral specialist who can evaluate him. Sometimes these things just need time, just like learning to talk. He is already getting a lot of services, that should be including in his treatment goals to make him do certain tasks for a certain amount of time, etc, so talk to the therapists and ask them what is THEIR plan to help him with the lack of attention. I would do that before starting any medications or supplement. Remember, just because they don't need a prescription, doesn't mean things are safe. Any supplement or herb can have side effects and interact with other medications, and because they are not FDA approved, can have all kinds of dangerous substances added that are not controlled. And even if the label says they are ok for kids, there is a huge difference between a 3 year old and say an 8 year old, so make sure it indicates from what age it can be given.

I recently researched GABA. Most of the studies I read on it concluded that GABA is not able to cross the blood brain barrier when taken orally. Therefore it would be unlikely to help with ADHD.
*eta* What you want to look for is supplements that stimulate GABA production in the brain.