ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is the most common psychiatric diagnostic label given to children.
Anywhere from 3 to 7% of all school-age children and adolescents may have it, or approximately 2 million children in the United States. It is one of the primary causes of behavioral problems in general pediatric settings. Nine boys are diagnosed with ADHD for every girl, but the rate of diagnosis for girls has been rising as well, and girls who are diagnosed are impacted the same way boys are.
Primary Symptoms of ADHD
The principal characteristics of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Symptoms begin over the course of many months, often with impulsiveness and hyperactivity, preceding inattention, which may not emerge for a year or more. A child who “can’t sit still” or is otherwise disruptive will be noticeable in school, but the inattentive daydreamer may be overlooked. The impulsive child who acts before thinking may be considered a “discipline problem,” while the child who is passive or sluggish may be viewed as unmotivated. Each of these children may have different types of ADHD.
When Hyperactivity & Restlessness Become Concerns
All children are sometimes restless, sometimes act without thinking, and sometimes daydream. When the child’s hyperactivity, distractibility, poor concentration, or impulsivity begin to affect performance in school, social relationships with other children, or behavior at home, ADHD may be suspected. Because the symptoms of ADHD vary so much, the condition must be diagnosed by a professional.
Treating ADHD
Pharmaceutical intervention via stimulants is the first choice in treating ADHD. In an effort to control affected individuals, an increasing number of school age children are regularly medicated.
Another emerging treatment method for ADHD is massage therapy, which can help calm the mind.
Two recent studies conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami reported that regular massage therapy for ADHD can be an effective treatment for kids. One study found adolescent boys who received ten 15-minute daily massages were observed by their teachers to be more focused in their schoolwork and they fidgeted less. Additionally, the children rated themselves as happier than those who participated in a relaxation therapy program.
Another study involved kids between ages 7 and 18. Each subject received a 20-minute massage twice a week. They showed immediate improvement in their moods and longer-term behavioral improvement in the classroom. They also reported feeling happier and their teachers found them to be more attentive.
A study which appeared in the spring 1998 issue of the journal Adolescence (pages 103-108) also provides exciting evidence. The study was authored by Dr. Tiffany Field who is a very well known child mental health researcher, and who has published a number of studies on the beneficial effects of massage for infants. In this study, 28 adolescents with ADHD were randomly selected to receive either massage therapy for ADHD or relaxation therapy (i.e. relaxation therapy is a technique in which clients are taught specific skills to enable them to become more calm and relaxed and is often used in treating anxiety disorders) for 10 consecutive school days.
At the end of the treatment, students who received a massage rated themselves as feeling happier and observers rated them as being less fidgety and active following the sessions. Even more impressive is the fact that teachers rated these students as spending more time on task and showing less hyperactive behavior in the classroom (teachers did not know which students had received which treatment).
The Connection Between Massage Therapy & ADHD
People with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have an imbalance with their parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the flight or fight response and the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for relaxation. Massage triggers the parasympathetic nervous system.
Incorporating professional massage into your child’s routine may help them develop an age-appropriate ability to focus, a calmer disposition, and even increased confidence.
How Massages Work for Children
A practitioner generally uses simple, moderate-pressure strokes to the child’s head/neck, arms, torso, legs, and back. Dividing time between these areas, say four minutes each, will address the full body and is enough to get the desired effect. Children have a hard time staying still so it’s best to schedule shorter massages (20 to 30 minutes). Between professional sessions, you can massage your child yourself. Massaging your child for a few minutes every day or even just a few times a week will help improve their behavior.
References:
Khilnani S, Field T, Hernandez-Reif M, Schanberg S., Massage therapy for ADHD improves mood and behavior of students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Adolescence, 2003 Winter; 38(152):623-38.
Osborn, Karri, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Soma Brings Peace of Mind to Families, Massage and Bodywork, June/July 2004.
Soma Brings Peace of Mind to Families
Osborn, Karri, Sea of Calm: Water Therapy Touches Young Spirits, Massage and Bodywork, Feb/March 2003.
