These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
Hyperactivity in child
Question: I have a 2 year old who seems unable to quiet down. The father has been convicted of domestic abuse, and the mother still stays in the home with him. Is it stress only, or could diet help curb the child’s hyper-activity? She consumes a lot of sugar and doesn’t take vitamins. She seems healthy and happy, but has been slow in teething, walking, and talking. What can I do to help this family?
Answer: What is your connection? Teacher, neighbor, relative, church? This has a great bearing on
your ability to influence the family. It is difficult to evaluate a 2 year old in terms of activity. You
might raise the issue with the mother/pediatrician. The diet is a mute issue until the activity level
is addressed. High sugar content may not be good for the teeth, but has little effect on other
parameters. There is a diet touted for control of hyperactive children. If this child truly is, that
could be an option. However, it usually requires some income and perspective on the problem.
