While some children with severe behavior problems have Mood Disorders involving dysregulation of brain chemistry, research in the last several years has highlighted other treatments that are effective for behavior problems.


Hypoglycemia

Postglandial fed-state hypoglycemia can exhibit symptoms similar to that of a Mood Disorder: Irritability, depression, nervousness, headaches, digestive disturbances, insomnia, anxieties, confusion, forgetfulness, asocial or antisocial behavior, allergies, incoordination, poor concentration, nightmares, night terrors, and suicidal intent.

While symptoms are similar, treatment is dramatically different. Prescription medications may ease the intensity of the symptoms seen in hypoglycemia, it will not stop symptoms caused by hypoglycemia. Even though "appropriate medications" are being administered, escalating behavior outbursts lead to hospitalizations. Hypoglycemia is treated through diet and nutritional supplements, thus misdiagnosis is very costly, heartbreaking, and debilitating to the child and their family.


Wheat-Free and Dairy-Free

Recent research has documented that the use of a gluten(wheat)-free and dairy-free diet improves symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Asperser's Disorder, and Autism. The exceptionally fine molecules of these foods permeate the intestinal lining, and once in the bloodstream, sensitize the child. Gluteomorphine and caseomorphone peptides are formed, similar to morphine, and create a craving pattern followed by withdrawal symptoms. Thus the alternating highs and lows of a cycle can be seen, with symptoms similar to Bipolar Disorder. Proper diagnosis with consideration of these other disorders is necessary, as treatment is very different.