Adhd and reduced folic acid conversion.

[Jminter]

My son is 4 years old and has severe ADHD. We recently got genetic testing done to identify which prescription drugs would work and which ones would not. With the genetic testing, they checked his MTHFR. The results came back as reduced folic acid conversion. I'm wondering if anyone else can shed any light on this with their own experiences and if increasing folic acid has helped. I understand that I have to get his folates in check, but am hoping there is some sort of connection. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[Mandralisca]

I am not a medical professional but I feel like I could be from all my years of research and experience not only learning to cope with Adhd myself, but helping my two boys who also struggle with it in different capacities. First of all, you cannot diagnose a 4 year old with “ severe adhd.” A diagnosis should not be made until at least age 6. That is when children start to get the self regulation cues and act on them. Like sitting quietly and listening to the teacher during circle time. This is when you can start to notice whether or not your child is able to control his impulses and if he cannot stay seated or is constantly interrupting or calling out etc. that is when you start to monitor the behavior through teacher feedback and talk to your pediatrician first. Don’t be so quick to slap on an Adhd label. Those genetic tests are often not accurate. I know two kids who were mislead by them. If you notice that your child is acting unusually compared to other kids his age then you must discuss with your pediatrician. You should explore all avenues including possible food allergies as well. Do your research. Please do not medicate a four year old with stimulants or supplements. Consult your pediatrician about getting him the proper nutrients through foods. Sleep deprivation could also be the culprit. Start a diary about his moods and sleeping and eating patterns and I bet you’ll eventually start to see a pattern. Godspeed!

[Jminter in reply to Mandralisca]

He has already been diagnosed... I don't want to medicate him, which is why I was asking if anyone else has had the genetic testing done and if there has been any sort of connection between folates and ADHD. They have already used Ritalin, which made him rage. So I stopped that within a couple of days. Now they want to try Adderall.

[Mandralisca in reply to Jminter]

No doctor should be diagnosing Adhd and prescribing stimulant medication to a four year old! If the pediatrician is doing this- leave that practice immediately!

[Hidden]

We had this done, too and my son now takes Methylfolate regularly. However, we didn't see any change in the ADHD because of it. However, the prescriber said that it helps with heart health over the lifetime, so we do it because it can't hurt, right?

[Jminter in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much, I was hoping for a different answer... 😐

[paradoxlive]

Hi. I haven't had my son tested genetically yet as his ADHD diagnosis is new. But several years ago I was tested and had the same result as your little boy. I do take Cerefolin NAC and find that it has improved my focus. It also helps me to sleep better. I'm not sure what I'll do if my son has the same results as I do (and I suspect he will) but my positive experience with folate replacement will certainly weigh in favor of that intervention. I'm mostly interested in nutritional and behavioral strategies for him and am looking at ADHD medication as a last resort - again because of my own experiences. Our kids are separate people from us but they also carry our genes, for better or worse! I think it's wonderful that we have the ability to test for what they might respond well to instead of trying meds blindly but the tests can't tell us what we should or shouldn't do - only show a possible direction treatment might take. Be Well!

[Jminter in reply to paradoxlive]

Thank you... I appreciate the feedback and best of luck with your little guy.

[Teachermom1]

Hi there. When my now 12 year old had the gene sight test done, it also came back showing low on folic acid. So she just takes folic acid/day. A nurse practitioner who specializes in meds has been great about getting the right meds for her. Hope this helps.

[anirush]

I recently took my grandson to a pediatric neurologist asking about testing to see what medicine works best. She said that was a big thing last year and she actually was doing it for a while until she had a client who was doing really well on a medication and the testing said it wasn't a good medication for him. She said after that she didn't rely on that DNA testing to be reliable.