The effects of a restricted elimination diet (RED) on ADHD, ODD and comorbid somatic complaints, and a preliminary survey of the mechanisms of an RED

This thesis consists not only of a general introduction, scientific articles (chapters 2-7), and a general discussion, but also of two poems, a preface, a postface, and parents’ and children’s accounts.

At the beginning of each chapter you may find an illustration, each illustration being part of a comic.

Below the thesis and the propositions accompanying the thesis can be downloaded.

Implementation

In chapter 9.7 you may find a proposal for an algorithm for treatment of children with ADHD, including the Restricted Elimination Diet (RED).  Children who respond well to the diet may be diagnosed with Food-induced (FI-ADHD). In these children, a hypersensitivity to certain foods is a causal factor of ADHD.

Children who do not show behavioral improvements following the RED may be diagnosed with classic ADHD (C-ADHD). The implementation is described in chapter 9.7. (page 203-210)

A schematic overview of the ADHD diagnostic prodecure, including the RED can be found here. (page 205)

DSM-V

Currently, the diagnostic and statistical manual of psychiatric diagnostic manual of Mental Disorders, the DSM-IV, is being rewritten. It is expected that the revised manual, the DSM-V, will be published in 2013. In chapter 9.8. advice is given to include RED research in the child psychiatric part of the DSM-V. Given the impact food may have on the behaviour of children with ADHD, it would be a missed opportunity if this advice was ignored. (page 210-213)

The Thesis

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The thesis in parts