FINALLY FOCUSED BY JAMES M. GREENBLATT

The author of "Finally Focused" is a proponent of treating ADHD with natural or holistic remedies. He calls Magnesium a miracle mineral. He states that for thirty years he has been treating children with ADHD and that all children benefit from taking a magnesium supplement. He states that Magnesium plays a role in more than three hundred enzyme systems, biochemical spark plugs that ignite cellular activity. If magnesium is low so is ATP (adenosine triphosphate) the fuel that powers every cell. By adding 200 milligrams of magnesium it should reduce hyperactivity, irritability, inattention, impulsivity.

In a study they divided children into two groups: half took 200mg of magnesium daily and half took a placebo. After eight weeks, the children taking magnesium had significant improvements.
. hyperactivity was 90% less
. inattention was 66% less
. oppositional behavior was 33% less
. executive function was 40% better

This study does not list how many participants were involved in this study. The author then gives an example of a study of 40 children with ADHD. French scientists supplemented their diets with magnesium and vitamin B6. a "cofactor" that helps cells use magnesium. He then goes on to add Omega fatty acids and iron.

I also noticed that this Doctor went on to add iron. I conclude that this book is from a doctor who thinks nutrients are the answer versus medication. In Chapter three he is adding nutritional lithium listing symptoms of anger and irritability. In Chapter four he introduces copper, zinc saying that if the level of one is up then the level of the other is down. Like a see-saw effect.

I felt that this book introduces nutrition to be the cause of ADHD. In some cases that might be the case, but I believe personally that if you have your child tested by a licensed psychologist and they diagnose ADHD that it is okay to take prescription medication if monitored by a pediatrician closely. This book did not present any mixed treatments. He also mentioned Probiotics. Some people may find this book useful. I felt that this has too much of a slanted viewpoint towards food allergies or vitamin deficiency.

Thank you to Net Galley, James Greenblatt, Bill Gotlieb and the Publisher for providing me with my digital copy for a fair and honest review.