Crystal

Crystal was initially evaluated in late July 1994 at age five. Although her development was advanced, major concerns were behavior problems, decreased attention span, and a sleep disorder, causing Crystal to have difficulty sleeping before 10:30 p.m. Until July 14, 1994, her Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder had improved while on the Feingold diet. Other problems prior to July 14, 1994 included increased crying at night, teeth grinding for several years, and those problems described as "runs almost all the time, doesn't walk, and hugs in an exaggerated manner."

At age two, Crystal hit the back of her head in preschool and had two seizures after a breathholding spell. Two weeks later while at preschool, she passed out after a thunderstorm, but had no seizure. She had a history of sensitivity to loud sounds, especially to vacuum cleaners, a sensitivity to light, and a sensitivity to touch.

Crystal's problems dramatically increased several weeks before she was seen in my office. On July 4, 1994, her apartment was painted, and on July 14, 1994, the apartment was exterminated and four cats were flea-dipped, after which Crystal developed marked symptoms described by her mother as "like PMS." Specifically, Crystal's crying spells lasted over 45 minutes and included kicking legs and feet, increased aggressiveness, teeth grinding and nail biting. Chemical sensitivities included symptoms caused by cigarette smoke, auto exhaust, perfume, and behavioral difficulty while in malls.

Physical examination was within normal limits except for the nasal membranes which appeared allergic.

At a follow-up visit over one year later on August 21, 1995, Crystal was being treated with food and inhalant immunotherapy which included 15 foods, three additives, histamine, three chemicals, cat pelt, dust mite, and seven molds.

Her progress was remarkable. Specifically, she was not waking up with nightmares, which had been occurring nightly after the July 14 chemical exposure in her home. Other problems that had improved included decreased teeth grinding and crying, increased walking (rather than running all the time), better peer relationships, and even decreased sensitivity to loud sounds. The only problems that had not improved were issues of attention span, focus and concentration, frustration secondary to the inability to learn and, of most significance, decreased self-esteem.

For the next year, Crystal continued to do very well on the Feingold diet and immunotherapy. However, her problems with Attention Deficit Disorder became of greater concern. At a follow-up visit on May 8, 1996, it was reported that the school teacher thought Crystal was "out of control." Specifically, she was described as being "very active, hands in motion, talking more than listening, and difficulty working in a group of four." She was also said to be "disrupting the whole class," and Crystal said, "people always call me stupid."

Even though I had recommended Ritalin prior to the May 1996 reevaluation, it was only at that visit that Crystal's family was willing to consider stimulant medication.

The response to Ritalin has been dramatic. Over the past 16 months on medication, Crystal has done beautifully. At the most recent office visit on September 3, 1997, Crystal continued the Feingold diet, immunotherapy, and Ritalin. Behavioral issues and her attention span and concentration in school had definitely improved. Sleeping problems and phobias were also well-controlled. Most importantly, her self-esteem improved. During this follow-up visit, it became obvious to me how far this young lady progressed over the past three years. She now appears happy and confident.

Crystal represents an excellent example of a child with ADHD type behavior, sensory integration issues including phobias, sleep problems, and hearing sensitivity. It is my opinion that multiple treatment modalities have led to her tremendous improvement over the past three years. I attribute this to the Feingold diet, immunotherapy, Ritalin and most importantly, Crystal's family support system.

Even though I am opposed to the indiscriminate use of medications such as Ritalin and Dexedrine, I strongly believe that a number of children benefit from the use of this type of medication. Used in an appropriate manner, stimulant medication can be extremely helpful. When making medical decisions, it is imperative to look at each child as a unique individual before prescribing "ADHD" medications.

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