Case Study: Liam, 11-Year-Old Boy with ADHD & Behavioral Dysregulation
While all case studies are based on actual patients, significant aspects of the case have been changed to conceal the patient’s original identity.
While all case studies are based on actual patients, significant aspects of the case have been changed to conceal the patient’s original identity.
Liam was an 11-year-old boy with a history of ADHD, diagnosed at age seven. He struggled with focus, impulsivity, and emotional regulation, particularly in school and social settings. His parents reported frequent emotional outbursts, difficulty completing tasks, and struggles with frustration tolerance. Despite these challenges, Liam was bright, curious, and creative.
His parents were hesitant about medication and sought alternative solutions after trying behavioral therapy with minimal long-term improvement. Diet interventions, such as reducing processed foods and increasing whole foods, had been implemented with some success, but symptoms persisted.
Comprehensive functional lab testing completed and revealed the following findings:
Liam’s functional testing highlighted key imbalances that likely contributed to his ADHD symptoms. Elevated copper and low zinc levels suggested an imbalance affecting dopamine metabolism, which is crucial for focus and impulse control. Magnesium deficiency, commonly seen in children with ADHD, is linked to increased hyperactivity and difficulty with self-regulation (Starobrat-Hermelin & Kozielec, 1997).
His organic acids test indicated low dopamine metabolites, suggesting neurotransmitter imbalances. Omega-3 supplementation was introduced, as studies indicate DHA and EPA improve attention and cognitive function in children with ADHD (Bos et al., 2015). Additionally, his mild dysbiosis suggested a need for probiotic support to restore gut balance, as gut health influences neurotransmitter function and inflammation levels.
A gluten and dairy elimination diet was implemented based on his food sensitivity results, as both have been implicated in exacerbating ADHD symptoms in sensitive individuals (Piwowarczyk et al., 2020). L-theanine was added as a safe, natural aid for calming excessive excitability and emotional dysregulation.
After six weeks, Liam’s parents reported noticeable improvements. He was less irritable, had fewer emotional outbursts, and completed more schoolwork without excessive reminders. Sleep quality also improved, and he seemed less restless during the day. Teachers noted improved attention span and reduced classroom disruptions.
Follow-up labs revealed:
While Liam showed marked improvement, persistent mild copper elevation indicated the need for continued support in detoxification pathways. NAC was introduced to further support glutathione production and reduce oxidative stress, a known contributor to ADHD symptoms (Dean et al., 2011). Probiotic dosage was increased to sustain gut health improvements.
Behavioral therapy was recommended alongside nutritional and supplement support to reinforce emotional regulation strategies and executive functioning skills.
This case highlights the importance of a functional medicine approach to ADHD. Rather than relying solely on symptom management, Liam’s case underscores the significance of addressing underlying biochemical imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and gut health.
His treatment plan focused on:
Within months, Liam showed significant improvements in emotional regulation, attention, and behavioral stability, demonstrating the efficacy of a personalized, integrative approach.
Bos DJ, Oranje B, Veerhoek ES, Durston S. Reduced Symptoms of Inattention after Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in Boys with and without Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2015;40(10):2298-2306. doi:10.1038/npp.2015.73
Dean O, Giorlando F, Berk M. N-acetylcysteine in psychiatry: Current therapeutic evidence and potential mechanisms of action. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2011;36(2):78-86. doi:10.1503/jpn.100057
Piwowarczyk A, Horvath A, Łukasik J, Pisula E, Szajewska H. Gluten- and casein-free diet and autism spectrum disorders in children: A systematic review. Eur J Nutr. 2020;59(5):1863-1875. doi:10.1007/s00394-019-01907-2
Starobrat-Hermelin B, Kozielec T. The effects of magnesium physiological supplementation on hyperactivity in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Magnesium Res. 1997;10(2):149-156.