Dr. Mercola May 07 2000 1,830 views
A prior infection with streptococcal bacteria may contribute to the development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The presence of antibodies suggests that at some point in the past, a person was exposed to streptococcal bacteria, the type of bacteria that cause "strep throat." Participants with a diagnosis of ADHD had higher blood levels of two types of anti-streptococcal antibodies than other people in the study. The researchers did not find an association between the antibodies and either chronic tic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
The results also show an association between prior streptococcal infection and enlargement of the basal ganglia, small structures inside the brain that help to regulate thought and behavior. Peterson explained that streptococcal infection may set up an immune response that injures the basal ganglia in susceptible people, causing these structures to malfunction.
Archives of General Psychiatry April 2000;57:364-372
An interesting theory. I doubt that it is entirely true for a number of reasons. If it were it would seem that antibiotics would significantly improve ADHD and we know that they actually worsen the problem in most instances. I do suspect though that the high grain and sugar intake of most children who have this disorder does in fact predispose them to an increased risk of strep infection by compromising their immune system. It is my experience that most children who follow the diet have remarkable, and in many cases, near miraculous recovery from this focusing problems.
Prevention of strep throat is same as all other recommendations for prevention of colds and URI's.
From my perspective it would seem the lesser of two evils to actually take antibiotics and treat the infection. I could certainly be wrong here and others may offer more elegant safer and effective alternatives to which I would be open, but for now that is my current strategy and recommendation that I would use for myself, family and friends. Of course I would go on high dose probiotics during and after the antibiotics.
Fortunately if one is following the healthy lifestyle recommendations found on this site, the need for this intervention will be very rare to begin with.