Date
8-29-2025
Department
School of Nursing
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Chair
Deidra Simpson
Keywords
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), functional/integrative medicine, caregiver education, elimination diet, nutritional supplementation, gut-brain axis
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing
Recommended Citation
Gammer, Julie, "Enhancing Parental Knowledge of Functional Medicine Interventions for ADHD: An Educational Initiative to Improve Caregiver Competency" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7401.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7401
Abstract
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent pediatric psychiatric condition often managed with stimulant medications that carry potential side effects and may not address underlying causes. Research findings indicate a significant gap in caregiver knowledge and confidence in treating their child's ADHD with functional medicine strategies. This project develops an evidence-based educational initiative designed to enhance caregiver knowledge and confidence in applying functional medicine interventions—such as dietary modifications, targeted supplementation, and gut health restoration—as natural, root-cause approaches to managing ADHD symptoms. The project utilized a 30-minute audiovisual presentation and was evaluated using pre- and post-intervention competency tests, as well as a readiness-to-change survey based on the Transtheoretical Model of Change. Participants were parents and caregivers of children aged 5–17 receiving therapy through a specialized pediatric occupational and speech therapy organization serving the metropolitan city in south central Arizona. Findings were measured by percentage increases in comprehension test scores and shifts in readiness stages. Results demonstrated improved caregiver understanding of the gut-brain axis, identification of common nutrient deficiencies, and openness to implementing elimination diets and non-pharmacologic strategies. This initiative aims to address the critical knowledge gap by empowering caregivers to implement safe, cost-effective, and sustainable interventions that complement or reduce reliance on medications. Functional medicine offers a promising adjunct or alternative in ADHD care, supporting improved mental health outcomes for children.
