Stars 4 Kidz » ADHD

How would doctors treat ADHD, Cyclothymia, and Social phobia together in one patient?

admin — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 05:57:59 +0000

ADHD medications boost Norepinephrine and Dopamine.
Social phobia medications (SSRIs) will make the cyclothymia worse.
Cyclothymia medications are mood stabilizers. Some mood stabilizers are also Dopamine antagonists which should worsen the ADHD.

Any idea what doctors would use for this situation?

Medication for mood stabilization only and therapy.

How many of you have a female child with ADHD?

admin — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 04:00:06 +0000

We have a nine year old daughter that is severely ADHD. She is on two kinds of medicine- morning and evening. She started her meds a few weeks ago. What are some of the ways you deal with the problems that happen with an ADHD child? Temper tamtrums, not listening, just plain moody sometimes. Since she started taking her medicine, she really has gotten better. We still have our problems though. She goes back in a few weeks for reevaluation. My husband and I are looking for a few tips to make things a little easier. We have two other children in the house as well-3 years and 10 months. Thanks for your answers.

Increase her exercise…chances are she’s pretty sedentary, right?

There are studies being done by some physician (saw it on the news so I don’t have a URL reference, sorry) and he has shown that increasing the exercise in children causes the brain to naturally produce the stimulant the brain needs (that the medicine is doing now) to get rid or greatly reduce the ADHD symptoms.

Kids now a days are stimulated mentally but not much physically, and this is the body’s way of letting you know there’s problems…according to this physician.

But, his studies may have merit…I am an adult with ADD, and I have started exercising again regularly, and do not need the ritalin now…I just started that on my own…my physician is impressed.

Good luck!

What are the alternative treatments for ADHD in a preschooler?

admin — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:26:06 +0000

My four year old son was just diagnosed with ADHD (more hyperactivity than attention). My husband and I will choose the medication route only as a last resort after all other methods of treatment have been exhausted. I’ve heard about cutting sugar and processed foods out of the diet and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids (flax seed and fish oil), but is there anything else out there that is safe enough to try?

Rebecca M -

There are a number of alternative "treatments" for ADHD, but I would first be curious to know a lot more around the circumstances of how your child was diagnosed? A child as young as 4 has a LOT going on…and while one can start to think that it might be ADHD, I am always hesitant about making a diagnosis at this age.

A 4 year-old child is still growing and developing, and has so much to absorb from the world.

I really applaud you for taking this stance to use medication as a lost resort.

I would strongly recommend speaking with a "therapist" or coach who specializes in ADHD and child development. I would also encourage you to focus more on the behaviors that you are noticing, rather than the "label" of ADHD. There are a lot of different things that can look like ADHD when it is not really ADHD.

So to answer your question, I would really take a look at how your son is different…and what strategies you are using to support him. In my work, I often find that having the right strategies can make all the difference in the world.

Also – diet can play a significant role or have a great impact. Cut back on sugar, increase protein (especially in the morning), and focus on a balanced diet that is a lifestyle and a "punishment."

Hope this helps!

Rory
http://www.adhdfamilyonline.com

Child ADHD Coach, "Former Therapist"

what kind of day planner to use for adult adhd?

admin — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 03:21:59 +0000

I have been recently diagnosed with adult ADHD. I really need help with planning and remembering for work and personal. What would be the best planner to use and what should I have in it. Is a moleskine planner good enough for someone with adhd? I’m a family man as well as a business manager, so all of work and personal will go in.
Thanks.

I would think that what ever kind of planner you feel comfortable with should do the trick. You may also want to consider something electronic. At work I use Outlook Calendar on my computer. It is great since I can use repeating tasks and appointments. You can also get palm-tops that fit in your hand and will synchronize to your work and home computer.

What are some things that I can do to deal with ADHD during the summer?

admin — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 04:39:59 +0000

I just found out at the end of last school (university) year that I have ADHD. I’m not taking classes now and am working on my parents farm for the summer. I am especially concerned with my social troubles, but do not have any access to social situations here (REALLY small town and all the people my age are gone for summer — plus I’ve never really had any friends to start with). What are some things that I can do now to make next year better?

There are tons of ways to practice social skills over the summer, even if you are in a relatively isolated area. One good way to do so is to by joining an online group or playing an online role-playing game. It may sound weird, but even this "virtual" interaction can help you practice conversation skills and other social strategies.

Here are some great articles about other things you can do:
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/2998.html

http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/885.html

http://www.additudemag.com/topic/adult-add-ADHD/friends-relationships.html

Is it common to have adhd without a learning disability?

admin — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 01:43:12 +0000

I have adhd without a learning disability and read in a book that this is rare and that that most people with adhd have a learning disability. By the way, even though I don’t have a learning disability, would I be considered slow, because I have adhd?

Hi mjurecki89 -

Great questions, and I think the answer will vary based on who / what you are reading.

Yes, it is very common for a person diagnosed with ADHD to also have what is called a comorbid or coexisting condition. This includes depression, bipolar disorder, and as you are asking – learning disabilities.

Now, just because they are common does not necessarily mean they are always present.

As for the last part of your question, NO you would not and are NOT considered "slow" because you have ADHD. Some people (who are misinformed) might think that of you — but in no way are you slow because of ADHD.

ADHD is pretty much misunderstood by the general population to mean that someone has difficulty with attention, concentration, follow through, etc…

BUT, a person with ADHD can also be rather quite successful if they have the right tools, supports, strategies, and resources in their life.

My advice, consider yourself "different" and not disordered or disabled. Find your passion, and follow that.

Hope this helps.

All the best,

Rory

Rory F. Stern, PsyD
ADHD Coach & "Former" Therapist
http://www.ADHDFamilyOnline.com

How do athletes with ADHD get energy without caffeine?

admin — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 22:20:10 +0000

Most athletes I know use caffeine to get that extra boost of energy during performance, but with ADHD, caffeine has the opposite effect. Now, I may occasionally be a little hyper, but nothing compared to my other friends with a Red Bull or Monster in them. I want to know if there is anything I could take that would be comparable. Thanks!

sorry i cant help, but this is a good question

I have adhd and my mom wont let me get adderall. What are your opinions on caffeine pills?

admin — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 02:07:06 +0000

I zone out in school so bad. Don’t get me wrong though, I’m brilliant, ADHD is just detrimental. My mom is afraid im going to abuse/sell amphetamines if they are prescribed to me. Caffeine is the only thing I’ve found to help me so far. Would it be safe to use moderate doses of caffeine to maintain focus at school?

Try Strattera. Its a non-stimulate adhd medication that is not habit forming.

To answer your question, I don’t think anyone would recommend consuming a high level of anything especially something that will make you crash like caffeine.

What is the difference between lack of concentration caused by ADHD and Depression?

admin — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 01:34:16 +0000

I have lack of concentration and memory and I think is due to my depression. However I do not know if I have ADHD. What is the difference between the lack of concentration caused by ADHD and the one caused by Depression. Are they treated with different meds?

ADHD is probably best described as an lack of focus. Instead of doing nothing, you pick up a book, read 10 pages, pick up another, read 10 pages, et cetera. When someone has severe ADHD symptoms, they may become depressed. If you naturally switch topics at a high enough rate, and your intellect doesn’t allow you to follow that rate, you’ll stumble over simple tasks. For instance, someone who has difficulty with math might struggle with addition. With ADHD, they would naturally try to solve two math problems at once. I don’t have ADHD so I wouldn’t quote me on this, but a one therapist speculated that I had it.

Depression involves cloudiness of the mind or a lack of motivation to try. In some cases, this varies. I am having depression problems now. Sometimes, I can focus on things I enjoy. Most times, I can’t focus on things I dislike. Other times, I can’t focus on anything. I’ve been diagnosed as bipolar once so it might be a separate issue. Diagnostic criteria for mental health issues are not always accurate.

What is the important thing, here? Well, I take 30mg dexedrine 1:15 minutes before I wake up. I set two alarms, take my medication, and go back to sleep. Previously, I had difficulty getting out of bed and concentrating. I was now able to wake up at a reasonable time. I still like to have about 9 hours sleep, which is on the higher end of what’s considered reasonable.

Should you be taking dexedrine? Of course, this is something to discuss with your doctor. I use it to help me wake up and concentrate, but my doctor thinks it’s highly unlikely I have ADHD. So it can be used for depression treatment.

Problem? My depression got worse. I now lack the motivation to concentrate or the ability, in some cases. When I can concentrate, and it’s not impaired by the depression, I concentrate at the level my dexedrine helps me reach. I took Ritalin, and I ended up unable to sleep at 3am and crying profusely. Medications vary between people, and stimulants can have reactions with certain antidepressants.

Difficulty with memory and concentration can be symptoms of depression. It’s consistent with both conditions. Discuss how you feel with your doctor.

My experience on dexedrine:

1. When I’m not depressed, I am able to wake up. When I am depressed, I can wake up. This is a mixed blessing because I’m miserable longer. However, research suggests oversleeping may contribute to depression, so I try to distract myself with regard to my depression symptoms. Therapy and antidepressants aren’t instant cures to depression, and you can’t see a therapist 24/7 in most cases. You have to find ways to make yourself feel good or at least "not bad" while you wait things out and work with professionals.

2. When I’m not depressed, I can concentrate. I am still adjusting to the medication. I often concentrate on more than one things, one of the symptoms of ADHD, because of the medication. However, I grew up with the internet. Multitasking isn’t always ADHD. It’s once of the most overdiagnosed medical conditions.

3. If your not interested in studying something, you won’t remember it because of dexedrine. This was a big disappointment for me when I started Ritalin. At first, you’re amazed at how stimulants work. After that wears off, you stop studying boring material. It’s still a nice focus increase if you’re actually motivated to study something.

4. Stimulants can change your appetite. I adjusted to this at 10mg and 20mg, but I’m having appetite issues at 30. I suspect they are linked to a flu and/or my depression, though, since they’ve worsened dramatically.

5. I’ve had concentration and memory issues in the past that were helped by medication. I imagine your doctor will investigate antidepressants (given you have depression) before considering ADHD. I always had problems getting up, though, so I may be using dexedrine primarily for sleep problems.

How long before natural ADHD remedies start to work?

admin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:30:20 +0000

My 7 year old son shows the classic ADHD symptoms and I started him on Sea Buddies Concentrate yesterday (minimum dosage). He is a big boy, so I am sure we will need to give him more that the recommended starting dosage (you may give up to 10). We have also started him on DHA. How long should it be before I start to notice a change? And is there something better than Concentrate? What about Focus Factor?

I would first recommend sticking with the recommended dose unless a doctor says otherwise… too much of a good thing isn’t always a better thing and may actually hurt him in the long run to take too much.
In general, supplements may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to get into the system enough to notice a difference. Supplements literally give your body nutrition it’s otherwise lacking, so it takes time for your body to use that nutrition to repair any damage it can and to nourish those specific areas of the body.

For something as severe as ADHD, it may take a few weeks to notice a positive change, but I have read a lot of research that shows how much Fish Oil (like is in the Sea Buddies Concentrate) can help kids with ADHD. You should see good benefits soon enough, but they will be pretty gradual, so you may just realize "hey, he hasn’t done ___ for a while" one day… that’s how I noticed that Fish Oil was helping me (and Ginkgo, but that’s not generally safe for a child). Good luck to you both!