Help with ADHD

ALWAYS INTERESTED IN TRYING OR READING ABOUT WAYS TO COMBAT ADHD.

Classic ADHD is not considered to be a nutritional deficiency disease at all. Parents and other concerned about ADHD have the right to know that the single classification of meds most closely associated with the temporary reduction of classic ADHD symptoms are the central nervous system stimulants/alerting agents. Know of a number of parents and others who have wasted lots of time and money chasing false information and secondary or tertiary supposed causes for ADHD (all of ADHD is an allergy; all of ADHD is due to a lack of megadoses of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements; all of ADHD is due to sugar; all of ADHD is due to yeast etc.).

Incorrect information about classic ADHD is dangerous to a true understanding of what attention deficits can be. Good nutrition is important to good health in general but that idea is quite different than falsely giving people incorrect information that all of ADHD is a nutritional deficiency disease. It doesn’t matter whether the person giving the false information is a professional or not. All of ADHD is not a nutritional deficiency disease. Those who claim all of ADHD is a nutritional deficiency disease are simply fibbing and are not to be believed or trusted at all. That’s my opinion.

There are hundreds of medical references available that prove that malnutrition has a strong influence on ADHD. I have testimonies to back it up. But you know how it is…as long as the Doc is making big money on prescription drugs, all will be ok. There are other alternatives, and not all alternatives work all of the time just like not all children can take Ritalin without having severe side effects or major changes in personality. Just my opinion.

Military docs don’t get paid for prescriptions of any kind, money isn’t their motivation, helping people is. My kids’ docs don’t get financial rewards for treating my kids’ adhd.

Vicki wrote:
“There are hundreds of medical references available that prove that malnutrition has a strong influence on ADHD. I have testimonies to back it up. But you know how it is…as long as the Doc is making big money on prescription drugs, all will be
ok.”

For those who are interested, the Schwab site has a good article about evaluating alternative treatments. It can be found at
http://www.schwablearning.org/articles.asp?r=404

The following are some excerpts from the article:

“There continues to be many questions in need of answers concerning the developmental course, outcome and treatment of ADHD. Although there are a number of effective treatments, they may not be equally effective with all children experiencing ADHD. In their efforts to seek effective help for their children, parents may become desperate. In their desperation and confused
by misinformation in the marketplace, parents may turn to treatments which claim to be useful but have not been demonstrated to be truly effective in accordance with standards held by the scientific community.”

“The road by which a particular treatment is shown to be effective can be long and arduous. The process begins with the formulation of a hypothesis or idea. This hypothesis is usually based upon an existing body of knowledge. The second step is the development of a protocol to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed treatment. The treatment itself and the way in which it will be implemented must be carefully defined. The researcher must also specify the way in which the effectiveness of the treatment will be evaluated. Care must be taken to be certain that the effects of the treatment are not simply due to placebo. It has been well documented in scientific research that people respond to all sorts of ineffective treatments as long as they believe that the treatment has the power to help them. Placebo effects can be more dramatic than most people realize. The researcher must also take care that all who participate, researchers and research subjects alike, are blind or unaware, whether they receive the active treatment or the placebo. Otherwise the expectancies of either party could influence the findings. Appropriate measurement techniques and statistical
tests must be built in so that the entire scientific community can evaluate the findings. Finally, the results must be subjected to the scrutiny of this group, published and substantiated by others attempting to replicate the findings.”

“There is also a second path which some practitioners follow, sometimes in an effort to shortcut the longer, more accepted process. This path, unfortunately, is fraught with many problems. On this path, proposed treatments stem from concepts which are outside of the mainstream of existing knowledge or just along its border. They may be instituted long before there is any research which supports their effectiveness - often after only brief, poorly designed trials involving a small number of subjects.
Measurement techniques and means of evaluation are scanty at best and often single case studies are offered as proof of the effectiveness of a treatment. This treatment approach is usually publicized in books or journals which do not require independent review of the material by recognized experts in the field. Often, in fact, the advocate of a particular treatment publishes the work. This method of self- publication should raise a warning
for consumer parents. Additionally, although parent support groups have an essential role the in treatment of childhood disorders, parent support groups advocating one and only one treatment for a disorder, unfortunately substitute enthusiasm for careful scientific research. These alternative treatments and interventions commonly claim effectiveness for a broad range of problems. When asked for proof to support these claims, however, proponents are unable to produce more than scanty documentation. Proponents may also claim to have access to knowledge and
information not shared by the medical community at large and when their treatments are criticized they may explain this as reflecting a conspiracy against them in a scientific community.”

Andrea

One thing that bothers me is the claim that the medical community is “making money” off of pharmaceutical drugs for ADD. True, those who manufacture and sell these drugs do make a profit. But those who taut “all natural” or “whole food” supplements, books, diets and seminars to combat ADD with unproven “cures” also make money, often quite a lot of money. That arguement, the “they don’t care about the kids they only care about making money,” is an ad hominem argument. Ad hominem arguments don’t convince me.

Compare the cost of nutritional supplements and whole food diet changes to the cost of prescription drugs with their many side effects, their personality changes and their warnings on the label. Which would you try first? Personally I would try the first one. Besides, if I found a proven way to lose weight, wouldn’t you want to know about it, or a proven way to have more energy. Its all about sharing information. Everyone has a choice and everyone should do their research to decide what is best for them.

Vicki Wegner
Organic Health NW

Medications cost more because the pharmaceutical companies must go through rigorous double blind testing for effectiveness, and many years of study to determine safety for the FDA. “Natural” supplements are not tested for effectiveness and some people have indeed been harmed by taking things they thought would be safe. Also, I have found there is a big industry behind this, and these things are often very expensive. We currently spend more per month on vitamins my husband insists on taking than ADD medications for my daughter.

None of this is meant to say that all natural remedies are bad. Indeed, many of them may work for some people. What is wrong with setting up double blind studies to test the effectiveness and safety of the various natural supplements and dietary regimens in regards to ADD or any other mental health problem? Are there any studies being published in peer reviewed journals in regards to this?

An aside, Interactive metronome has been well studied and has shown to be an effective treatment for ADD.

Remember all of these things are treatments. There are no cures. There are many things that can help your child. Even just some basic behavioral modification techinques can help.

Some children need drugs but it is surely the last resort and not the answer for every child.

One thing that should be noted is that it costs a lot of money to do research. Pharmaceutical companies have money out the wazoo and can sponsor long term studies and other research that show the beneifts and claim no long term problems with ritalin, etc. With millions of children/adults on these medications, there is a lot of money at stake and the pharmaceutical companies spare no expense to promote these drugs or to back organizations like CHADD who recommend the use of ritalin, etc.

On the other side of the fence, who’s got the money to spend on long term research that promotes the Feingold diet or similar approaches that involve diet and eliminating artificial colors, flavorings, preservatives and other additives from the diet? Perhaps General Mills or Philip Morris or Kelloggs or other multi-national conglomerates that are poisoning our kids with their food additives and have $$$ billions at stake?

IMHO

Tracy

Tracy,

You have certainly hit a nerve with me there. I worked in the medical world for years as a nurse and I am quite often frustrated by the current advertising of certain drugs by the pharma industry.

Were you aware that much heartburn is really often related to ulcers? Ulcers are caused by a bacteria call H pyloria (?spelling) This is curable by antibiotics. Thing is you won’t hear this advertised on a TV commercial. Why??? Because they can make alot more money by treating heartburn with things like pepcid and zantac rather than by curing it with a round of antibiotics.
These drugs are huge money makers.

It is tough for me because I do believe that our system of getting drugs to market through the free market system is the best in the world. It is really the only way. I just think that the public is left uneducated about that which is less than extremely profitable.

I know there are ways to deal with ADD other than going straight for the medicine cabinet. It takes some effort and research to understand the underpinnings of the attention deficit in each individual. Some individuals really need the drugs. Some don’t.

Case and point: I was “advised” by a friend who uses herbal remedies to use St. Johns Wort to treat PMS after having sought treatment from my physician who had tried other vitamin solutions (megaB’s) due to my refusal to take Prozac or Xanax. I ended up 3 years ago on Prilosec twice daily to treat the ulcer I got from the St. Johns Wort. I started having reflux almost immediately, but took 6 months of Tums before seeking treatment.

There is no agency out there to protect us from herbal remedies. I tried all the “allergy” solutions for my son’s ADHD, removed colorings from his diet, everything. When half-way through first grade, he still could not read “Hop on Pop”, I finally agreed with is Child Psycologist and put him on Adderall. I went from a child who couldn’t read and who spent more time in the principal’s office than in class, to a child whose teacher this past year did not realize he had ADHD until after she read his file though she had him last year for Accelerated Math. We are on a “medication vacation” right now and I did take a Xanax today after he flipped his cereal bowl for the 4th time due to his inability to sit still and eat.

Try what you need to, but in the end put your child’s needs first. My son needed medication and needed for me to be OK with him taking it. Everyone should consider it as an option AFTER being diagnosed by a qualified professional-not the Pediatrician, the teacher, or the neighbor.

Please Dad’s post on the parenting a child with ld board about sensory integration. It is for real.
I believe alot of these kids diagnosed with ADD truely have SI. Some kids may have both. Even through a physician the diagnosis for ADD is pretty subjective and based on behaviours. Anyone with a deficit in attention can be labeled ADD. Other things can be causing deficits in attention.The thing is the stimulants will improve anyones attention.
Some doctor’s especially doctors who make their living diagnosing ADD do not recognize sensory integration. Do not allow you child to be diagnosed as ADD unless sensory integration dysfuntion is ruled out. For this to happen you have to go to a physician that recognizes that it exists. Many but not all do.

A child with sensory integration dysfunction can be treated and helped by stimulants but such a child can be cured of areas of their dysfunction (if not the whole basket) through sensory integration occupational therapy.

Back to my post above. If you haven’t heard of sensory integration dysfunction it is because the treatment for SI is not being offered by a company with a multibillion dollar market cap and a huge advertising budget.

This is not about herbs.

This has been very trying for me, but something that has helped since my 8 year old was in kindergarten………We have a “signal” that when he is too wound, or (more-so social situations, and having a hard time) I gently rub my cheek with the back of my hand. It is something that felt good to him as a baby-comforting,loving, and reassuring.
I just need to get his attention, and no matter where we are, we can do this, and he in turn, will do it to himself . It offers him a gentle reminder, but the feeling of the softness, loving feeling, and (NO shouting or nagging). Most importantly, it helps HIM indentify, take control w/o being embarresed. Works every time for us…..hope it will for you too…e-mail welcome……….AuroraDiane wrote:
>
> ALWAYS INTERESTED IN TRYING OR READING ABOUT WAYS TO COMBAT
> ADHD.

Hi Liz,
There have been many studies with the blue green algae that I was referring to. Dr. Jeffery Bruno did a scientific study. Another study was called ‘The Children & Algae Report” done by the Center for Family Wellness.

“The Children and Algae Report contains an in-depth account of information gathered by the Center for Family Wellness during a research project to investigate the effects of eating Super Blue Green Algae on children. The statistical analysis of the data gathered on the 142 youngsters who participated in the study clearly indicates that eating Algae appears to have had a positive outcome on learning, social and behavioral problems.”

If you would like a copy of the report let me know and I’ll try to find the link to the Bruno study.

Vicki
Organic Health NW
[email protected]

Hi,
Please email me a copy. I’m interested in anything that can help my son and appreciate your help.
thanks

Hi Vicki,

Were those studies you cited carefully designed, double blind studies and published in peer reviewed journals? The problem is in factoring out the placebo effect as well as other factors that may influence results. I have ADD and know that after diagnosis, even without treatment of any kind, there is a brief reductions of symptoms, due to a “bounce” after being diagnosed. The person diagnosed (or his parents) now knows what is causing his difficulties and feels he will get better. He does for a while and then the symptoms come back.

Also, about the interactive metronome and sensory integration. They sound great but nobody around here offers them, as far as I know. Also, they would probably cost a couple of thousand dollars, which I don’t have.

There is a psychologist we are seeing who offers some sort of brainwave bio-feedback. We may try it just to see if it works.

A lot of things work for some people. I bet all therapies work for some. But the problem is: 1. going through therapy after therapy to find the “one” that works for your kid. That can cost thousands. 2. For the general benefit of the public we would want a therapy that helps a significant number of people, in a significant way, not just a few. That’s where the double blind studies come in.

Some insurances will cover occupational therapy or speech therapy. Many of these professionals use interactive metronome as a type of therapy that is then covered.

Some insurance companies will cover interactive metronome when presented with the research on it’s success as a treatment option. Also as OT is covered in most insurances you can get sensory integration OT covered for your child if you just go to the right therapist.
Some insurance companies won’t cover developmental problems so you have to be sure you let them know the specific difficulties are not just developmental.

Also, sensory integration occupational therapy is done for my son at school. Some districts have this. I also have bought a few books on sensory integration therapy myself and done a few exercises that work for his specific difficulties. My son has seen amazing progress in many areas. He too could not read hop on pop in first grade but now reads above grade level going into 3rd. (phonograpix also really helped)
I am a nurse and have trained many a lay person on how to deal with their specific disease (diabetes, exercises for stroke victims etc) most of this is truely something any parent can do.
Sure, it takes a little effort, but it is certainly worth it in the end.

Here is a link to a website with many articles on alternatives to drugs.

http://www.adhdoutreach.com/alternatives.htm

Vicki Wegner
Organic Health NW
(206) 423-8323
[email protected]