fOR THOSE ON MEDS

My child’s psychiatrist prescribes the meds, but we keep his pediatrician in the loop as well. He does not act as a coordinator, but I do tell him what we are doing and give him copies of all reports. Any medical professional you are dealing with should be made aware of all treatment a child is receiving.

Andrea

My son’s Pediatrian prescribe the meds and I co-ordinate all the info. Ds is also being evaluated by a Neuropysch now (but Neuropsych does not prescribe meds). I do all the co-ordinatin between them and also update Peds on school etc.

My kids at different times have seen both a pyschriatrist and pediatricain. They prescribed the medication but I coordinated everything that was needed. Then provided the reports and updates to the doctor.

my sons psychiatrist prescribes meds

my son was diagnosed by a psychologist. We were then scheduled with the medical doctor who was in the same facility(essentially a health facility dedicated to mental health) The medical dr decided dosage, etc. It was my understanding that the psychologist could only make the diagnosis, not write a prescription.

We moved last June and our new pediatrician took over his mangement since I hardly knew where else to go in a new area.

our family doctor

The reason I asked about the meds and any behavioral intervention is clearly both parts and reactions to both parts of treatments should be considered.by whoever is providing treatment. My son also has learning issues and sensory integration issues etc etc and I feel everything has been piecemeal.

Thanks everyone for responding.

We had a psychiatrist that specialized in LD/ADHD evaluate our son’s situation. We already knew he had LDs but when I started to be concerned about distractibility too, I really needed a specialist to sort it all out.

So the psychiatrist made the initial ADHD diagnosis, and he started our son on the couse of medication. Then after four months, he turned us over to a pediatrician who also specialized in ADHD. (Our original pediatrician wouldn’t even consider the possibility.) So now the pediatrician manages the decisions/prescriptions for medication.

My son started w/a psychiatrist prescribing meds, along with a psychologist following clsly, but I am happiest w/a Neurological Pediatrict Physician from our All Children’s Hospital. He seems more in tune w/conditions, side effects, weight and all aspects of monitoring. Good luck and keep trying until you are comfortable.

With the vastness and complexity of this disorder, no one makes a better specialist for your individual case than yourself. I have been nothing but disappointed in my doctors, doctors who impressed me in every other health issue I have had to turn to them for. Learn all you can on your own. Count on the guy with the degree for the script pad, they haven’t been much help to my son, otherwise.

I have learned all I can and that is why I think it is really important for professionals advising treatment decisions to know everything that’s going on. In May I wrote a summary letter to my child’s new pediatrician thru the HMO asking for help in areas of ADHD, SLP and APD. I let him know again, briefly (the reports are supposed to be in my son’s file) what has happened to this point. He said he’d call me, never did. I gave his nurse another note 2 weeks later. No response. I went to a private therapist who got me in touch with a social worker within the HMO. She got me the name of a psych nurse whio is running 3 ADD parenting classes in Sept. She has agreed to meet my son, because I feel he needs someone to discuss his feelings about what he experiences with ADHD, and why he is so resistent to the medicine. I have taken him off for 4 weeks because even the doctor is concerned with his weight at this point (he’s 7 1/2). His prescribing physician sees him once evry three months, late in the afternoon after school, and she’s nice, but he gives one word answers to questions, says everything is good. Mom knows better.

Well said, RebelMom! There are too many people with vested interests out there pitching their personal viewpoints. Each of us has to take full responsibility as parents to sift through all this and make CERTAIN we are acting with full, informed consent. No one else can really decide what is best for you and your family.

–- Steve

Thanks Steve, my son also sees just a nurse, a nurse practicioner. She is part of a group of neurologists who can’t seem to find the time nor profit in treating ADD cases. Thats fine with me. Neuros have much bigger priorities than ADD and I decided long ago, they just didn’t have enough experience. The nurse we see does. At first I was ticked that I was being blown off to this “layman”. But not for long. I was impressed immediately at her ease and comfort and the way she related immediately to my son. She has done nothing but see ADHD children for 13 years. I don’t care that she doesn’t have an MBA. She understands a lot more than any one with a phd behind theeir name, yet admits I know more than she does about my sons disorder. If I ever met a doctor that said that to me, I think I’d drop dead right there. I have been through two peds and three ped neuros and I was embarressed for them by how little they understood about this disorder. I had finally given up trying to find someone to help my son and decided all I needed was some bozo with a script pad, I could figure out the rest on my own. Turns out…Bozos are a lot more help than the main act!

Yep! I will only use nurse practitioners or physician’s assistants for medical advice - I avoid MD’s like the plague unless I need some kind of medicine that only they can prescribe. I actually get most of my medical needs met through acupuncture, chiropractic, and naturopathic or homeopathic remedies. I find most MD’s are completely ignorant about informed consent, and are often not even aware of the side effects and interactions of the drugs they prescribe, let alone offering alternative treatment options. And they seem to take such offense when questioned about these things! It’s always, “Trust me, I’m the doctor.” Well, I’d trust the doctor a lot more if s/he’d just tell me the facts and help me make an informed choice!

Just an example - my youngest had some dental decay in his front teeth at age two. The dentist wanted to pull the teeth, which would require restraining him while they operated. Concerned about the trauma involved, we asked about alternatives, and were assured that unless we pulled these teeth, the gums would become infected, the permanent teeth would be decayed, and we would be very sorry we didn’t follow his advice. We went to three dentists and got the same answers. So we looked for some alternatives on-line, did some topical fluoride with a whole lot of calcium-magnesium supplements, avoided sweets, and brushed his teeth thoroughly every day. Guess what? His decay not only halted, but the teeth got better, to the point that one of them barely looked decayed by the time it dropped out at age 6. The permanent teeth are totally fine, there was never a gum infection, and the whole scare was just a hoax. But three dentists assured us this was a horrible decision. After the other two permanent teeth drop out, we’re going to take him back to the first dentist and ask if he wants to reconsider his advice at this point.

So agreement of medical professionals means NOTHING to me. We like to assume the doctors are up on the latest science, but it ain’t necessarily so. I need to see it for myself, and if I even sense the slightest sign of arrogance or patronizing attitude, I am out of there. It has been a long time since I met an MD that I could really work with - probably about 1984 when our first was born. I guess I have given up on the idea.

Sorry to rant - hit a nerve, I guess. Ask me my opinion about the “science” of medicalized childbirth sometime…

–- Steve

PED WON’T PRESCRIBE STIMULANTS, HER NEUROLOGIST DOES AND WE HAVE FOLLOW-UPS EVERY 6 MONTHS.

[quote=”Steve”]Yep! I will only use nurse practitioners or physician’s assistants for medical advice - I avoid MD’s like the plague unless I need some kind of medicine that only they can prescribe. I actually get most of my medical needs met through acupuncture, chiropractic, and naturopathic or homeopathic remedies. I find most MD’s are completely ignorant about informed consent, and are often not even aware of the side effects and interactions of the drugs they prescribe, let alone offering alternative treatment options. And they seem to take such offense when questioned about these things! It’s always, “Trust me, I’m the doctor.” Well, I’d trust the doctor a lot more if s/he’d just tell me the facts and help me make an informed choice!

Just an example - my youngest had some dental decay in his front teeth at age two. The dentist wanted to pull the teeth, which would require restraining him while they operated. Concerned about the trauma involved, we asked about alternatives, and were assured that unless we pulled these teeth, the gums would become infected, the permanent teeth would be decayed, and we would be very sorry we didn’t follow his advice. We went to three dentists and got the same answers. So we looked for some alternatives on-line, did some topical fluoride with a whole lot of calcium-magnesium supplements, avoided sweets, and brushed his teeth thoroughly every day. Guess what? His decay not only halted, but the teeth got better, to the point that one of them barely looked decayed by the time it dropped out at age 6. The permanent teeth are totally fine, there was never a gum infection, and the whole scare was just a hoax. But three dentists assured us this was a horrible decision. After the other two permanent teeth drop out, we’re going to take him back to the first dentist and ask if he wants to reconsider his advice at this point.

So agreement of medical professionals means NOTHING to me. We like to assume the doctors are up on the latest science, but it ain’t necessarily so. I need to see it for myself, and if I even sense the slightest sign of arrogance or patronizing attitude, I am out of there. It has been a long time since I met an MD that I could really work with - probably about 1984 when our first was born. I guess I have given up on the idea.

Sorry to rant - hit a nerve, I guess. Ask me my opinion about the “science” of medicalized childbirth sometime…

–- Steve[/quote]

Medical people only know what they are taught generally speaking. Because they were educated in the same failing educational systems that discourage critical thinking and demand compliance the can’t generally think all that well out of the box. Also doctors are penalized for thinking outside the box. The medical/pharamceutical complex works very hard to bombard them with their self-serving data and slanted studies with even more slanted interpretations.

For the life of me I don’t know why 5-HTP aka 5 hydroxytryptophan is not tested as a treatment for ADHD. It does everything in the brain that methylphenidate does but is does it better, safer and it is longer lasting and it is very inexspensive. It is widely available from many manufacturers. Oh…. I think I just answered my own question.

I have read of mild successes with depression and weight loss, but nothing about ADHD. Why is that? Hmmm… Perhaps because there is no benefit to ADHD symptoms when using SAFE levels of 5-HTP. None. There is no evidence that 5-HTP increases blood serotonin to any significant degree at recommended dosages. Telling people to monitor their use or dosage based upon 5-HIAA urinary levels has absolutely no merit. Urinary levels of 5-HIAA do not at all accurately correlate with brain levels of serotonin. It just like any dreamt up money making treatment. Its a scam. Do your homework as you would before using a medicine. Better to sock your cash away for that pricey palm pilot you’ve had your eye on. Technological therapy is safer and more effective than some suppliment.

Thanks Monica, the truth, as always from you,
You are awfully anti everything, aren’t you Ogden?

Lets be careful what we recommend folks. This board is here to help people. Not debate treatments.

By the way, I love my palm pilot, when my son is old enough, he’ll benefit from it, I’m sure.

I see no need for personal attacks. Ok then I will be positive and humor everyone with lies.

Balancing seratonin makes more sense than destroying its transporters. I think the fact that this has never been tested is strange. Not negative but strange.

There is a lot of reccomending here of pharmaceuticals and alot of playing doctor. I am not recomending that someone go to Wal-Mart or GNC buy 5-HTP and give it to their kids even though it would be harmless.

How are brain serotonin levels determined before and during stim therapy treatment? Yeah, that’s what I thought. They’re not :wink:

[quote=”Caren”]Thanks Monica, the truth, as always from you,
You are awfully anti everything, aren’t you Ogden?

Lets be careful what we recommend folks. This board is here to help people. Not debate treatments.

By the way, I love my palm pilot, when my son is old enough, he’ll benefit from it, I’m sure.[/quote]

I did some research and her it is Caren/board monitor. Debate? Who’s debating? I thought this board was for discussion and sharing information.

Natural Control of ADD & ADHD
17th Nov 2002

Natural Control of ADD & ADHD

by Billie J. Sahley, Ph.D., CNC
‘Hyperactivity is the most frequent justification for drugging children. Difficult-to-control children are certainly not a new phenomenon, but attempts to give them a medical diagnosis are the product of modern psychology and psychiatry. At first, psychiatrists called hyperactivity a brain disease: ‘minimal brain dysfunction’ (MBD). When no minimal brain dysfunction could be demonstrated, the label became attention deficit disorder (ADD).’

Six million children in this country suffer some type of learning disability, ADD, or ADD with hyperactivity (ADHD). Over two million children currently take Ritalin for ADD/ADHD. ADD and ADHD may be caused by psychological problems, including trauma and abuse, nutritional deficiencies, chemical imbalances, allergic responses to food and chemicals, or a poor diet. A failure in the brain’s inhibitory system (the ability of the brain to inhibit and control itself) may also cause ADD/ADHD.

Ritalin, the most commonly used drug for ADD and ADHD, is an amphetamine and a Schedule II class drug (other Schedule II drugs are morphine, opium, and medicinal cocaine). Doctors prescribe Ritalin for many children who do not need it, causing a number of adverse mental and physical side effects. Yet this potent, toxic drug is being used as a quick fix to quiet children. Surprisingly, prescription rates for Ritalin doubled between 1992 and 1996.

Children demonstrating symptoms of anxiety, ADHD or ADD often have an imbalance in their brain’s biochemistry. A biochemical imbalance results from a deficiency of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers of the brain. If a biochemical imbalance goes untreated, a child can display maladaptive behavior, followed by possible long-term physical and emotional problems.

A child’s state of health reflects his or her state of nutrition. When minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, or even hormones are deficient in a child’s system, the result can be a disturbed biochemical homeostasis causing impaired functions in the brain. This, in turn, can cause an inability to focus, concentrate, and stay on task.

At the Pain and Stress Center in San Antonio, we have successfully treated numerous children with orthomolecular therapy. Orthomolecular therapy corrects the brain’s biochemical imbalance, without toxic drugs that can produce adverse side effects. ADD/ADHD presents a major problem facing parents today. Most people think of hyperactivity as some type of behavioral problem (a child who is impatient, impulsive, and constantly moving); but not all hyperactive children are aggressive. Some are very passive, withdrawn, and find it hard to communicate their feelings.

ADD/ADHD is not a condition that can be measured in precise scientific terms. Nor is it a situation with a quick fix, especially with powerful and addictive drugs such as Ritalin. ADD/ADHD is a complex and intricate condition in which children demonstrate maladaptive or disorganized behaviors, which put them ‘out of sync’ with the world around them.

Numerous clinical studies established that hyperactive children often have low serotonin levels. A proper combination of tryptophan or 5-HTP and B6, elevates the serotonin level and balances the brain; the child’s symptoms diminish. The dosage, of course, depends on the child’s age, weight, and the degree of hyperactivity.

Effectiveness of Amino Acids

Neurotransmitters affect behavior and learning. A neurotransmitter deficiency consequently has a dramatic effect on children’s or adults’ abilities to learn and function in an orderly manner. Most hyperactive and ADD children are born with a shortage of neurotransmitters, establishing a genetic link, most often on the male side. These children also do not manufacture the needed amount of these chemical messengers.

Where do we get neurotransmitters? From the amino acids, GABA, glycine, taurine, tyrosine, glutamine and tryptophan. Do children or adults get enough aminos through diet? NO! Balanced amino-acid doses, in the right combination and formulas, produce the needed neurotransmitters naturally. Using a stimulant medication to try to produce neurotransmitters is like a shotgun gun going off in the child’s brain. Our children were not born with Ritalin in their brain, so how can they have a Ritalin deficiency?

Approximately fifty different neurotransmitters exist in the human brain, but communication between brain cells uses only ten (approximately) major neurotransmitters. How we feed the brain directly affects our production of neurotransmitters. With proper nutrition and supplementation, we can correct or enhance mind, mood, memory, and behavior.

All major neurotransmitters are made from amino acids and dietary protein. One of the dangers of a low-protein diet is not ingesting enough amino acids to make adequate brain neurotransmitters. Apathy, lethargy, difficulty concentrating, loss of interest, and insomnia all result when the diet does not include adequate amounts of amino acids. Drugs do not produce or increase production of neurotransmitters. Drugs only address symptoms. Amino acids restore the balance nature intended.

Some of the major symptoms of neurotransmitter deficiencies are ADD, ADHD, brain fog, mood swings, increased stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, irritability, and aggression. Stress plays a major role in the depletion of neurotransmitters. Inhibitory neurotransmitters are the keys to behavior, emotions, and pain. Inhibitory amino acids include tryptophan, taurine, GABA, and glycine.

Millions of people have turned to drugs known as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). These drugs, such as Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and Effexor work by selective enhancement of serotonin levels. SSRIs prevent the presynaptic nerve from reabsorbing serotonin that it previously secreted. Prozac causes an increase in brain serotonin levels; but Prozac and other prescription drugs do not increase neurotransmitters.

5-HTP is synergistic with other supplements that enhance neurotransmitters such as GABA, glutamine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, and glycine. Magnesium prolongs the benefits of 5-HTP. Chronic stress depletes available serotonin, as well as interferes with serotonin’s ability to control behavior. Research demonstrates that low serotonin levels can change brain function and impair learning. Low serotonin may be responsible for an increase in depression and drug use among teens and children. Most teens with low serotonin levels are more prone to try recreational drugs or even prescription drugs, for relief. A low brain serotonin level impairs the ability to focus and reason. 5-HTP shows a lot of promise as a natural answer to a multitude of problems that plague adults and children. Use caution with 5-HTP if your child is taking prescription antidepressant medications.

GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)

GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, is found throughout the central nervous system. GABA assumes an ever-enlarging role as a significant influence on ADD, ADHD, stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as stress-induced illnesses. According to Candace Pert, a neuroscientist who discovered the GABA receptor, every cell in the body has a GABA receptor, which is one reason why GABA has such positive effects. GABA inhibits the cells from firing, diminishing anxiety-related messages.

Tranquilizers provide only temporary relief. We have seen many patients on Xanax that still experience anxiety. They have been told it is not addictive: it is! THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A TRANQUILIZER DEFICIENCY! Nutrient deficiencies do occur, however; and they can and do change behavior. GABA, glutamine, and glycine prove vital for energy and the smooth running of brain functions. We have successfully used these three amino acids with patients to ease anxiety, irritability, and ADD.

Research demonstrates a large number of children who display ADD/ADHD behavior actually experience anxiety. If they use all available GABA, then the receptors in the brain become empty, allowing the brain to be bombarded with random firings of excitatory messages. However, when adequate amounts of GABA are present, the reception of multiple random firings are blocked, so the brain does not become overwhelmed. At the Pain & Stress Center we regularly combine GABA and other amino acids to achieve positive results. Dose amounts vary, depending on the age and weight of the child.

GABA now takes its place as a major influence on those taking drugs, and in many cases, replacing the drugs. We have found that, when combined with other amino acids, GABA works exceptionally well with ADD children.

L-Glutamine

Glutamine, along with GABA and Glycine, is rapidly becoming an important therapeutic amino acid of the 21st century. Glutamine, found in many foods, is the third most abundant amino acid in the blood and brain. It also provides a major alternative fuel source for the brain when blood sugar levels are low.

Glutamine functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and is the precursor for GABA, the ‘antianxiety amino acid.’ The amino acid trio of Glutamine, GABA, and Glycine plus B6 are among the major inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain. Glutamine is found in the nerves of the hippocampus, the memory center of the brain, in the cranial nerves, and in many other areas of the brain. These three amino acids work together as inhibitory neurotransmitters. Anyone taking amino acids must take B6 to metabolize the amino acids.

Intellectually impaired children and adults often show an increase in IQ after taking glutamine in combination with Ginkgo biloba and B6. Dr. Roger Williams demonstrated that children and adults diagnosed with ADHD showed a marked improvement when taking 250 mg to 1,000 mg of glutamine daily.

GABA and glutamine are not only found in the brain, but also in the receptor sites throughout the body. Glutamine is the memory and concentration amino acid. Seventy five percent of hyperactive and ADD children’s blood tests showed low levels of glutamine.

Dr. C. Frederick’s research also demonstrated a definite increase in the IQs of children given glutamine. When glutamine was given daily, children showed impressive improvements in their abilities to learn, to retain, and to recall. Glutamine is a major part of my orthomolecular program for hyperactive and ADHD children. Glutamine is one of the amino acids that create the neurotransmitters in the brain that enhance learning and memory. Hyperactive and ADD children have low neurotransmitter levels, especially glutamine. Adding glutamine increases the level of neurotransmitters. Start with 500 mg of glutamine and gradually increase until you reach the optimal dose for your child, to a maximum of 3,000 mg per day.

Taurine

Taurine is now classified as a conditionally essential amino acid in the adult. In infants and children, however, taurine is an essential amino acid. As one of the sulfur amino acids, adults synthesize taurine from cysteine and methionine, provided B6 and zinc are present. Taurine is found abundantly throughout the body in the heart, olfactory bulb, central nervous system, and brain (hippocampus and pineal gland).

As an inhibitory neurotransmitter, taurine, after GABA, is the second-most important inhibitory transmitter in the brain. Taurine’s inhibitory action in the brain equals that of GABA and glycine. Its inhibitory effect is one source of taurine’s anticonvulsant and antianxiety properties.

Some children with Down’s syndrome have shown an increase in IQ levels when taurine was added to their diet along with glutamine, B6, and vitamin E. The need for taurine increases whenever you experience more stress than usual, or have an illness.

Tyrosine

Tyrosine is the amino acid and inhibitory neurotransmitter that often helps overcome depression. Clinical studies show that tyrosine controls medication-resistant depression.

In a 1980 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry, a study by Dr. Alan Gelenberg of Harvard Medical School discussed the role of tyrosine in the control of anxiety and depression. Dr. Gelenberg postulated that the lack of available tyrosine results in deficiency of the hormone norepinephrine at a specific location in the brain that relates to mood problems such as depression. Children given tyrosine supplementation demonstrated a marked improvement in mental performance and mood stability.

Tyrosine, because of its role in assisting the body to cope physiologically with stress and building the body’s natural store of adrenaline, deserves to be called ‘the stress amino acid.’ Stress exhaustion requires tyrosine. During periods of stress, in order to continue coping with stress physiologically, the brain requires tyrosine. Tyrosine aids children and young teens, as well as adults, with recurrent depression and mood disorders. In children, dosage ranges from 200 to 500 mg daily.

Glycine

Glycine is a nonessential amino acid, with the simplest structure of all the amino acids resembling glucose (blood sugar) and glycogen (excess sugar converted in the liver for storage). Glycine is sweet to the taste, can be used as a sweetener, and can mask bitterness and saltiness. Pure glycine dissolves readily in water. As the third major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, glycine readily passes the blood-brain barrier. Studies by the late Carl Pfeiffer, MD, Ph.D., demonstrated glycine as an important factor in psychiatric disorders.

Glycine decreases the craving for sugar, and, in many cases, can replace sugar on foods such as cereal. Glycine calms aggression in both children and adults. When combined with GABA and glutamine, glycine influences brain function by slowing down anxiety-related messages from the limbic system.

As a very nontoxic amino acid, both children and adults can use glycine. Glycine can be mixed with other amino acids. Doses for a child range between 500 to 2,000 mg daily, divided.

Magnesium

Hyperactive or ADD children are almost always deficient in magnesium. Magnesium proves necessary for proper brain energy and is the first mineral depleted when anyone (child or adult) is under stress. Magnesium is a stress mineral, and deficiency can lead to hyperactive or ADD behavior.

Magnesium plays a significant role in sugar metabolism and in the proper utilization of carbohydrates to create energy. Magnesium is so very important in a child’s diet, especially if he displays hyperactive behavior, ADD, or other behavioral problems. Magnesium can be taken in liquid form, tablet, or capsule.

When added to the ADD/ADHD diet, calming effects sometimes occur immediately. Most magnesium exists inside the cells where it activates enzymes necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids. In 1988, a study published in Alternative Medicine Review linked the development of ADHD to low blood-serum magnesium levels. A group of children followed for six months were given 200 mg of magnesium a day. Researchers noted remarkably decreased hyperactivity in the children.

As a major nutrient needed by ADD/ADHD children and adults, magnesium is the number one stress mineral needed by the body. Magnesium is responsible for over three hundred enzyme functions. It cannot be stored by the body, and it must be taken daily. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include asthma, migraines, eye twitches, anxiety, confusion, muscle spasms, irritability, depression, nervousness, fatigue, mood swings, PMS, hypertension, and insomnia.

Calcium

A calcium deficiency can also induce ADD/ADHD behavior. A child deficient in calcium exhibits irritability, sleep disturbances, anger, and inattentiveness. The first signs of a calcium deficiency include nervous stomach, cramps, tingling in the arms and legs, and painful joints. A calcium deficiency can also lead to ADD/ADHD behavior. Children sensitive to dairy products must receive daily calcium supplementation in capsule, chewable, or liquid form. Children up to 10 years of age need 1000 mg of calcium daily; adolescents need 1,200 to 1,500 mg daily. For those involved in sports activities, calcium supplementation is a must.

Huperzine

Recent research reports that Huperzine A improves mental function and learning in adolescents. Chinese researchers designed a study to determine the efficiency of Huperzine on memory and learning. The clinical study included 34 matched pairs of junior middle school students that had significant complaints of poor memory and difficulty in learning. In the double blind trial, half of the students received a placebo while the other half received Huperzine A for four weeks. Academic performance was measured before and after the clinical trial. The Huperzine group scored significantly better on standard memory tests without side effects.

Huperzine A is an extract derived from Chinese club moss. Huperzine can be combined with amino acids and other nutrients. The suggested dosage is one 50 mcg capsule in the morning and in the evening for children aged 12 and over.

And thats the way the Ball bounces

[quote=”Anonymous”]And thats the way the Ball bounces[/quote]

Are we playing Ball again?

Even kinder and gentler doesn’t mask the anti-everything.

:? :? :? :? :?

I can’t see how anyone is being anti-anything. Please explain?

My family doctor prescribes meds(I also work for him too) I provide him with all necessary info. (from school,neuro-pscych,speech/language) It seems to work out well.

I thought that the information could be helpful and educational and I thought it was quite positve as well as hopeful.

By the nasty nature of the posts that followed I fear an explanation will not be forthcoming from any of you.

There are people who only want to use drug as a last resort but those parents love their children instead of seeing them as something that needs to be managed.

I’m with you, Ogden Roe! I am not happy when anyone who disagrees with a post or poster decides that it must have been written by the apparently infamous “Ball”. That kind of posting is a very “trollish” thing to do. If it continues, I am going to ask that such posts be bumped. Even my 7-year-old son knows the meaning of the term “hypocrisy”. If you want others to respect your right to an opinion, it is time to start respecting others. Ball is not the ONLY person in the entire world that believes in alternative approaches to ADHD.

Let’s focus on facts and content and get off our judgemental high horses. If someone is insulting to someone else, let ‘em have it. If they provide information to be considered, leave ‘em alone, or present your information to counter it. And LEAVE BALL OUT OF IT! Please!

–— Steve

I’m confused. Did the nasty post get deleted? I missed it? I don’t see anything nasty. Are we getting paranoid, Ogden?

[quote=”Steve”]I’m with you, Ogden Roe! I am not happy when anyone who disagrees with a post or poster decides that it must have been written by the apparently infamous “Ball”. That kind of posting is a very “trollish” thing to do. If it continues, I am going to ask that such posts be bumped. Even my 7-year-old son knows the meaning of the term “hypocrisy”. If you want others to respect your right to an opinion, it is time to start respecting others. Ball is not the ONLY person in the entire world that believes in alternative approaches to ADHD.

Let’s focus on facts and content and get off our judgemental high horses. If someone is insulting to someone else, let ‘em have it. If they provide information to be considered, leave ‘em alone, or present your information to counter it. And LEAVE BALL OUT OF IT! Please!

–— Steve[/quote]

Which post was attacking people? who was insulting who? I didn’t see any insulting post.
Did the posts get deleted? Did I miss something?

Perhaps you are not aware of the history. There have been occasions where posts that offer alternatives have been attributed to “Ball”, who apparently is a person who has posted under other names and has reportedly been attacking of people who chose to use medications with their children. I have been “accused” of being Ball before. And MountainMan’s post about being “anti-everything” appears to be a subtle insult as well. I could be off, but Ogden Roe felt the drift, and there is a similar set of comments in another thread. The meaning seems pretty clear to me, so I wanted to put a stop to it before it got more ugly. If I am misinterpreting, I apologize, but I don’t think I am. I have seen this trend before.

Just so you will understand where I am coming from.

–- Steve

As near as I can tell this forum is for educational and support of parents who are dealing with a child with ADHD.

I wasn’t exactly sure what a troll was until I did a Google search.

For those of you who wish to disrupt a forum please go to another website. The needs and concerns of the parents that post here are more important that your silly games.

I am for the use of safer methods when ever possible and yes I have a problem with the reckless over use of psycho-stimulants and their ever increasing use.

These drugs have their uses but in my mind their dangers often out-weigh them.

If Ogden is really Ball, he must have started ritalin!!!!! :lol:

Thats the only way he could possibly show THAT kind of restraint

I agree with Steve. We need to be careful we don’t read too much into the med questionning posts

I DO admit the Ogden/Ball possibility crossed my mind on the boy/girl set of posts, but, again, I think Ogden is much more in control

So, keep on posting Ogden. I especially appreciate the articles

I am not familiar with the term Ball as it applies to message boards.

I did a google search and I came up with nothing.

“Good Golly Miss Molly you sure like to ball” (Little Richard)

Was Ball an unpopular poster? If so what did Ball do to engender such suspicion and hostility.

Forgive me for my ignorance could somebody please explain?

Yes, Ball was the name of an unpopular poster who was anti-medication

We have folks here who choose to medicate, who choose not to medicate, who use natural remedies, who use behavioral help, and who choose to do nothing

In the time I’ve visited the board, we have all managed to convey support and useful information while still respecting one another’s decisions.

This poster slammed ANYONE implementing or thinking of implementing meds. He used profane language and insults. He butted into ongoing topics and went off on unrelated rages. He posted using other peoples names to post profanity and insults, implying they had gone off the deep end

A parent with a new dx would show up here looking for support and camradery and be immediately frightened off. Board traffic dropped. EVERY post ended up intruded upon and the board format was changed twice in attempts to keep out this poster

I have no problem with someone holding an anti-med stance. I think any verifiable information that supports that stance is welcome. I do believe it should be posted only in threads where a poster is asking for opinions on whether or not to medicate, or in stand alone threads started by an anti-med poster.

I firmly believe that when a parent comes here with a question of “what do you think-ritalin or adderall”, the med decision has already been made, perhaps after months of agonizing and tears. That is not IMO the place to post anti-med information or opinions. That party is is need of support at a difficult time and thats our main purpose here.

Marycas, as the original poster of this question, I agree that responses should be to that question. I asked about who did the prescribing, and many people answered that question. This is not the place to start a thread on the overprescribing of stimulants for ADHD. There’s plenty of opportunity on these boards to express such opinions, and probably everyone’s seen them. Start a new post if you feel the need to get your message out there again, but it is not helpful to divert attention from someone’s question.

[quote=”Amy”]Marycas, as the original poster of this question, I agree that responses should be to that question. I asked about who did the prescribing, and many people answered that question. This is not the place to start a thread on the overprescribing of stimulants for ADHD. There’s plenty of opportunity on these boards to express such opinions, and probably everyone’s seen them. Start a new post if you feel the need to get your message out there again, but it is not helpful to divert attention from someone’s question.[/quote]

Amy & Marycas,I agree with you guys totally.
Amy, your post pretty much got highjacked and that was not fair on you, especially when you were very specific in your original post re:”For those of you whose children takes meds.” You cannot get clearer than that.
What Marycas has mentioned has caused alot of good people to leave this board and it seems to be starting again.

But back to your questions. Our Pediatrian dx the ADD, we went to see a Neuropsych for confirmation and to also rule out other LDs. The Peds and I discuss Meds (I have alot of input), and I also talk to the Neuropsych to get into from him too. In fact, my son will be going back to the Neuropsych after a month and a half of being on Strattera to be tested again to see how effective the meds is on his attention. (Strattera needs time to build up in the system and show results). My son was concerta before while he was being tested by the Neurophsych (both on meds and off meds), and the conclusion from the Neuropsych was the Concerta was not doing very much for him, which I already knew but was glad he could confirm it. So it is a collabration between the Peds, Neuropsych, school teachers input and myself to manage this. So since you are the one who knows your child and have the best interest in your child, you are the best co-ordinator of his care.

Hope this helps.

[quote=”marycas”]Yes, Ball was the name of an unpopular poster who was anti-medication

We have folks here who choose to medicate, who choose not to medicate, who use natural remedies, who use behavioral help, and who choose to do nothing

In the time I’ve visited the board, we have all managed to convey support and useful information while still respecting one another’s decisions.

This poster slammed ANYONE implementing or thinking of implementing meds. He used profane language and insults. He butted into ongoing topics and went off on unrelated rages. He posted using other peoples names to post profanity and insults, implying they had gone off the deep end

A parent with a new dx would show up here looking for support and camradery and be immediately frightened off. Board traffic dropped. EVERY post ended up intruded upon and the board format was changed twice in attempts to keep out this poster

I have no problem with someone holding an anti-med stance. I think any verifiable information that supports that stance is welcome. I do believe it should be posted only in threads where a poster is asking for opinions on whether or not to medicate, or in stand alone threads started by an anti-med poster.

I firmly believe that when a parent comes here with a question of “what do you think-ritalin or adderall”, the med decision has already been made, perhaps after months of agonizing and tears. That is not IMO the place to post anti-med information or opinions. That party is is need of support at a difficult time and thats our main purpose here.[/quote]

I see. Ball was an internet troll here to disrupt the forum. I have not been able to find any Ball posts. What I’m confused about is what I have done to be accused of being Ball. Judging by the reaction, Ball really touched a nerve here.

Hi Amy :D

There are many different routes you can take. You should probably start with you childs pediatrician if you are wanting to go the medically based route. Your pediatrician will probably refer you to someone, such as a psychologist, for testing. The psychologist will send your pediatrician back a dictation of his assessment and plan. It will include test results, and sometimes a recommendation of medication. Sometimes the psychologist may also recommend occupational therapy or other another type of referral if needed. If your child is in public school you can send a request in writing for them to get the testing for her at no cost to you. I work in insurance and with a Psychologist for and Internal Medicine Residency Program. You may want to look into what your policy covers. Some insurances will not pay for mental diagnosises at all. Which I think is terrible. Some may pay the physician but may not pay the psychologist or for psych testing. Definately check into it if you have not already.