If you have, or know someone with ADD/Attention Deficit

Offerocker · Post by **Offerocker** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 7:32 pm

Friends,
I have been told by doctors that I have ADD. True, none but one actually attempted to treat it.
I recently received the recommendation to read this book:

Delivered from Distraction / Getting the Most out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder
By Drs Edward M Halowell and John J Ratey.

I listened to this in the 'Audio book' form (2 tapes). It is well-written, well-delivered, and the most interesting book I've either read or 'heard' in years.
It certainly was enlightening, and lifted much guilt, because the traits which can cause problems are also those that give us our unique trengths and abilities, but that's not why I write. This book is uniquely educational and enlightening. So much added information is provided to the 'victim', in order to take charge of their treatment. I wish I'd known about this a long time ago - would have make life easier and less stressful.

If you or anyone you know of has ADD, or just want to be 'enlightened' in an entertaining manner, I can highly recommend this book/audio book.

Also, this is very revealing in the area of depression also. Even if I hadn't the personal need, I know that I'd be just as elated, in order to be well-informed on a much misunderstood subject.

Babbie · Post by **Babbie** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 8:38 pm

Offerocker ----does this book deal at all with children? My 5 year old grandson got a recommendation from hsi kindergarten teacher that he be tested tor ADHD. He's seen the pediatrician and next will see a child psychiatrist. Personally I don't think that's the problem (hope not anyway)---he's been being good and bringing the "good" stickers home for almost 2 weeks ago. I'll keep it in mind in case any part of it is dealing with children. Thanks, Kathy

Offerocker · Post by **Offerocker** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 9:33 pm

Babbie,
Yes, it DOES talk about childhood attention deficit. In fact, it sounded like it usually starts in childhood to some degree.
He told a terrific story about a young boy who had it, and how he described it to him, thus endearing him to the doctor.
Most changes are to lifestyle, and meds secondary, although stated they are necessary.

Best part I thought, is the list of various types of medications, their purpose, use, benefits, side effects, etc. AND there's usually two meds used in conjunction with each other. It's good to know about these BEFORE going to the dr - enables you to ask questions, etc.
something interesting is the use of liquid Amatadine - old as aspirin. Liquid is preferred because the dosage can be more easily increased/decreased. Amatadine is a Dopamine agonist (helper). Many docs aren't aware of using it for this purpose (book says), although Dr. Wm
Singer did extensive studies. So, if it's not mentioned, bring it up to the doctor.

The meds are broken down by 'category', stimulants, amphetadines, methyl fenedate (most likely incorrect spelling - going by notes). These are further broken down by how long they last, etc. toxidity. He also states which are 'frst choice' meds, etc.

Aso, you'll be happy to know that there are many more psychologists who specialize in this field for CHILDREN. He stated this more than psychiatrist. From what I've learned, psychologists go into more TALK therapy than do psychiatrists today. the 'iastrists are more into med therapy. You want to be SURE the md gets to know the child first, and tests him well.
do not be afraid of this diagnosis. Better found out than missed. Can be treated, and I've *heard* that some 'outgrow' it. Also, he referred to 'inheriting' Attention deficit. That was new to me. I would talk to the doc before he sees your son; you want to relay info to him w/o your son present, so that the two of them (with or without you) can begin a rapport, with your son thinking the doc doesn't think anything is 'wrong' with him. Indeed, there isn't. It is a TRAIT, which serves people well, just needs to be 'reigned in', so to speak. If left untreated, it can go in many different directions, and sometimes leads to depression. ...it certainl follows that it would.

Please excuse spelling errors - trying to type this as I think of things. Don't hesitate to PM me. I'm going to buy the book tomorrow - really difficult to reference a tape, ha ha - and even more difficult to highlight or paperclip a spot.

Good luck with your trip to the doctor. What led up to this anyway? Good grades mean that your son is able to channel his attention. What grade is he in? Most do better in math than in reading-demanding subjects, assuming he likes math in the first place.

Does he start one thing, then go on to another? Too many unfinished projects? Fidgit in school? 'racing thoughts' - "over"active mind - always thinking (good), not able to channel it (not so good).

Please let me know what happens at the appointment. Good luck to you all, and don't worry - at least it isn't being overlooked! And if he doesn't have it, fine. Did a teacher indicate this as a possible cause of a problem? Then a meeting/another meeting would be in order. Take your son's side, but with understanding. Years ago, teachers were held in too high esteem. A classmate of mine was disruptive...sent to some school somewhere around 3rd grade! Word was, he went to a "bad boy's school" Sorry about the generalizations, but that's all children are told. Turns out he's doing Exceptionally well and a great success. These are TRAITS, channelled correctly, he's one lucky kid, but needs to be aware of the pitfalls too - as he can handle that info.
I'm sorry to be so long and disorganized in this, but hope you can pick out some helpful info.

kteague · Post by **kteague** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 8:33 am

Thanks for the reference. Sounds like a useful tool for one gathering info about the subject. While I don't have a technical diagnosis of ADD and had no problems in earlier years, prolonged sleep inefficiency has caused my brain to function in that manner - scattered like buckshot, ever starting never finishing, and the typical brain fog stuff like short term memory loss.

Two things have helped - #1 Hibernation in conjunction with treating sleep disorders; lengthy prioritization of catch-up sleep to the point of almost cancelling life (with few exceptions) until healing enough to rejoin life, and #2 I take Concerta, an ADD med, to help with daytime sleepiness and inability to concentrate and focus. Would prefer other methods of management to meds so I'm interested in what the book says in that regard.

Does the book deal with childhood sleep apnea as a possible contributor to ADD? Seems that would be the very first diagnostic effort with all the publicity out there these days.

I am horrified to read that dopamine agonists are among meds used to treat ADD. I've been on that type med for my PLMD for 10 years - the whole time my brain was at its worst!! Dopamine balance in the brain is serious business, as it affects movement and a lacking can manifest in disorders like PLMD and Parkinson's. Some of these meds tend to have a limit to their effectiveness. Am I wrong for being concerned? Is it possible that one could exhaust the effectiveness of those meds in their brain on treating ADD then later need to use the meds for a movement disorder? God forbid. Not to mention the side effects. I doubt that it's the dopamine causing the ADD, but suspect that it's one of those off-use situations where this med in some unknown way seems to help some with ADD. I'm no doctor or pharmacist, but that raises red flags with me. Makes me want to really research that to see if my concerns are unfounded or legitimate.

Thanks again. Take care.

Kathy

bbeck4x4 · Post by **bbeck4x4** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 9:05 am

it is hereditary, I found out that I have it after my kids were diagnosed, although in my situation the meds didn't work, driven to distraction helped tons, reducing the guilt for the way my brain is "wired" has helped more,
later I found out that I had sleep apnea, treating that has helped more for the brain fog than any med ever did.

Offerocker · Post by **Offerocker** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 2:34 pm

Kteague: The dopamine agonist I mentioned was only one of many available. I could only reference a chicken-scratched list, since I didn't have a book to reference.
Concerta is one of the 'favorite' meds: it is long-lasting (24 hrs I believe), Ritalin LA has an 'initial boost' to jump start things in the morning, then there's also Adderal XR.
Stimulant category: Ritalin, Adderal, Dexadrene.

cylert, pemalene/pemaline were also mentioned as useful meds, BUT need to monitor toxicity in liver.

I apologize for providing info without 'the book' in front of me. I'm going out to get it shortly. There are used books for sale at Amazon.com, etc. But I'm paying top dollar now, to get the info I know I need. Initially, it was to get info the fastest way possible, thus the tape.

I mentioned Amatadine because the narrating md stated that not ALL doctors are aware of its use in this area. Yes, it is used to treat the side effects of Parkinson's Disorder. My husband is now taking it - it really works for him for that purpose. The neuro said that they don't even know WHY it works for the side effects, but if it does, especially with PD, that's good. Also, Amatadine was a 'shot in the dark' for PD - and it worked; it is a very old drug, and, like aspirin, it works without knowing exactly why. If I mispeak, forgive me - am relying on memory here, and try to let you know when I do that.

I too was surprised at the number of brain chemicals involved in Attn Deficit.

I could provide a list here of meds listed in the book, but I don't want to come off as recommending them! There is SO MUCH MORE to be found in that book than medical treatment. And honestly, it was a great relief to 'see myself' as being "OK", if you know what I mean...it's not ALL bad, once one is aware of the 'whole story' - just like most everything else. Knowing the background, causes, how it affects other issues, is invaluable, and a relief.
There is a saying: "it's not ME, it's my PD"...that can be said for ADD also! Perception of its traits can be that of laziness, sloppiness in some areas, nonsociability, etc. It is the disorder causing those things to project themselves, mostly to strangers, or those that don't know the 'real you'.

And, yes, it flows over to daytime sleepiness - because of some not regimenting themselves for proper sleep.

Now, I must say that with all of these 'problems' some of us have, (and just the ones we're willing to talk about so far!) we're still a group of good-hearted, intelligent people, who are functional, and have expertise in many areas. The best part being the support we give each other. I can honestly say that you all are my best friends, after my husband and family doctor.
That does not mean I/we don't have friends, but the quality of our relationships here is the best of what we need.