To everyone that has a child/teenager with add/adhd or any other behavorial problem. I found this website months ago and if you google search and put in Mike Adams Health ranger you can read so much about this guy and products and keep up to date with alot of information that we as citizens are kept in the dark about. How the FDA and FTC are brain washing us into believing so many things that are not what they are truly meant to be. This link has information that everyone should know. Please pass it on to as many people, family and friends that you know. The link is: http://newstarget.com/index.html

Hope this helps in educating you more. Good Luck and much Health.

I have a son who is 13 and has adhd/pdd. I had put him on ritalin when he was 6 yrs. old and took him off 2 1/2 years ago. Changing his diet and putting him on alternatives has helped. These drugs are very powerful with powerful side effects. And NO ONE knows what the long term side effcts are. That in itself should scare the heck out of any parent.

Myth #1: Not all people with ADHD have behavioural problems. I am getting so tired of this myth. Some of us don't act like maniacs, y'know. In fact, we were shy and withdrawn and quiet children.

Myth #2: There IS new research coming out about what Ritalin does to kid's brains. (Longitudinal studies.)

And their brain ARE healthier.


Who is "mike adams"? Is he a Neuroscientist? Has he done Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs; the gold standard for research)? Any Journal publications?

I don't think it wise to tell others how to 'practice medicine' on their kids. And I'll leave the Developmental Neurobiology to the experts.


Do you work for a company promoting this Mike Adams stuff?

I see the website is owned by TRUTH PUBLISHING.

Who are they?

First of all I am not promoting Mike Adams or anything else. I am simply putting up a link for anyone that wants information to read in maybe helping someone that they care about. What is wrong with educating people? Let me ask you something okay? Do you read books, magazines, watch the news, listen to the radio. Do you ask people that write, report, and anything else on where they get their information from? You don't want to read the website, fine by me. If you didn't like the post, don't respond. Hava a nice day and life.:p

**MODERATOR NOTES**


All members are permitted to post when and where they feel they would like to post. It is inappropriate to make a determination as to which people you would prefer replied.

Many members have been here long enough to have seen more than one person come through here touting some method that they support....and they also happen to work in some fashion for the person with the theory. Its a problem here at ADDF and most people posting links to controversial websites will be questioned.

For the most part, controversial theories will be put through some serious scrutiny. Most theories here are, even common ones.

Kindly refrain from personal attacks of any type. This will not be tolerated.

If you didn't like the post, don't respond

You are new so I shall help you out in the boundary department. {I will review the site and thread placement later after I am off work if Highfunctioning doesn't beat me to it}

Forum guidelines (http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15843)

Below please find a partial list of the ADDF guidelines concerning behavioral expectations.



Etiquette:

*Please remember that ADD Forums is a place for support. All members should feel comfortable at ADD Forums!

*Please be respectful to one another. People come from all different backgrounds and many have different ideas and views on different issues.

*Treat your fellow members with courtesy (especially if you disagree with them).


Avoid direct insults to any member of the forums. Everyone should be treated with the same degree of respect. The goal should be to give constructive criticism with source documentation given where possible to back up your opinions while using common sense, respect, and courtesy. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

While forums are meant for debate, flaming or forcing your opinions on other members without regard to their feelings is uncalled for. This does not mean that you can't post sensitive issues or get into heated debates; it just means you have to use some common sense and courtesy when posting your opinions/views/debates. People intentionally posting to create flame wars will be dealt with by the moderators or administrators through warnings and bans as they see fit.


~Underlining Mine~

The only thing not subject to debate are banned topics and adherence to ADDF guidelines Every thing else here, especially ADD treatment approachs is subject to challenges and opposing opinions in a manner consistent with the rules of conduct. .

Thank you for your attention.

Because the site limits certain areas to public access I shall post the area of interest that pertain to this discussion

MedScape for Nurses (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/558552)

Family, twin, and adoption studies have shown that ADHD has a strong genetic component.[2] Research suggests that having a parent with ADHD is the strongest risk factor for a child to develop ADHD.[3] Dr. Kratochvil also presented research that continues to suggest that children with ADHD function better while taking medication.[4] He noted that children with ADHD who are not taking ADHD medication not only perform worse in school, but also have poor outcomes. For example, these children are more likely to be involved in aggressive accidents, speeding, and problems with law enforcement related to their impulsive behavior. In addition, children with ADHD are more likely than children without ADHD to start smoking cigarettes and at an earlier age.[4] Finally, Dr. Kratochvil asserted that the most effective ADHD treatment appears to be a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.


An estimated 30% to 80% of children diagnosed with ADHD will continue to have the disorder in adolescence, and possibly into adulthood;[2] thus, treatments that have demonstrated long-term efficacy and safety are essential. Because the need is ongoing, researchers continue to study existing and new pharmaceuticals for their safety and efficacy in pediatric ADHD, as highlighted in the poster sessions. The most common medications discussed here were the methylphenidate transdermal system (MTS), lisdexamfetamine (LDX), guanfacine extended-release (GXR), mixed amphetamine salts extended-release (MAS XR), and dexmethylphenidate extended-release (d-MPH-ER).


Finally, a group of 171 adolescents with ADHD were converted to MTS in a 3-week titration after receiving stable doses of OROS-MPH, MPH long-acting, or MPH sustained delivery formulations for at least 30 days.[9] Compared with baseline measurements, these children experienced significant reductions in ADHD symptoms. Additionally, the researchers measured the psychosocial impact of ADHD symptoms on the family at baseline and at the end of the 3 weeks. The results of this study suggested that the use of MTS significantly reduced the impact of the ADHD symptoms on the child and family, which then led to overall treatment satisfaction.


These presentations and posters at the 2007 APA Annual Meeting reflect the continuing growth in research in pediatric ADHD. Clearly, innovative medications continue to be developed and longer term safety and efficacy studies of ADHD treatments are being conducted, providing information crucial to clinicians. In the future it will be beneficial to see more symposia and research regarding differential diagnosis, adjunctive psychosocial treatments, concomitant medication trials, treatments for ADHD in patients with comorbid disorders such as bipolar disorder, and head-to-head studies between different classes of ADHD medications.

Article references and information sources that are readily avalible via direct link Please note exact information, studies /statements by whom, when and where it appears are present as opposed to some vague mention of a study done at a named university.


1)Madaan V, Chang KD, Kratochvil CJ, Wozniak J. The ADHD/Pediatric Bipolar Interface: Sailing Through Troubled Waters? Issue Workshop. Program and abstracts of the American Psychiatric Association 2007 Annual Meeting; May 19-24, 2007; San Diego, California. Abstract IW054.

2)Biederman J, Faraone SV, Keenan K, et al. Further evidence for family-genetic risk factors in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Patterns of comorbidity in probands and relatives psychiatrically and pediatrically referred samples. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1992;49:728-738.

3)Tillman R, Geller B. Controlled study of switching from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder to a prepubertal and early adolescent bipolar I disorder phenotype during 6-year prospective follow-up: rate, risk, and predictors. Dev Psychopathol. 2006;18:1037-1058.


4)Wozniak J, Biederman J, Mundy E, Mennin D, Faraone SV. A pilot family study of childhood-onset mania. J Am Acad Chld Adolesc Psychiatry. 1995;34:1577-1588.


5)Faraone S, Giefer E, Kerkering J. Long-term effects of methylphenidate transdermal system treatment of ADHD on growth. Program and abstracts of the American Psychiatric Association 2007 Annual Meeting; May 19-24, 2007; San Diego, California. Abstract NR 660

6)Findling R, Burnside J, Boellner S, Kerkering J. Cardiovascular Effects of MTS in Pediatric Patients. Program and abstracts of the American Psychiatric Association 2007 Annual Meeting; May 19-24, 2007; San Diego, California. Abstract NR 666

7}Landgraf J, Arnold E, McKay M. Treatment Satisfaction after conversion from oral to transdermal methylphenidate. Program and abstracts of the American Psychiatric Association 2007 Annual Meeting; May 19-24, 2007; San Diego, California. Abstract NR662.

8)Biederman J, Krishnan S, Zhang Y, Findling R. Efficacy and safety of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in non-caucasian children aged 6 to 12 years with ADHD: a secondary analysis. Program and abstracts of the American Psychiatric Association 2007 Annual Meeting; May 19-24, 2007; San Diego, California. Abstract NR 749.

9)Ermer J, Shojaei A, Biederman J, Krishnan S. Improved interpatient pharmacokineic variability of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate compared with mixed amphetamine salts extended release in children aged 6 to 12 years with ADHD. Program and abstracts of the American Psychiatric Association 2007 Annual Meeting; May 19-24, 2007; San Diego, California. Abstract NR 750.

10)Findling R, Childress A, Krishanan, S., McGough, J. Long-term efficacy and safety of Lisdexamfetamine in school-age children with ADHD. Program and abstracts of the American Psychiatric Association 2007 Annual Meeting; May 19-24, 2007; San Diego, California. Abstract NR 739.

11)Sallee F, McGough J, Wigal T, Donahue J, Lyne A, Biederman J. Randomized, double-blind study of Guanfacine extended-release in children aged 6 to 17 years with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Program and abstracts of the American Psychiatric Association 2007 Annual Meeting; May 19-24, 2007; San Diego, California. Abstract NR 656.

12)Biederman J, Melmed R, Patel A, McBurnett K, Donahue J, Lyne A. Long-term, open-label study of Guanfacine extended release in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Program and abstracts of the American Psychiatric Association 2007 Annual Meeting; May 19-24, 2007; San Diego, California. Abstract NR 659.

13)Cutler AJ. Long-term efficacy, safety, and tolerability of mixed amphetamine salts extended release in the treatment of adolescents with ADHD. Program and abstracts of the American Psychiatric Association 2007 Annual Meeting; May 19-24, 2007; San Diego, California. Abstract 654.

14)Weisler R. Long-term cardiovascular safety of mixed amphetamine salts extended release in adolescents with ADHD. Program and abstracts of the American Psychiatric Association 2007 Annual Meeting; May 19-24, 2007; San Diego, California. Abstract NR 652.

15)Silva R, Muniz R, Brams M, McCague K. Efficacy of extended-release Dexmethylphenidate in children with inattentive and combined ADHD: a pooled analysis of two 12-hour laboratory classroom studies. Program and abstracts of the American Psychiatric Association 2007 Annual Meeting; May 19-24, 2007; San Diego, California. Abstract NR 674.



16)Caspi A, Langley K, Craig I, et al. A replicated molecular basis for subtyping antisocial behavior in ADHD. Arch Gen Psychiatry, in press.
Milberger S, Faraone SV, Biederman J, Chu MP, Feighner JA. Substance use disorders in high-risk adolescent offspring. Am J Addict. 1999;8:211-219.

***End Quote


How the FDA and FTC are brain washing us into believing so many things that are not what they are truly meant to be. This link has information that everyone should know. Please pass it on to as many people, family and friends that you know. The link is:

Not medically related but commercially driven in my opinion.

Brian washing of those who can't pay attention to casual conversations without tuning out :rolleyes: . Doesn't one have to be mentally present to be brain washed :confused: . . . . yea I can see brain washing happening to people who can't sit long enough to finish a meal. Why can't ADHD children be brain washed into sitting still in class?


Yea milions of out of the box thinkers are being brain washed into believing ADD medications work however we can not remember what we went into a store to buy. :p Millions of people and thousands of studies only think ADD medications work because the drug companies say so What ever = these accusations are plant food. :soapbox:

Obvious flaws made in site statements

Quote from News Target provided by sweetshar

New research published in the August, 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry finds that Ritalin, the amphetamine drug used to treat a fictitious medical disorder labeled Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, stunts the growth of children. After three years on the psychotropic drug, children are one inch shorter and 4.4 pounds lighter... ***End Quote

{***Exact information as to which study done by whom, when and exactly which
issue of Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry along with abstract refernces number = that is how one properly quotes scientific reaserch -see the 16 listed above = so it can be readily looked up***} :soapbox:


Quote by MedScape Article provided in this post

An 8-week trial found that GXR improved ADHD symptoms and overall well-being significantly better than placebo.[13] In a 2-year study of GXR, children age 6 to 17 years showed significant improvements in ADHD symptom frequency and severity when compared with baseline, demonstrating the longitudinal efficacy of this agent.[14] During the 2 years of the trial, no ECG, growth, or pulse rate abnormalities were reported.
***End Quote


#1 I have problems taking any treatment advice from any one who does not even have to common decency to admit I have a condition to treat to begin with, :mad: This is conflicting information thus these people are contradicting them selves = which is not logical behavior.

psychotropic (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/psychotropic%20)

1956, from psycho- + Gk. -tropos "turning," from trepein (see trope). Hence, what "turns" the mind.
***End Quote

#2 Sense ADD is a disorder effecting behavior and attention span {ie the mind} it stands to reason that we would look for medications that do change how our brains function = does follow along the lines of logical reasoning.

#3 psychotropic drugs. . . . there are only a million of them to choose from (http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=Policymakers_Toolkit&Template=/ContentManagement/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=18971)all of which can carry the possibility of causing stomach upset.

The abuse and over use of antibiotics is far more dangerous to the health and welfare of children than treating ADD with stimulant medications. Far more die and are rendered seriously ill by adverse reactions to antibiotics then are hospitalized by ADD medications . . . Drug resistant pathogens capable of killing people especially the very young and very old are a direct result of over use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are for more over prescribed and dangerous then ADD medications. Why don't you people do some thing worth while and focus your “education efforts” on antibiotic abuse instead of picking at us and trying to limit our choices safe effective medications for ADD treatment. Maybe there is less money to be made. . . :rolleyes: {shrug}

If drug companies were really pulling the wool over medical researchers and other medical profession's eyes then the antibiotic problem would not be common knowledge The drug companies sell more antibiotics than they do stimulants plus antibiotics are not subject to the restrictive laws like most ADD medications.

ADD does not necessarily equate with uneducated, ill informed or flat out incapable of logical thought processes. Many of us strive to keep up with the latest research developments. Even medical science is not safe from our scrutiny because being subject to mistruth in one form or fashion {example- if you would only try harder you could concentrate} is all to common . We reserve the right to question and doubt any thing and every thing.

~Underlining in sources mine~

Meadd823, thank you for giving members the opportunity to educate themselves about ADHD from reliable sources. Parents need to educate themselves so others cannot take advantage of them.

QueensU_girl, these myths are also why it is difficult for some kids to be diagnosed or why they are misdiagnosed.

Sweetshar, these forums are a wealth of information for parents. Check it out.

I see the website is owned by TRUTH PUBLISHING.


Irony runs knee deep in the journey of life :p

Good points btw


Do you work for a company promoting this Mike Adams stuff?


Most excellent question thanks for asking it.:)

We do not tolerate solicatations here We are a peer support group whose efforts and information not driven by profit, nor do we tolerate those who are.

*prints out page* *gives papers to therapist who tried to give me stimulants a few months ago*

I am simply putting up a link for anyone that wants information to read in maybe helping someone that they care about. What is wrong with educating people?

Implying we are uneducated to begin with.



Hope this helps in educating you more

Educating me more than what exactly.

How is some one who goes by Health ranger and sells products on-line while trying to convince me my hyperactivity is an illusion created by drug companies going to educated me more than decades of exposure to publications by several people who have credentials that look like the alphabet, using rigorous methods to test their hypothesis, followed by scrutiny by peers, then scrutiny by the publications review panel while having no overt monetary interest in me reading their research?


Let me ask you something okay? Do you read books, magazines, watch the news, listen to the radio. Do you ask people that write, report, and anything else on where they get their information from?

The source article by MedScape for Nurses posted in my initial meadd823 member response is considered light reading for me. . . .

I am often asked to provide source documentation for information I provide {the few times I forget or do not have time to include it initially}

If an idea I present is one I have come to by observation or logical reasoning it will be clearly marked as such in my post and is often accompanied by documentation which serves to provide reliable resources for the basis of my theory.

I have several pet theories running around here and every one of them have under gone the same scrutiny you are experiencing now. . . or at least one voice of disagreement {tis life} .

I have been here over three years and have thousands of post under my belt and I do not expect people to believe it because I can write it nor do I assume my fellow ADDF members lack education and ability to read or make up their own minds

Welcome to education in treatment scrutiny 1301 brought to you by the ADD way. :soapbox:

We do not mind the sharing of ideas however all information, especially those concerning ADD and ADD treatments will be scrutinized, refuted, and debated until who knows when. . . . we run out of information or attention span which every comes first.

ARM thy self with truththful information and bash my choices at your own risk.


If I can do it any one can. . . . ;)



*prints out page* *gives papers to therapist who tried to give me stimulants a few months ago*


Noting you are from the US it is worth noting therapist of the legit variety do NOT hand out nor can they prescribe stimulants. It takes a medical professional with a MD and current license to practice medicine at the very least to prescribe stimulant medications.

If I can shoot holes in this from my living room with my lowly education level then a medical professional with the license necessary to legally prescribe schedule two medications should be able to do more while sleeping.


My husband does not wish to take medications for his ADHD simply because he does not desire to have his brain chemistry changed by a drug. He feels he is made the way that was intended. You know what ? That is fine by me. I accept his decision after all it is his life, his brain, his ADD and his decision however he extends the same courtesy to me. My husband doesn't waste his breath spreading mis-information, making nonsense accusation or bashing medications.



***ADD quick translation ***

:D Live and let live or learn the art of civilized debate. :cool:

To everyone that has a child/teenager with add/adhd or any other behavorial problem.My children have myriad disorders, not behavioral problems. Bipolar is an illness, AD/HD is a brain difference, as is dyslexia and other learning disabilities scattered throughout my 4 girls. They may exhibit poor behavior? But that does not make the diagnosed legitimate disorders into a behavioral problem. They are, quote simply, what they are.

I found this website months ago and if you google search and put in Mike Adams Health ranger you can read so much about this guy and products and keep up to date with alot of information that we as citizens are kept in the dark about.I am a citizen, yet I scarcely feel as though I am "in the dark" about my medical treatment and that of my children. I research extensively before I make a move and find that certain "products" amount to "rubbish" in terms of assisting the neurodiverse brain shove itself into the box provided by our society.

How the FDA and FTC are brain washing us into believing so many things that are not what they are truly meant to be. This link has information that everyone should know.Hey, I am a severe inattentive. Without my medicine, I would be unable to listen and comprehend long enough for brainwashing to be even a remote possibility.

Who ought to know this information? "EVERYONE"...like say, my prescribing psychiatrist? I have often taken him tidbits such as this one, and our doctor/patient relationship is further bonded during the mutual laugh sessions we then share.

Please pass it on to as many people, family and friends that you know. The link is: not necessary.
I think I will pass on that passing along gig. Why would this even remotely begin to interest my friends and family who do not deal with neurodiversity? :rolleyes:
Hope this helps in educating you more. I'd have to agree that this implies that the readers are expected to be imbeciles willing to accept anything that is handed to them on some forum, from what amounts to a stranger. I am curious...educate us more than WHAT? Some of us have multiple college degrees and above-genius IQs. None of us are ignorant, or stupid.
These drugs are very powerful with powerful side effects. And NO ONE knows what the long term side effcts are. That in itself should scare the heck out of any parent. Oh really? Odd how Ritalin, for example, has been around since the 1950's, yet you never hear a peep about how it has long-term side effects. Ya know what has long-term side effects? Life does. Life is risky in and of itself.
I personally take dexedrine and have no side effects from it AT ALL....where are my powerful side effects, as is being claimed here?

Anybody at all is entitled to their opinion..as for me? Please pass the dexedrine...

I have a son who is 13 and has adhd/pdd. I had put him on ritalin when he was 6 yrs. old and took him off 2 1/2 years ago. Changing his diet and putting him on alternatives has helped. These drugs are very powerful with powerful side effects. And NO ONE knows what the long term side effcts are. That in itself should scare the heck out of any parent.I missed the Pervasive Developmental Disorder diagnosis on my first reading of this post. Stimulant meds are not the usual first line of defence for PDD and lots of kids with PDD aren't on any meds. Risperdal works for some to help with sleep issues. Well meaning people will add ADHD on to more serious diagnoses just to cover themselves, but f it were my child, I would focus on the PDD diagnosis as it is the most disabling.

Scientists have not been able to prove that diet is effective in alleviating symptoms of ADHD.

I missed the Pervasive Developmental Disorder diagnosis on my first reading of this post.

Thanks I did see it but I guess sense it was post on an ADD forum I focused upon that however you are correct the PDD should be addressed first and be of primary concern although many people do have both "conditions"


I wonder what is meant - PPD or PPD-NOS?

PPD-NOS = Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified


Most think of autism, when one says PDD{which autism in but a sub-type} .


I do not see how Mike Adams Health ranger is going to able to help you here either especially sense neither Autism, Aspergers Syndrom, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder,or Multiplex Developmental Disorder = NOT ONE of these is caused malnutrition or lack of exercise, There is no indications these develope only in mothers who took ADD medication nor are they caused by the children taking ADD medication. . . although the drug companiers are still under investigation {sorry had to have a silly moment}

. Only disintegrative disorder has a coarse of development that would indicate a possible pathogenic process.



My children have myriad disorders, not behavioral problems. Bipolar is an illness, AD/HD is a brain difference, as is dyslexia and other learning disabilities scattered throughout my 4 girls. They may exhibit poor behavior? But that does not make the diagnosed legitimate disorders into a behavioral problem. They are, quote simply, what they are.

I missed this one = thanks for catching it. . . I agree ADD is a neurobiologic brain difference. Some of us have behavior problems while others do not. . .

Behavior problems would include such maladies as ODD, OCD.


Hey CF and Imnple

Do you think we ran the original poster off?

Some times when the three of us get together on one of these medication bashing threads we tend to engender that response. . .:rolleyes: gee I wonder why?

Hey CF and Imnple

Do you think we ran the original poster off?

Some times when the three of us get together on one of these medication bashing threads we tend to engender that response. . .:rolleyes: gee I wonder why?Gee I dunno, Meadd, ya think maybe its got to do with the fact that 3 intelligent, informed, classy women with a desire to spread accurate information have a tendency to make a lot of sense or something? :D

I suppose I should pity the ones we run off who had good intention? But I don't...I want the truth out there too much for any pity to enter into it.

Seek the truth.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Uniformed ignorance is never an excuse.

And as my aged mother would say: "They listen to idiots like that Tom Cruise". Go Granny Go!

Well a quick look at the site has articles from the fringe...Baughman, Block and Whittaker. There is nothing from any of the real thought leaders in this area of study. Additionally, there are the ever popular links to places like CCHR. Mike Adams' book "Natural Health Solutions" looks like a copy cat of Kevin Treudeau' book, "Natural Cures 'They' Don't Want You to Know About". Since Kevin was banned from his other areas of fraud and found that writing books is considered free speech, others seem to be following.

Natural Health Solutions" looks like a copy cat of Kevin Treudeau' book, "Natural Cures 'They' Don't Want You to Know About". Since Kevin was banned from his other areas of fraud and found that writing books is considered free speech, others seem to be following.


Bad Ideas seem to catch on fast. Sense I am not willing to give up freedom of speech to protect me from people like this I guess my best bet is to engage my brain and research research to make sure it was done my real researchers.

The most succinct explanation of why nutrients / supplements cannot work for treating ADHD was from a neuro developmental pediatrician from the Philadelphia area; that I had the pleasure to be invited to hear, about 3 years ago.

What she said was that nutrients /supplements cannot cross the blood brain barrier to get to the Mesocortical Pathway;which is where Dopamine "travels" through the brain, if you will.

tc
mctavish23
(Robert)

If you give dopamine as a supplement, it can't cross the blood brain barrier, but the dopamine precursors tyrosine and phenylalanine do. But those two are also found in protein-rich food. The body then turns them into dopamine.

Food is the basis for our entire body to function and even exist, and seems to be adequate enough in non-ADDers to provide the dopamine levels they need. Now from all I could find out so far (and I am still new at this, I admit), scientists have not come to an agreement what exactly is different in an ADD brain. Are the dopamine levels too low? Does the firing of the signal not work right? Does the reuptake process work too fast? From what I have found, that is all still debated (please tell me if I'm wrong, like I said, I am still trying to catch up with the literature).

Now if the "only" problem was that there isn't sufficient dopamine, then of course it would make sense to give tyrosine supplements, since they are turned into dopamine by the body. And there is some research that says it helps some adults "transiently". So I am not quite ready yet to dismiss any link between nutrients/supplements and ADHD, but I do think there is a HUGE need for some sound research in the area.

Bremersonne, I am in the process of getting amino-acid (neurotransmitter)therapy you described for my son, since many individuals have posted some great medication-like responses to them. I just have to wait now to get the test results back from the lab, get recommendations and supplements and get him started. I have a post somewhere in the Misc. section on that, and will post there what goes on.

The research on food / nutrients has been ongoing since the 1970's.

To date, there have been no breakthroughs as far as using them for the treatment of ADHD.

There have been some "promising" findings, but nothing in the way of reseach with longitudinal validity & reliability.

The ADHD Handbook : Third Edition (2006) has up to date information.

I read constantly, and there still isn't anything in the way of an accepted clinical treatment,specifically for ADHD.

I do take Omega 3's, however, not as a treatment for ADHD; as they have other health benefits.

tc
mctavish23
(Robert)


P.S.
The neuro developmental pediatrician specifically mentioned L dopa as a prime example of not being able to cross the blood brain barrier and impact dopamine in the Mesocortical pathway.

If you are worried about amino Amino Acids why don't you simply make sure you are eating enough animal protein?


Foods that provide complete protein are meat, chicken, fish, dairy products, and eggs.


Complete protein contains all the essential amino acids the body needs.

Geez don't make a simple thing so bloomin hard {gravy}, Leafy green vegetables are good sources of vitamins and minerals.

Besides you body is designed to ingest nutrients in this manner and because here in the US herbal supplements and vitamins are not regulated then you really do not know what you are getting. At least with prescription medications I do know what I am swallowing. Swallowing the mystery pills doesn't sound like a very safe alternative to me.

The only other treratment I know of for ADD that doesn't include medications is to do what my spouse does for his ADD. He has arranged his entire world to suite his ADD. He is a recovering addict and has an aversion to taking any thing that will alter his mind or mood. When a chain munched his thumb he would not even take pain medictions. . .Ibprofen only period, Okay half his thumb is gone, the doc convienced him to take the perscription just in case. . . Gary never even had it filled he is that serious.

It took me TWO years to convience him to try melatonin for sleep. . . :faint: So Adderall, Ritalin are like not even a consideration for him but he has restrictions and the down sides of his ADD are very obvious . . . . file piles from hell . . . . . :eek:

I also take omega-3's and try to eat more fish, this has greatly decreased my hormone related depressions and have decreased the number of secondary infections caused by allergies {I have had zero this year, last year I got one but began omega-3 supplements in the middle of the season - my average was four} However I still have ADHD.

So to believe I am totally against supplements or natural remedies is to believe we are all being brain washed by our governments {I won't mention the fact that people with ADD are not restricted to the US} I am a firm believer in exercise which may improve consideration but so far it has been found to be a good complementary treatment along side medications how ever it has not been found to be a replacement for medications.

Other than proper nutrition, exercise sleep is another important factor to include because sleep deprivation can decrease the effectiveness of medications and even cause ADD like symptoms in non-ADDers. However even if I sleep 12 hour a day eat right exercise I still have ADD.

Frankly I would rather eat my way to a cure but there is no hard core scientific evidence that this is possible, so I will keep taking my medications and eating. If I munch a cure I will be sure and post it here first. . . . :p

I think this is a dead thread, but I guess I feel that I want to say something. I am ADHD and I choose to not medicate myself. It isn't becuase i think the meds are evil or that they will destroy my brain. I just simply choose to. I feel that I survived 34 years without them and I can go many more. I have the diagnosis and when i get to the point that I need them, i WILL take them. They did come in handy when i was kitchen manager.

I do medicate my sons because I want them to have a better opportunity than me in life. I was hurt by my ADHD and I don't want them hurt like I was. If meds with work by me and my wife are the best route (that docs and writings highly suggest it is) then that is best for my kids.

Paithan,

That was very well said.

Thank you
tc
mctavish23
(Robert)

What he said.

Other than proper nutrition, exercise sleep is another important factor to include because sleep deprivation can decrease the effectiveness of medications and even cause ADD like symptoms in non-ADDers. However even if I sleep 12 hour a day eat right exercise I still have ADD.
You still have your ADD even if you take your medications, right? Since there's no cure I guess we have to do the things that help us deal with it the most.

I thought I read something recently that said excercise can be as effective as meds. in some people and that diet can also play a big part. I'm not saying this is 'fixing' the ADD but it certainly helps me a lot.



"If you give dopamine as a supplement, it can't cross the blood brain barrier, but the dopamine precursors tyrosine and phenylalanine do. But those two are also found in protein-rich food. The body then turns them into dopamine.

Food is the basis for our entire body to function and even exist, and seems to be adequate enough in non-ADDers to provide the dopamine levels they need. Now from all I could find out so far (and I am still new at this, I admit), scientists have not come to an agreement what exactly is different in an ADD brain. Are the dopamine levels too low? Does the firing of the signal not work right? Does the reuptake process work too fast? From what I have found, that is all still debated (please tell me if I'm wrong, like I said, I am still trying to catch up with the literature).

Now if the "only" problem was that there isn't sufficient dopamine, then of course it would make sense to give tyrosine supplements, since they are turned into dopamine by the body. And there is some research that says it helps some adults "transiently". So I am not quite ready yet to dismiss any link between nutrients/supplements and ADHD, but I do think there is a HUGE need for some sound research in the area."


Good post, I was about to mention this. :p


The website the OP posted was ridiculous, I feel sorry for people who get sucked into things like that

OzChris, as you may know, my son and I are on an amino acid supplementation protocol. He tested very very very very low in dopamine. He is the low dopamine poster child! :-) He is also ADHD innattentive. Big surprise??

Any way, the main supplement they gave him to support dopamine levels includes: N-acetylcysteine, Mucuna pruriens bean extract (50% L-Dopa), and N-acetytyrosine.

Also B6 25 mg per "serving"

He is doing really very well on the protocol, very similar to the medicated days.