Posted by Stephanie Palmer (158.252.209.211) on July 30, 2002 at 03:59:13:
ADD and ADHD - To choose whether or not to medicate with stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine (Dexedrine, Adderall).
To medicate is a huge decision! There is nothing but conflicting information out on the Internet. Especially convoluted if you are not a doctor, which I am not. I have found ver 200 cases of death in children due to this drug, partially due to dosage control. These deaths have been reported to the FDA. I haven't been satisfied with any of the medical long term studies on these drugs either. Every time I think I find a long term clinical study or trial on these drugs, a group of doctors will stand up and swear that the study was not conducted properly. On top of this, there are many sites on the Internet disputing the use and legality of these drugs. I can tell you there are a low percentage of children who have had serious adverse reactions. Some of these reactions are: seizures, decreased growth, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, violent mood shifts, etc.. Many of these sites refer to these drugs as "Kiddy Cocaine". There does however, seem to be a benefit from these drugs in the treatment of ADHD and ADD in the SHORT TERM studies. Let me stress the word short term here.
How much do we know about the brain? We are just beginning to unravel the human genetic code. How many chemicals do we have in our brains? How do these neurotransmitters work from start to finish? If we start medicating and disturb the natural production of brain chemicals, can we reach normal? How will we know what normal is if we don't completely understand the brain, brain functions, chemicals and transmitters? There are many brilliant doctors out there among us. There has been incredible research conducted. I am in awe of these doctors who have made so much progress on our research of the brain and associated dysfunctions and / or disorders. What do we know? The more we know, the more we find out how much we don't know. So again, to medicate or not, this is the question?
Alternatives. There are many sites and books claiming natural alternatives. I like the sound of these because they stress the word "natural". Is "natural" always safe? No, of course not. Wild poisonous mushrooms are natural and can be deadly. HOWEVER, THERE IS SOME TRUTH TO THESE SITES THAT ARE WORTH IMPLEMENTING! The book, "A.D.D. The natural Approach" by Nina Anderson and Howard Peiper, have outlined many good tips other than just medicated. Below, are just some of their pointers mixed in with my own observation and research. Please buy their book as it is certainly worth the read and there is a bunch of good information in the book that I cannot fit into this posting.
1) Diet! Diet! Diet! We are what we eat is not so far off! Switching to a completely organic diet (very hard to do by the way and expensive but, well worth it.)
2) Lifestyle. Are your children overly stimulated by TV, video games, etc..? Put heavy limits on these activities. Do you have interesting learning devices and media accessible? Microscope, chemistry sets, computer, books of all types, erector sets, etc..
3) Exercise. Children should be getting much more exercise than our schools or many day programs provide. As a parent when you come home from work - go for a bike ride, walk, jog, play basketball, play soccer, or do something to burn energy with your child. It will be good for you and your child. I believe that many children are improperly diagnosed with ADD or ADHD do to the fact that they are normal, healthy, growing children and just need a place to expend some extra stored energy.
4) Learning Environment. Are they in an environment that makes learning focussed and enjoyable? Are there visual and / or sound distractions around the child? If so remove them from the area. Sometimes sounds are hard to remove. Some children benefit from ear plugs. Other children, need background sound such as music or something rhythmic. ( I used to fight with my mother over this to no end and today still, I need some form of music in my ears to work effectively.) As a parent experimentation may prove fruitful in finding your child's perfect environment. Mostly, look at the curriculum, the teaching style and the school. There are many different teaching methods and styles. Many ADD and ADHD children benefit from a hands on approach. I personally believe most people learn more effectively with hands on approach, however our public school systems haven't quite figured this out. If your child is struggling in school, try to find solutions to assist your child. Maybe give some of your time to the class to provide some of this hands on learning yourself. There are many sites which speak of your rights as a parent as an advocate for your child in the public school system specifically within the IEP meetings and the type of modifications and technology assistance rights (computers, etc.).
5) Trace minerals. We do not get enough trace minerals in our society any more. We can remedy this by taking crystalloid mineral supplements. They are not worth taking unless they are crystalloid, this helps them absorb through the cell walls.
6) Essential Fatty Acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6) are very important. Flax meal is also another good source which children don't seem to mind.
7) Proanthocyanidins! This is an antioxidant, and found in many foods. You can get this directly and effectively through Grape Seed Extract.
8) Herbs and amino acids. These can affect the way neurotransmitters function. I am going to refer you to the book again here as the authors have explained in great detail. I think that these can be very effective. Again, I am worried about tampering with the balance of chemicals of our brains.
So, my personal recommendation it to try steps 1 - 7 and if your child is still too ADD or ADHD to be successful in school or in the home then under professional advice look into the herbs and amino acids. If all of these fail, then look to the stimulant drugs. But please research and educate yourself on the therapies, the doctors, and the alternatives. DO NOT GO TO JUST ONE DOCTOR! This type of decision needs many professional opinions from highly respected doctors.
This is your child's body and your child's brain, the most precious priority in you life, so choose wisely.