VOLUME 10, NO.5
NJ ADD/ADHD ADULT NEWSLETTER
ADD ADULT SELF HELP SUPPORT
GROUP
FOR ADD/ADHD ADULTS
AND THEIR SIGNIFICANT OTHERS
MEETING: THE NEXT MEETING OF THE ADD ADULT SELF HELP
SUPPORT GROUP WILL BE ON MAY 26, 2005 AT 7:30 PM AT MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER,
COMMUNITY MEETING ROOM , LONG BRANCH, NJ.
GO TO THE MAIN RECEPTION DESK AND GET DIRECTIONS. THE TOPIC WILL BE: ADD/ADHD SUCCESSES
& FAILURES AS SOURCES OF RESILIENCE & GROWTH OF A SPIRITUAL
DIMENSION. WE WILL EXPLORE THE
POWER OF ACCEPTANCE OF OUR ADD/ADHD.
RESEARCH:
In a research study
by R. Martinussen etal. Meta-Analysis
of Working Memory Impairments in Children with ADHD, J.Am.Acad.Child
Adolesc.Psychiatry, 2005,
44(4): 377-384, it was found that multiple components of working memory were
more basic to the problems of ADDers
than learning disabilities and intellectual ability. Working memory appears to impact learning
more than other ADD problems such as inattention and/or
hyperactivity/impulsivity especially in tasks involving arithmetic problem
solving, reading comprehension, text generation and others. Specific teaching strategies recommended were guided
practice, using cue cards to reduce the load on working memory, external
support systems such as visual cues, checklists, coaching, structure and
others.
Comments: Any method that reduces the demands on working memory will
probably improve learning for ADDers. I
have reviewed other strategies in the past to improve working memory:
Daytimers, Palmpilots, Structure, special computer games, massed practice
sessions, Girl Fridays, helpful spouses, friends, bosses and others can all
influence available working memory in either a positive or negative direction.
RESEARCH:
In a research study
by R.S.Kerns etal., Extensions of
Errorless Learning for Social Problem Solving Deficits..., Am.J.Psychiatry,
2005, 162(3): 513-519, it
was found that errorless learning was a superior learning strategy for social
problem solving.
Comments: In other words when trying to learn social skills in
adolescence or adulthood, it was found more effective to have learning occur without mistakes.
When correcting social skill mistakes, coaches, teachers and others
often use negative statements rather than positive; and, in the social learning
context the negativity may generalize to real life social behaviors. Even if the teacher does not use negative
statements, the student is likely to be self critical, and the criticism of the
students own social behavior may generalize (spread) to real life social
situations.
RESEARCH: In a research study by J.K.Zubieta etal., Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Responses to
Smoking in Tobacco Smokers After Overnight Abstinence, Am.J.Psychiatry, 2005,162(3):567-577, it
was found that smoking affects blood flow in areas of the brain rich in
nicotinic and dopamine receptors as well as areas involved in the rewarding
effects of drugs of abuse.
COMMENTS: Smoking increases extracellular dopamine in the reward
centers of the human brain. The nicotine
effect reaches its maximum in about thirty minutes and declines to half in
about one hour after smoking. It's no
wonder that so many ADDers smoke like chimneys before they get treated for
their ADD. The nicotine is a brain
stimulant with nearly immediate effects.
Most smokers report a calming effect soon after starting a cigarette
because absorption of the nicotine is so fast.
Unfortunately the side effects and financial costs of smoking outweigh
the advantages.
RESEARCH: In a research study by C.VanMeel etal., Motivational Effects on Motor Timing in
AD/HD, J.Am.Acad.Child Adolesc.Psychiatry, 2005,44(5):451-460, it was found that monetary
rewards did not improve motor timing behaviors(including estimating time) in
8-12 year old children with ADHD. The authors concluded that motivation was not
a factor in estimating time or timing behaviors, but rather it was likely a
function of the nervous system of the ADDers.
For example it was suggested that the poor handwriting of many ADDers might
be the result of poor motor timing rather than carelessness, impatience, or
lack of effort.
ADDERALL XR DANGER? In the May 2005 issue of Attitude,
Dr. Steven Pliszka reviewed the data on the Canadian ban of ADDERALL XR. According to the FDA, the frequency of the
problem was the same one would expect in the ADD population who were not
treated with any medication. Also the 12
cases that were the basis of the ban had one of the following problems:
preexisting heart disease, diabetes, a family history of heart rhythm
disturbances, toxic levels of ADDERALL, or severe dehydration from exercising
strenuously in the hot sun.
PEACE!!! Bob
This newsletter is
available free as an email at www.DrLoPresti.com. It is offered to readers only for informational
and educational purposes and does not constitute medical or psychological
advice; always consult your doctor.