VOLUME 7, NO.10 OCTOBER 24, 2002

NJ ADD/AD/HD 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 October 24, 2002 at 7:30 pm at Monmouth Medical Center, Room 214 Stanley (NOTICE THIS IS A DIFFERENT ROOM), Long Branch, NJ. Go to the reception desk in the main lobby and get directions. The topic will be:Complementary Treatments for ADD/ADHD.

Report: In a report by Andrew Weil, MD., My Take on ADHD, Prevention Magazine, 2002, 54(11): 106-109, this famous Harvard University Professor talked about some complementary treatment considerations for ADHD besides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Social Skills Training, and, Support Groups. He suggests that diet in certain cases may play a role particularly if there are allergies. Consider working with an allergist; try a food elimination diet; and, certainly consider eliminating junk food "candy, soda, fast food, processed foods, artificial colors, and the like." Dr. Weil suggests considering these supplements 1) Probiotics such as Lactobacillus; 2) Omega-3-Fats DHA and EPA which are found to be at subnormal levels in ADDers. Sources include salmon, albacore tuna, Neuramins DHA chewables or walnuts; 3) Vitamins and minerals particularly with adequate magnesium and iron. "Iron-deficiency anemia can produce symptoms that resemble those of ADHD." He cautions that these supplements are not proven to help ADHD, but they cannot hurt, and, could be very beneficial. He also comments that there are two other treatments worth noting: "EEG Neurofeedback" (a way to teach people to control their brain waves); and, homeopathy from a qualified practitioner. Comment: Dr.Weil is highly regarded in the alternative and complementary medicine field. It was with some joy that I read his "Take on ADHD". You might read the article. He is not suggesting that medication can be disregarded in all cases, but before medications are tried, some of these alternatives might be considered. Of course some of these suggestions may improve on the effects of medications, as regular readers of this newsletter are aware. Thank you Dr.Weil!!!

Research: In a research article by M.Kryger etal. Low Body Iron Stores and Restless Legs Syndrome in Adolescents, Sleep Medicine, 2002, 3:127-132, it was reported that in three cases of restless legs syndrome (at sleep onset), where there were low iron stores, but not enough to cause anemia, supplemental iron therapy greatly improved the restless legs. In one case the leg movements also decreased while awake. Two of the cases had ADHD and narcolepsy. The authors comment that iron is a cofactor in the conversion of tyrosine to dopamine in the brain. We know the importance of dopamine in ADHD. Without iron, dopamine is going to be compromised and ADHD symptoms are likely to increase. Comments: I hate to be repetitive, but science is about being able to reliably reproduce results. ADDers frequently complain of restless legs at bedtime and during the day. The iron levels can be in the low normal range when symptoms can appear. Beware that too much iron can be harmful. You must work with your medical doctor, pediatrician or nutritionist on this issue.

Research: In a research project by J.Norvititis etal., Courtesy stigma in mothers of children with AD/HD: A preliminary investigation, J. Attention Disorders, 2002, 6(2):61-68, it was reported that ADDers' mothers expect that other parents will have a negative attitude about their children's ADD diagnosis. The results of the research suggested that the ADD mothers felt the stigma (stigma by association) of their children's diagnosis and expected a negative attitude from strangers. Yet the negative attitude was not there in general. The ADD mothers did report receiving more negative comments from acquaintances and strangers, but received an equal number of positive comments as the mothers without ADD children. The ADDers' mothers got more criticism for their parenting from their spouses, in-laws and family of origin than from others. Comment: Mothers of ADDers often feel stigmatized by their children's ADD diagnosis. In my experience this stigma lasts into old age. Many of the ADD adults report that their mothers are very sensitive to their ADD diagnosis. There are many possible reasons for the sensitivity. Our role as savvy ADDers may require us to be especially sensitive, caring and empathic to ADD mothers including our mothers and the mothers of our ADD children.

This ADD NEWSLETTER is available as a free subscription at www.DrLoPresti.com Peace!!! Bob