VOLUME 7, NO.12 DECEMBER 19, 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 December 19, 2002 at 7:30 pm at Monmouth Medical Center, Room 214 Stanley, Long Branch, NJ. Go to the reception desk in the main lobby and get directions. The topic will be: ADD VOCATIONS/JOBS.RESEARCH:
In a study by P.W.Schenk, Psy.D., Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) Masked by the ADHD Symptoms, The ADHD Report, 2002, 10(5): 1-7, it was reported that a dissociative identity disorder (formerly Multiple Personality Disorder) can appear as ADHD with the same symptoms. Some of the most common critical self statements made by these individuals are: I have very few headaches (False); I have had blank spells in which my activities were interrupted and I did not know what was going on around me. (True); I have nightmares every few nights. (True). History frequently reveals the following: sexual or physical abuse by multiple abusers at an early age; sudden headache onset even migraines; frequent nightmares; periodic dread of going to sleep; acting so differently several times a week that one feels like two different people. Treatment for DID includes a different therapy than commonly used for ADDers.COMMENT:
If you have had a childhood history of multiple episodes of sexual abuse, or multiple severe traumas in childhood, and you have been diagnosed with ADHD, you might consider returning to the professional(s) who diagnosed ADHD, and asking them to screen for DID. A test for DID that I frequently use is called the DES-II; it can be completed in twenty minutes. Children in specialized schools may need to be screened for DID if they have been diagnosed with ADHD and have a history of severe abuse.HOLIDAY MOOD:
In a recent article in PSYCHOLOGY TODAY'S BLUES BUSTER,2002, 2(11):1-2, the relationship between love and depression was explored. The view expressed was that "Love is probably the best antidepressant there is--because one of the most common sources of depression is feeling unloved." During the first six months of a relationship we often experience what's called "limerance" or deep infatuation; later love can develop. Love can be viewed as an act of the will. Good communication is a skill that promotes trust and intimacy. Focusing on what your partner really needs, rather than on what you're getting can help as long as you make sure that you have adequate self care skills.In two articles in THE SINATRA HEALTH REPORT, 2002, 8(10 &12): the following foods were suggested as ways to improve mood by improving brain function: To increase beta-endorphins exercise is probably the best non-food treatment, but to increase these substances your brain needs certain nutrients and the avoidance of alcohol. To increase serotonin try foods rich in tryptophan such as turkey, avocado, almonds, eggs and Swiss cheese; to increase dopamine consider chicken, duck, cottage cheese, DHA fortified eggs, wheat germ and 75-100mg of an herb (Rhodiola rosea). Sources of phenylalanine include soybean protein isolate, peanut flour, spirulina, soybean flour, dried and salted cod, Parmesan cheese, almond meal; to increase GABA and inositol consider oatmeal, whole grains, beans, cantaloupe, nuts, oranges, and wheat bran; to increase acetylcholine take lecithin granules and consider DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) which converts choline to acetylcholine. DMAE is found in anchovies and sardines. Fish oil supplements if screened for heavy metals can also be helpful unless you can obtain wild deep sea fish that have no heavy metals or other toxins in them.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! PEACE!!!
Bob
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