VOLUME 8, NO.10
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
MEDICATION NEWS. Metadate, methylphenidate,
originally called Ritalin is now available in new dose strengths, 10 and 30 mg,
as well as the original 20 mg strength.
It acts like you have taken Ritalin twice a day about four hours apart. Wellbutrin XL, extended release tablets
(150 and 300 mg), is available for once-a-day use. The slow release mechanism is accomplished with
a two layered tablet coating. Wellbutrin
works on dopamine and norepinephrine. Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts make
up Wellbutrin. RESEARCH:
In a research study by S. Akhondzadeh, et al., Selegiline in the treatment
of ADD in children: a double blind and randomized trial. Progress in
Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, 2003:27:841-845,
it was found that this B MAOI medication which is metabolized to amphetamine
and methamphetamine, was in many ways more effective
than methylphenidate (Ritalin). The
children taking the Selegiline had fewer side effects, and fewer quit taking
the medication altogether. So we have
another non-stimulant medication for ADD.
The authors conclude that Selegiline should be considered if the ADDer
doesn’t respond well or tolerate stimulants. See your doctor about this option. RESEARCH: In a research
study by H. Niederhofer: An open trial of buspirone (BuSpar) in the treatment
of ADD. Human Psychopharmacology, 2003, 18:
489-492, Italian adults with ADHD received 40 mg/day of BuSpar for 4
weeks. Wender-Utah ADHD scores were
significantly decreased. There were some
improvements in social behaviors and frustration tolerance. There was initial sleepiness in some for
about the first two weeks. The authors
suggest that BuSpar may be another non-stimulant treatment for ADHD. It is a serotonergic agonist that also
affects the dopamine system.
RESEARCH: In a research
study by A. Montgomery et al., Reduction of Brain Dopamine Concentration with Dietary Tyrosine Plus
Phenylalanine Depletion: An [11C] Raclopride PET Study, in American Journal of Psychiatry, 2003, 160 (10):
1887-1889, it was demonstrated with
direct evidence that a dietary manipulation could change extracellular
dopamine. COMMENT:
Although this study involved a decrease in dopamine, the attention
neurotransmitter, it was one of the first human studies to show directly that
diet can specifically alter brain levels of dopamine. Animal studies demonstrated this in the
1970s.
RESEARCH: In a research
study by Su K, Huang S, Chiu C, Shen W: Omega-3 fatty acids in major
depressive disorder: a preliminary double-blind, placebo controlled trial, European Neuropsychopharmacology, 2003, 13: 267-271, it was found that in patients who
did not respond to antidepressants for their depression, a significant number
responded well to omega-3 supplements.
The patients continued on their antidepressant medications that
weren’t working, and added 5 capsules twice a day of omega-3 fatty acids.
Each capsule contained 440 mg of EPA and 220 mg of DHA. At four weeks there were significant
differences between the experimental and control groups.
COMMENTS: This is one of
many studies now showing significant effects of EPA on depression, anxiety,
OCD, irritability, and even autism. We
are experiencing a major revolution in treatment of many psychiatric
symptoms. The major point is that our
diets have contributed to many of our problems. There are villages, countries, and various
groups of people who do not experience depression at all. Dietary differences appear to be the major
reason.
BOOK REVIEW: The pioneering
book written in the 1970s and discounted by the “establishment” is
still available and I recommend it highly.
It is Ben F. Feingold, M.D. Why Your Child Is Hyperactive, 1975, Random
House,
PEACE!!!
Bob
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