VOLUME 9, NO.2 FEBRUARY 26, 2004

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 FEBRUARY 26, 2004 AT 7:30 PM AT MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER, COMMUNITY MEETING ROOM , LONG BRANCH, NJ. GO TO THE RECEPTION DESK IN THE MAIN LOBBY AND GET DIRECTIONS. THE TOPIC WILL BE: MANAGING SLEEP WHEN YOU HAVE ADHD.

WEBSITE RESOURCE FOR ADHD PARTNERS & SPOUSES: e-mail to: adhdpartner-owner@yahoogroups.com . It’s a CHADD group, but you do not have to be a CHADD member to join. If up have an ADHD partner, you can join. I have not reviewed the site, but it should be good.

RESEARCH: In a research study by A.R. Ridgway etal. The Benefits of Recess for Children with and without ADHD, School Psychology Quarterly, 2003, 18: 253-268, it was reported that behavior of all children in the study deteriorated when recess was eliminated, the effects on the deterioration of behavior was greatest with the ADHD children. Behaviors observed were journal writing, spelling, phonics, handwriting, math, and reading. A category of inappropriate behavior was the most interesting.

COMMENTS: Although this was a very limited study in many respects, the results were dramatic and exactly what I have observed with children of all ages, including adults. It is common for teachers, parents, families, spouses, and employers to expect individuals to give up “recess” particularly when there is any stress such as academic, emotional, behavioral, social, financial, etc. My experience is that inappropriate behaviors increase because of the lack of “recess” (play and exercise).

REPORT: In an article by William Dodson, M.D., Bedtime Battles, Additude, 2004, 4(4):32-36, you will find an article worth reading, www.additudemag.com . The author presents his views and those of several other ADHD “experts” on the relationship between sleep and ADHD. Here are some of the highlights: 1)”Sleep disturbances” will probably be included in the next diagnostic manual for ADHD: 2) The four most common sleep problems of ADDers are: initial insomnia, restless sleep, difficulty waking, and intrusive sleep. 2) Sleep disturbances in ADDers increase with age, and by age 30 more than 70 % of ADDers report taking more than an hour to fall asleep. 3) Sudden episodes of falling asleep are likely due to boredom, and the associated slowing down of stimulation and interesting activities. EEG changes similar to the brain waves of sleep occur when ADDers get bored. 4) ADDers may suffer from problems with the internal circadian clock. Perhaps their clock is never set, and time wanders as we see with individuals suffering from Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome. 5) Problems with the internal clock may account for the ADD experience: “There are two times, NOW AND NOT NOW”. 6) Treatments for the ADDers’ problems in getting to sleep may include: improved “sleep hygiene”, melatonin (1mg), Benedryl (25-50mg,), Periactin, Clonidine (.05-0.1mg), Desyrel (50-100mg) or Remeron (15mg). (DO NOT USE ANY OF THESE TREATMENTS WITHOUT CONSULTING WITH YOUR MEDICAL DOCTOR.) 7) Treatments for waking up include: 1) a two alarm system -- taking stimulant medication after the first alarm, followed by the second alarm an hour later when the nervous system has begun to arouse; 2) a natural sunset/sunrise simulating light system.

Peace!!!

Bob

This newsletter is available as an e-mail 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.