VOLUME 9, NO. 3 MARCH 25, 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 MARCH 25, 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: ADHD WAYS TO MANAGE ANXIETY AND IMPROVE WORKING MEMORY.

RESEARCH: In a study by R.M.Roth etal., Contribution of Organization Strategy to Verbal Learning and Memory in Adults with ADHD, Neuropsychology, 2004,18(1):78-84, it was found that problems in verbal learning and working memory in ADHD adults were more related to situational anxiety than to organizational strategies, sustained attention or depression.

COMMENT: This study is very interesting. So much ADHD research seems to imply that ADDers have poor executive functioning that it was a breath of fresh air to see some data that did not support such a deficiency. In a delayed verbal recall measure, the ADDers used as much semantic clustering and organizational strategies as the control “normal” group. So in spite of our ADD and the associated increased amounts of anxiety, depression, and difficulties in sustained attention that we are known to suffer, it was not the executive function deficit that resulted in poorer verbal leaning and memory, but rather the anxiety. The implication is that we need to work more on the management of anxiety to improve our verbal learning and working memory. Some CEOs that I have known, have excellent executive functioning, little anxiety, and a history of ADHD just like their children.

MEDICATION: Most ADDers are unaware that the FDA has long approved of the use of methamphetamine for the treatment of ADHD and obesity. The medication is called Desoxyn (R); it is available in 5 mg tablets. Able Laboratories has gotten FDA approval for the generic from of Desoxyn, which is methamphetamine hydrochloride in 5 mg. tablets.

COMMENTS: One of the reasons you may not have heard about Desoxyn is that its generic form, methamphetamine, has been a drug of abuse particularly in the Midwest and West Coast states. Yet there are responsible individuals with ADHD who are able to use methamphetamine without developing an addiction. Current thinking appears to be that there are other less addictive alternatives for ADHD treatment. Nevertheless, the use of Desoxyn for ADHD remains a legal alternative.

RESEARCH: In a research study by R.Hakkarainen etal., Is Low Dietary Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Associated with Depression?, American J.Psychiatry, 2004, 161(3): 567-569, no correlation was found between dietary Omega-3s and low mood.

COMMENTS: The dietary amounts that these researchers considered in the study were so below minimal amounts of the critical Omega-3 that the findings are disingenuous and ridiculous. The total intake of Omega-3s in the study ranged from 0.47-2.2grams/day. There is considerable research that has already shown the critical amount of just one Omega-3, EPA must be between 1-3grams/day. The effects with bipolar depressed patients were reported to be 9 grams/day. Remember that should EPA supplementation continue to prove as effective as many antidepressants, some drug companies will lose, Billions of Dollars. Much of the advertising and research reported in the American J.Psychiatry is funded by drug companies.

Sources of Omega-3 rich salmon include most canned wild Alaskan salmon; and, frozen salmon from a company found at www.ecofish.com .

Peace!!!

Bob

This newsletter is available 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.