VOLUME 9, NO.5 &6 May & June, 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 JUNE 24, 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 SOCIAL SENSITIVITY AND COPING WITH THE FEAR OF SOCIAL REJECTION.

RESEARCH REVIEW SUMMARY: In a review of research by Canu, W. & Carison, C. ADHD and Social Adaptation from Childhood to Adulthood, The ADHD Report, 2004, 12(2): 1-6, the following main points were made: 1) up to 50% of children with ADHD experience serious peer rejection; 2) when aggression is combined with ADHD, rejection % increases dramatically; 3) ADHD boys may display a positive illusory view of themselves which may interfere with their motivation to change their behaviors; 4) the combination of inattention and dramatic emotional swings over minor issues further complicates relationships and together are factors which can result in loneliness, divorce, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, job instability, and delinquent or antisocial behaviors; 5) stubborn and bossy labels have frequently been given to ADDers; 6) spouse/partner dissatisfaction was associated with four traits: poor task management (remembering what we are told), impulsive speech, inattention to the partner, and emotional outbursts; 7) inattentive ADDers are less attractive to women than non-ADDers; 8) peer rejection in an ADDer’s childhood appears to interfere with adult romantic relationships.

COMMENTS: The value of this research for us is that it gives us information about the troublesome areas in our relationships. Knowing the problems gives us opportunities to do something about them. Our June meeting will deal with some of these issues.

RESEARCH: In a study by A. Charach etal., Stimulant Treatment Over Five Years: Adherence, Effectiveness, and Adverse Effects, J.Am.Acad.Child Adolesc.Psychiatry, 2004:43(5): 559-567, it was reported that children with ADHD studied over a five year period showed continued benefit from the stimulants used (Methylphenidate, Ritalin, Dextroamphetamine, or Pemoline). The measure of effectiveness was teacher reports; the measure of significant side effects was parent reports. The most common problem was loss of appetite.

COMMENTS: This study attempts to answer the question of whether stimulants can continue to remain effective up to five years; and, the qualified answer is yes. However, the side effect of loss of appetite was just as significant as the positive effect.

ALTERNATIVE ADHD TREATMENT? Several ADDers have reported that a vitamin, mineral, herbal, food supplement call Reliv had a dramatic positive effect on their ADHD. They have discontinued their stimulants, Concerta 18mg. As a result I have started a personal trial; I will keep you informed.

Peace!!!

Bob

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