ADHDNews Blog!

Caffeine and ADHD

When it comes to ADHD, many parents don’t want to medicate so they will try almost any thing as an alternative. Not knowing the full effects, caffeine is not always the best alternative to choose. Most don’t know the about the effects and withdraws caffeine has. In a study conducted by researcher Roland Griffiths, PhD, professor of psychiatry and neuroscience at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine the phenomenon of caffeine withdrawal is real and when people don't get their usual dose, they can suffer from a range of withdrawal symptoms. Those symptoms include a headache that can be moderate to severe and that lasts up to 14 days, (the most common symptom) which affects at least of 50% of people; fatigue or drowsiness; "unhappy" mood, depression, or irritability; difficulty concentrating; and/or flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, and stiffness. Dr. Griffiths says the onset of these symptoms start within 12 to 24 hours of after stopping caffeine usage. Approximately one in eight people find the with drawls be so severe that they even interfere with their ability to function and do their daily tasks.
Dr. Johns Hopkins' Griffiths has reviewed numerous studies that showed caffeine can generate many features of addiction in the manner of classic drugs of abuse, but at milder levels.
Large amounts of caffeine consumptions can provoke heart attacks and is associated with hand tremors. APA Div. 43 (Family) President Terence Patterson, University of San Francisco says caffeine can stimulate immature neurological systems beyond children's capability to tolerate it, which can have serious effects. Excessive caffeine use damages the attention capacity that children need to collaborate while interacting with family, while playing and in school environments. Terence Patterson says, “Children who haphazardly consume caffeine are at risk for going through alternating cycles of withdrawal and stimulation.”

]]> Other symptoms of caffeine uses are disorientation, twitching, recurrent headaches and gastrointestinal disturbances. Caffeine in assorted forms are more potent for children and give them greater amounts of the alertness, anxiety, nervousness and insomnia when compared to adults because caffeine’s effects are dependent on the weight of the user.

Caffeine Levels Commonly Drank Beverages:
* Coffee, 8 oz cup has 135 mg
* Instant coffee, 8 oz cup has 95 mg
* Espresso, 1 oz shot has 50 mg
* Tea, 8 oz cup has 60 mg
* Green Tea, 8 oz cup has 35 mg
* Coca-cola, 12 oz has 35 mg
* Diet Coke, 12 oz has 45 mg
* Mountain Dew, 12 oz has 55 mg
* Pepsi cola, 12 oz has 37 mg
* Red Bull, 8.5 oz has 80 mg
* Pain Relievers such as Excedrin, Bayer max strength, Midol have around 60 to 65 mg

Keeping in mind the amount of caffeine in your favorite beverage, here is a bit of information you might find rather interesting. 100 mg of caffeine is equivalent to 5 mg of Ritalin; 270 mg of caffeine is equivalent to 10 mg of methylphenidate.

by Margo Richter

Sources:
Roland Griffiths, PhD, professor of psychiatry and neuroscience at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine: Psychopharmacology; President Terence Patterson, University of San Francisco; http://www.singhania-children-clinic.com/index.html

VYVANSE® (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) Now Available in U.S. Pharmacies Nationwide

VYVANSE® (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) Now Available in U.S. Pharmacies Nationwide in Six Dosage Strengths, Allowing Physicians to Titrate to Achieve Optimal Efficacy and Tolerability in Children and Adults with ADHD

Within the first year of its availability in the United States, VYVANSE has achieved widespread formulary coverage and more than 2 million prescriptions have been filled to date

Basingstoke, U.K. and Philadelphia, PA – August 26, 2008 – Shire Limited (LSE: SHP, NASDAQ: SHPGY), the global specialty biopharmaceutical company, has announced that VYVANSE is now available in U.S. pharmacies nationwide in three additional dosage strengths, bringing the total number to six: 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, and 70 mg. The expanded VYVANSE dosing options will allow physicians to individualize treatment for each patient. VYVANSE, which received FDA approval for the treatment of ADHD in children in 2007, was also recently approved to treat ADHD in adults.

VYVANSE is the first prodrug stimulant approved to treat ADHD and was shown to provide consistent delivery of active medication from patient to patient. In clinical studies of VYVANSE in children and adults, VYVANSE showed significant improvement in the core ADHD symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity. In children, VYVANSE demonstrated significant efficacy throughout the day, even at 6pm, as reported by parents.

VYVANSE Has Nationwide Formulary Coverage

Since the availability of VYVANSE a year ago to treat children with ADHD, VYVANSE has achieved a U.S. market share of more than 8 percent based on weekly branded prescription volume, with an average second quarter 2008 market share of 7.4 percent. VYVANSE formulary coverage has been positive; the top six managed care plans now cover the product in a preferred formulary position, and as of June 30, 2008, Shire has executed agreements with nine of the top 11 managed care organizations. At a national level, more than 92 percent of VYVANSE prescriptions are approved without restrictions (which means without requiring any additional steps from the doctor or patient), and VYVANSE has a competitive copay among covered formulary plans.

ADHD May Affect Adults in All Aspects of Daily Life

Although many people tend to think of ADHD as a childhood problem, up to 65 percent of children with ADHD may still exhibit symptoms into adulthood. The disorder is estimated to affect 4.4 percent of U.S. adults aged 18-44 based on results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication, a nationally representative household survey, which used a lay-administered diagnostic interview to assess a wide range of DSM-IV disorders. When this percentage is extrapolated to the full U.S. population, approximately 9.8 million adults are believed to have ADHD.

“The prevalence of ADHD is concerning to the medical community. ADHD may affect adults in their professional life, social life, and relationships,” said Greg Mattingly, M.D., associate clinical professor at the department of psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Mo. “VYVANSE is a recently approved ADHD treatment option for the adult population. In a clinical study with adults, VYVANSE was shown, within the first week, to significantly improve ADHD symptoms, inattention, such as the ability to focus and organize, and hyperactivity and impulsivity, such as restlessness, and interrupting.”

VYVANSE is a therapeutically inactive prodrug, in which d-amphetamine is covalently bonded to l-lysine, and after oral ingestion it is converted to pharmacologically active d-amphetamine. The conversion of VYVANSE to d-amphetamine is not affected by gastrointestinal pH and is unlikely to be affected by alterations in normal GI transit times.

Additional information about VYVANSE and Full Prescribing Information are available at www.vyvanse.com.

For further information please contact:

Mindy Greene

212-601-8330

917-653-6134 (mobile)

Mindy.Greene@porternovelli.com

Jacelyn Seng

212-601-8385

917-392-0756 (mobile)

Jacelyn.Seng@porternovelli.com

About VYVANSE®

Vyvanse is indicated for the treatment of ADHD. Efficacy based on two controlled trials in children aged 6 to 12 and one controlled trial in adults.

Tell the doctor about any heart conditions, including structural abnormalities, that you, your child, or a family member, may have. Inform the doctor immediately if you or your child develops symptoms that suggest heart problems, such as chest pain or fainting.

Vyvanse should not be taken if you or your child has advanced disease of the blood vessels (arteriosclerosis); symptomatic heart disease; moderate to severe high blood pressure; overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism); known allergy or unusual reactions to drugs called sympathomimetic amines (for example, pseudoephedrine); seizures; glaucoma; a history of problems with alcohol or drugs; agitated states; taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the last 14 days.

Tell the doctor before taking Vyvanse if you or your child is being treated for or has symptoms of depression (sadness, worthlessness, or hopelessness) or bipolar disorder; has abnormal thought or visions, hears abnormal sounds, or has been diagnosed with psychosis; has had seizures or abnormal EEGs; has or has had high blood pressure; exhibits aggressive behavior or hostility. Tell the doctor immediately if you or your child develops any of these conditions or symptoms while taking Vyvanse.

Abuse of amphetamines may lead to dependence. Misuse of amphetamine may cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular adverse events. These events have also been reported rarely with amphetamine use.

Vyvanse was generally well tolerated in clinical studies. The most common side effects reported in studies of Vyvanse were: children – decreased appetite, difficulty falling asleep, stomachache, and irritability; adult – decreased appetite, difficulty falling asleep, and dry mouth.

Aggression, new abnormal thoughts/behaviors, mania, growth suppression, worsening of motion or verbal tics, and Tourette’s syndrome have been associated with use of drugs of this type. Tell the doctor if you or your child has blurred vision while taking Vyvanse.

About ADHD

ADHD is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. Approximately 7.8 percent of all school-aged children, or about 4.4 million U.S. children aged 4 to 17 years, have been diagnosed with ADHD at some point in their lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The disorder is also estimated to affect 4.4 percent of U.S. adults aged 18-44 based on results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication, a nationally representative household survey, which used a lay-administered diagnostic interview to access a wide range of DSM-IV disorders. When this percentage is extrapolated to the full U.S. population, approximately 9.8 million adults are believed to have ADHD. ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that manifests as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development. To be properly diagnosed with ADHD, a child needs to demonstrate at least six of nine symptoms of inattention; and/or at least six of nine symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity; the onset of which appears before age 7 years; that some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g., at school and home); that the symptoms continue for at least six months; and that there is clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning and the symptoms cannot be better explained by another psychiatric disorder.

Although there is no “cure” for ADHD, there are accepted treatments that specifically target its symptoms. The most common standard treatments include educational approaches, psychological, or behavioral modification, and medication.

SHIRE LIMITED

Shire’s strategic goal is to become the leading specialty biopharmaceutical company that focuses on meeting the needs of the specialist physician. Shire focuses its business on attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), human genetic therapies (HGT) and gastrointestinal (GI) diseases as well as opportunities in other therapeutic areas to the extent they arise through acquisitions. Shire’s in-licensing, merger and acquisition efforts are focused on products in specialist markets with strong intellectual property protection and global rights. Shire believes that a carefully selected and balanced portfolio of products with strategically aligned and relatively small-scale sales forces will deliver strong results.

For further information on Shire, please visit the Company’s website: www.shire.com.

"SAFE HARBOR" STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

Statements included herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time. In the event such risks or uncertainties materialize, the Company’s results could be materially affected. The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks associated with: the inherent uncertainty of pharmaceutical research, product development, manufacturing and commercialization including, but not limited to, the establishment in the market of VYVANSE® (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (“ADHD”)); the impact of competitive products, including, but not limited to, the impact of those on the Company’s ADHD franchise; patents, including but not limited to, legal challenges relating to the Company’s ADHD franchise; government regulation and approval, including but not limited to the expected product approval date of INTUNIV™ (guanfacine extended release) (ADHD); the Company’s ability to secure new products for commercialization and/or development; the Company’s proposed offer for Jerini AG, including but not limited to, the Company’s ability to successfully complete the offer and integrate Jerini AG, as well as realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition; and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

###

ADHD Brains Might Need More Growing Time

The causes of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD, have left the Scientists divided. ADHD affects approximately 3 to 5 percent of school-age children. The different opinions in the scientific community say that it is a developmental delay, while others in the scientific community will argue that the brains of ADHD children are abnormal from birth. But, one big puzzle remains common: Some, but not all, ADHD children seem to "grow out" of the disorder, which can cause restlessness, inattention, and difficulty focusing. This fascinating new finding by researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health, reported in the November 12, 2007 issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, has now suggested that almost half of the children with ADHD, the troubling symptoms they experience in childhood could be a result simply of slower—but otherwise normal—maturation of the brain.
Judith Rapoport; one of the coauthors of the study and chief of the child psychology branch at the National Institute of Mental Health; has pioneered efforts to study the relationship between brain structure and mental disorders. In an interview with Mrs. Judith Rapoport, U.S. News asked her what should anxious parents make of these findings. Rapoport cautions that this research is in the early stages. “The delays, which put areas of the brain used in higher order decision making behind schedule by an average of three years, were most evident in areas at the front of the brain's outer covering, or cortex, that house the ability to control thinking, attention, and planning. In some of the children and teens with ADHD, the brain regions reached peak thickness when the children averaged 10.5 years old, compared with 7.5 in children without ADHD,” says Rapoport.
U.S. News asked “You’ve been studying children's brains for almost 20 years to figure out how they develop, and have done MRI brain scans of healthy children, hyperactive children, and some children with mental illnesses like schizophrenia. You say you're very excited about this latest finding. How come?”
Mrs. Rapoport reported, “In our earlier studies, we just looked at brain development, measuring the change in volume in gray matter in children with ADHD and in typically developing children. The results were similar, but they focused only on the size of brain's lobes, which are relatively large. In this latest study, we were able to use new technology and measure the thickness of 40,000 different points in the cortex, each at a different point in the brain. We were then able to follow how that thickness changed over time in 446 children and adolescents [223 with ADHD and 223 controls]. The brain matures from back to front, with very basic things like vision developing first, at the back. When you plot how those brain areas change over time, you end up with a movie that looks like a wave, moving from back to front. We looked at these movies and said, "Oh, my God!" This is what we'd missed in [studying the] lobes, this ripple with a three-year lag. The hyperactivity group was delayed anywhere between two and three years.”
U.S. News asked, “The lateral prefrontal cortex is in the front of the brain, and that's what you saw developing most slowly in the ADHD kids. What does that area of the brain do?” “These are some of the last brain functions to mature. There are some intellectual functions, such as the ability to suppress inappropriate actions and thoughts, focus attention, remember things from moment to moment, and control movement. It may have to do with overall organization. Deficits in all these functions have been associated with ADHD,” said Rapoport.
When asked what does this mean for children who are diagnosed with ADHD?
Mrs. Rapoport said that for some kids, it looks like they're "growing out of it," which is what the grandmothers of kids with ADHD have been saying all along. She said there is very soft data does suggest that the kids who have “later brain maturation” are these "good outcome" kids. The other half are dissimilar.
She went on to say, “It makes sense for two separate reasons. Some of the kids in truth do grow out of ADHD. That's part of why ADHD is such a controversial diagnosis. Every clinician knows somebody who in third grade was always in the principal's office and always in trouble. That kid ends up going to Harvard. All of our biological studies suggest there are subgroups of kids with ADHD who have different-than-normal processes going on in their brains. This may be the most benign one. With other subgroups, the kids may get better because certain parts of the brain get larger to create an alternative intelligence system. They're not the ones who grow out of it. The next step is to connect this to outcomes. That will take us at least two years.”
When she was asked what she would say if I were the parent of a kid with ADHD, what would you tell me to do about this new information?
She said, “If I were a parent, I wouldn't do anything different now, except I would say, "Geez, they're really starting to understand there are different kinds of ADHD."
“ADHD is really complicated. There are very likely several different subgroups of the disorder. Maybe in five years, we might have a test based on this. Then we would be able to know, are kids going to grow out of it or not? But parents shouldn't rush to pay to get a scan of their kid. It won't tell us anything now.”

From http://health.usnews.com
Margo Richter
December 9, 2007

Vyvanse Available in Pharmacies

Shire's New ADHD medication, VYVANSE™ (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) Now Available in U.S. Pharmacies Nationwide
Clinical study demonstrated efficacy until 6pm; May be of interest to mothers of children with ADHD

Philadelphia, PA– July 27, 2007– Shire plc (LSE: SHP, NASDAQ: SHPGY, TSX: SHQ) announced today that VYVANSE (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), a new once-daily medication approved to treat the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is now available in U.S. pharmacies nationwide. In a clinical study, VYVANSE provided consistent ADHD symptom control throughout the day based upon parent reports in the morning (approximately 10am), afternoon (approximately 2pm), and early evening (approximately 6pm). This may be of interest to mothers of children with ADHD based on a recent survey of 121 mothers of ADHD children aged 6 to 12 years, in which 60 percent of mothers reported that their child’s ADHD medication stopped working before 6pm and 40 percent reported that their child’s ADHD medication stopped working before 4pm.

"VYVANSE was shown in clinical studies to provide physicians with a treatment option for ADHD that offers consistent and effective control of ADHD symptoms throughout the day for up to 12 hours, from morning through homework and family time," said Frank A. López, M.D., of the Children’s Developmental Center in Winter Park, Fla. "Consistent symptom control throughout the day is important because kids have homework and after-school activities that require the same concentration and focus needed during the school day."

This new ADHD medication, VYVANSE, works with the patient's natural metabolism to deliver active medication and significantly improves core ADHD symptoms of inattention (e.g. focus, listening to, and following instructions) and behavior (hyperactivity and impulsivity).

"I know that my son, Kevin, has unique talents and abilities. When his ADHD symptoms were consistently controlled throughout the day, others could see the wonderful, talented boy that I see," said Rachel May, mother of Kevin Dixon, Jr. "After my son started taking VYVANSE in a clinical trial, I saw a difference in Kevin within the first week; others saw it, too."

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved VYVANSE on February 23, 2007. VYVANSE is now available in retail pharmacies in 30 mg, 50 mg and 70 mg dosage strengths.

About VYVANSE
In the phase III, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study, all three doses of VYVANSE demonstrated significant improvements in ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS-IV) scores compared with placebo (P <.0001) after four weeks of once-daily treatment. ADHD-RS-IV is a standardized, validated test for assessing symptoms of ADHD in children and for assessing their response to treatment. The effects were maintained throughout the day based on parent ratings reported at approximately 10 am, 2 pm, and 6 pm using the Connors' Parent Rating Scale (CPRS). The CPRS rates a child's behavior at home and in other environments where the parent has the opportunity to observe the child. The most common side effects reported in this study were decreased appetite, difficulty falling asleep, stomachache, and irritability.

Additional information about VYVANSE, Full Prescribing Information, and Medication Guide are available at www.vyvanse.com.

About ADHD
Approximately 7.8 percent of all school-age children, or about 4.4 million U.S. children aged 4 to 17 years, have been diagnosed with ADHD at some point in their lives, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ADHD is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that manifests as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development. To be properly diagnosed with ADHD, a child needs to demonstrate at least six of nine symptoms of inattention; and/or at least six of nine symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity; the onset of which appears before age 7 years; that some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g., at school and home); that the symptoms continue for at least six months; and that there is clinically significant impairment in social, academic or occupational functioning and the symptoms cannot be better explained by another psychiatric disorder.

Although there is no "cure" for ADHD, there are accepted treatments that specifically target its symptoms. The most common standard treatments include educational approaches, psychological or behavioral modification, and medication.

For further information on Shire please contact:
Media: Matthew Cabrey (North America), +1 484 595 8248
Jessica Mann (Rest of the World), +44 1256 894 280

Investor Relations: Eric Rojas (North America), +1 484 595 8252
Cléa Rosenfeld (Rest of the World), +44 1256 894 160

Important Safety Information
Tell the doctor about any heart conditions, including structural abnormalities, that you, your child, or a family member, may have. Inform the doctor immediately if your child develops symptoms that suggest heart problems, such as chest pain or fainting.

VYVANSE should not be taken if your child has advanced disease of the blood vessels (arteriosclerosis); symptomatic heart disease; moderate to severe high blood pressure; overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism); known allergy or unusual reactions to drugs called sympathomimetic amines (for example, pseudoephedrine); seizures; glaucoma; a history of problems with alcohol or drugs; agitated states; taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the last 14 days.

Tell the doctor before taking VYVANSE if your child is being treated for or has symptoms of depression (sadness, worthlessness, or hopelessness) or bipolar disorder; has abnormal thought or visions, hears abnormal sounds, or has been diagnosed with psychosis; has had seizures or abnormal EEGs; has or has had high blood pressure; exhibits aggressive behavior or hostility. Tell the doctor immediately if your child develops any of these conditions or symptoms while taking VYVANSE.

Abuse of amphetamines may lead to dependence. Misuse of amphetamine may cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular adverse events. These events have also been reported rarely with amphetamine use.

VYVANSE was generally well tolerated in clinical studies. The most common side effects reported in studies of VYVANSE were decreased appetite, difficulty falling asleep, stomachache, and irritability.
Aggression, new abnormal thoughts/behaviors, mania, growth suppression, worsening of motion or verbal tics, and Tourette's syndrome have been associated with use of drugs of this type. Tell the doctor if your child has blurred vision while taking VYVANSE.

Shire plc
Shire’s strategic goal is to become the leading specialty biopharmaceutical company that focuses on meeting the needs of the specialist physician. Shire focuses its business on ADHD, human genetic therapies (HGT), gastrointestinal (GI) and renal diseases. The structure is sufficiently flexible to allow Shire to target new therapeutic areas to the extent opportunities arise through acquisitions. Shire believes that a carefully selected portfolio of products with a strategically aligned and relatively small-scale sales force will deliver strong results.

Shire’s focused strategy is to develop and market products for specialty physicians. Shire’s in-licensing, merger and acquisition efforts are focused on products in niche markets with strong intellectual property protection either in the US or Europe.

For further information on Shire, please visit the Company's website: www.shire.com.

"SAFE HARBOR" STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
Statements included herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time. In the event such risks or uncertainties materialize, Shire's results could be materially affected. The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks associated with: the inherent uncertainty of pharmaceutical research, product development, manufacturing and commercialization; the impact of competitive products, including, but not limited to the impact of those on Shire’s Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder ("ADHD") franchise; patents, including but not limited to, legal challenges relating to Shire’s ADHD franchise; government regulation and approval, including but not limited to the expected product approval date of INTUNIV™ (guanfacine) extended release (ADHD); Shire’s ability to secure new products for commercialization and/or development; Shire's ability to benefit from its acquisition of New River Pharmaceuticals Inc.; the successful development of JUVISTA® (human TGFâ3) and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in Shire plc's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, particularly Shire plc’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

ADHD Story

As a child, I always knew I was different. Making friends was actually VERY easy for me, it was the keeping them that was a hard part. I was pretty, smart, funny and amazingly outgoing. The outgoing part was not actually “outgoing”, though. It was overcompensating for my downfalls. People called thought that I was naturally happy, when I was naturally scared of rejection. I had 2 friends that took me close and one that kept me that way, to this day. I would talk NON stop and that was seen to others as disruptive and over eager, when it was not. It was a sign of nervousness and low self esteem. People that do not have adhd see us ADHDers as odd ducks out of water and misconstrue us as the complete opposite of what we really are.

By the 6th grade, I felt compared to my sister, who is 18 months older than me. I felt VERY discouraged that I could not make the grades as well as she could. She was so smart and driven it just made me ashamed of my self. I still hear my parents saying “Why can’t you be more like your sister”? I know they meant it in a good way, but to me what I heard was “you’re not good enough”. I have never told any one that. I now know they were not saying that, and I would NEVER tell them that, for the pain it would cause them. By the time I was in the 9th grade, studying was a struggle. I would scrape by the skin on my hide to pass, but that’s about it. I would just say I was “not college material”. So, I could just justify my non-ability to study and make good grades to get into a college. Back in the late 1980s adhd was just a term used for “bad” kids. I did self medicate with alcohol. I ended up dating an older boy that was trouble. He was older; therefore he could get me booze. Funny how that worked. I needed to booze to feel normal, so the older guy got it for me. My parents just thought I was bad and trouble. They didn’t know about adhd. If they knew then what they know now, they would have been able to help me. But, in that time, people didn’t talk about adhd, hell, most didn’t know what it was or even that there was a treatment for it. When I was a senior in high school, I had just about spent my entire high school career with a jack ass that was abusive and called me fat, mind you I weighed 90 pounds with a 38 bust, 24 waste, and 28 hip. I was beautiful. I didn’t think so then. I had a low self esteem. I hated myself. I felt that the world hated me too. My family didn’t understand me, my sister and I hardly spoke and my friends and I didn’t hang out much because my jerk of a boyfriend didn’t want me to, he was scared I would leave him, which I should have the day I met him. (hind site is always 20/20 haha)

Right after Christmas break of 1990, my senior year, I met some one. He was older, again, an older guy. But this one was different. He was, well, the only way to put it is, soft. In every way. Soft.
Sweet
Open
Friendly
Tender
I didn’t love him. I knew it, then and I know it now. I knew it so much then that I wanted to tell every one. I just needed an excuse out. Out of every thing. I used him. ADHDers do that. We are notorious for getting what we need, not to hurt any one, but to fix our selves. I knew that this man had just as many problems as I did, but he was Soft. He was going to save me. And he did. When we were together I felt safe. I knew he would not let me hurt. He helped me in many ways. We married. One of which was he got me into a rehab. They worked on my self esteem. And they did it every day for 30 days. I was there and that was the first time I heard about ADHD. I thought, what in the world is that? ADHD, hmmm. All dumb humiliating deeds, adhd. Lol My group counselor called in a specialist and he sat with me and explained to me what it was and that was the first time I felt at peace. Really at peace. I finally knew that I was not stupid; I knew my grades in school were not exactly my fault and that my life with adhd would be better managed now that I know what it is and how to channel the energy or medicate. I eventually divorced Soft. Not because he is a bad person, but because he was not the right person. I have nothing bad to say about him. I hope and pray he is happy, and in some ways, I feel he has played one HUGE and very important role in my life. He led me to the water that I drank. But, the rest of the work was me.

Now, fast forward to 1997, I gave birth to a beautiful boy. My husband and I now have a fantastic adhd boy. I know what it’s all about. I have learned so much about ADHD from experience and from education my self, that I’m able to teach our son how to use it to his advantage. He is 9 now and has a near genius IQ. He still amazes me when he discovers some thing new. The ability to learn so much information in such a short period of time is unbelievable to me. With me having adhd, remembering how hard it was for me to study and learn I have a much easier time teaching him and assisting him in his home work and social skills. I am in NO way saying we have it made and every thing is perfect, but we do have it tuned in to a good craft right now. I have devolved a system for him that is working like a charm and many parents in our area have come to me for help to assist them in helping their children in home work and other areas. ADHD is hard to over come, but it’s not a life sentence to suffer from. Learning to manage life with it and learning to take it one day at a time, one challenge at a time, is the key to success. One person with ADHD can do just as much as 10 people with out, well that is not true, and one person can do MORE than 10 people with out it. ADHD is a gift if we all learn to use it properly, as parents, it is our job to teach our children what “proper use” is. And, with the right skills, medications and support system we can and will make a difference. And, just say this “ADHD, Dare Us to Succeed!”

New Treatment for ADHD: “Vyvanse”

Generic Name: lisdexamfetamine dimesylate
Date of Approval: February 23, 2007
Company: Shire plc and New River Pharmaceuticals Inc.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted marketing approval for Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, formerly known as NRP104), for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Vyvanse is a pro-drug that is therapeutically inactive until metabolized in the body’s digestive tract. In several clinical studies designed to measure duration of effect, Vyvanse provided significant efficacy compared to placebo for a full treatment day, up through 6:00 pm. Additionally, when Vyvanse was administered in two clinical human drug abuse studies, it produced subjective responses on a scale of "Drug Liking Effects" (DLE) that were less than d-amphetamine at equivalent doses. DLE is used in clinical abuse studies to measure relative preference among known substance abusers.
The FDA has projected that Vyvanse be classified as a Schedule II (or in parent, user friendly terms “carbon copied” prescription) controlled substances. This proposal was submitted to and accepted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Once the final scheduling designation is complete, product launch is anticipated in the second quarter of 2007. Vyvanse will be available in three dosage strengths: 30 mg, 50 mg and 70 mg, all indicated for once-daily dosing.
Vyvanse developed by New River, as a new ADHD medication is designed specifically to provide a lower potential for abuse, in which d-amphetamine is covalently linked to l-lysine, a naturally occurring amino acid. This combination rapidly absorbs into the body from the gastrointestinal tract and converted to d-amphetamine, which is where the drugs activity starts to work.

Vyvanse Significantly Controls ADHD Symptoms
Information from phase II and III clinical trials verified statistically substantial improvements in ADHD symptoms for patients aged 6 to 12 years treated with Vyvanse compared to those treated with placebo. These studies proved that all doses of Vyvanse (30 mg, 50 mg and 70 mg) provided significant efficacy at all time points tested, including 6pm.
In the phase II, analog classroom study, patients demonstrated significantly improved behavior when receiving either Vyvanse or Adderall XR(r) (mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine product) as measured by the Swanson, Kotkin, Agler, M. Flynn and Pelham (SKAMP) deportment rating scale, a standardized, validated classroom assessment tool used for evaluating the behavioral symptoms of ADHD. Both treatments resulted in significantly improved behavior versus a placebo. Patients also demonstrated significantly improved academic productivity with both treatments, compared to placebo, as measured by Permanent Product Measure of Performance (PERMP), an age-adjusted collection of math problems that measures a child's ability to pay attention and stay on task as demonstrated by an increase in the number of attempted and successfully completed problems.
In the phase III, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study, all three doses of Vyvanse demonstrated momentous improvements in ADHD Rating Scale scores compared with placebo after four weeks of once-daily treatment.
Additionally, in a study presented in October at a major scientific meeting, Vyvanse yielded a 60 percent improvement in the primary rating scale scores for symptoms of ADHD in children aged 6 to 12 years who received six months of treatment in an open-label phase III study. Results also demonstrated that at 6 months, 95 percent of children taking Vyvanse produced a "much improved" or "very much improved" rating on the Clinical Global Impressions - Improvement score.

By: Margo Richter

Source: http://www.shireadhdtreatments.com/

ADHD Medication Use Nearly Triples Globally

The use of ADHD medications has nearly tripled worldwide since 1993, researchers reported on February 27, 2007. Since the increase of medications has risen between 1993 and 2003, the price of these medications has rose nine fold as well, reported the University of California researchers, including Richard Scheffler, and expert in health economics and public policy’s, whom led this study. Mr. Scheffler said, “ADHD could become the leading childhood disorder treated with medications across the globe. We can expect that the already burgeoning global costs for the medication treatment for ADHD will rise even more sharply over the next decade.”

A rough estimate proves that one in 25 children and adolescents that are living in the U.S. are taking medication for ADHD, the researchers say.

This study was conducted with an international pharmaceutical database that examined all the data from about 70 different countries. In 1993, only 31 countries were using ADHD medications. But, by the year 2003, over 50 countries were using them.

Japan, France, Sweden and Korea all showed increases in ADHD drugs among 5 to 19 year olds. The United States had the largest increase, 83% of the prescriptions and $2.4 billion in 2003. Scheffler’s team wrote in the journal Heath Affairs that the usage of ADHD medications increased 274% during their study period.

Source: Topix.net

By: Margo Richter

General Evidence-based Information on ADHD

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder of childhood, estimated to affect between 3% and 5% of school-aged children, as well as 1% to 6% of Adults.

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis is difficult (usually requiring multiple tests and more than one visit to a healthcare professional) but essential, as early treatment can substantially affect the course of a child's educational and social development.

A person is considered to have ADHD if he or she demonstrates symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity for at least 6 months in at least two settings (such as at home and in school). The symptoms must appear before age seven and cause significant functional problems at home, in school, and in various social settings. Although many children with ADHD have symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, some demonstrate symptoms from only one of the clusters below.

Symptoms of Inattention

•Fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes.
•Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
•Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
•Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace.
•Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
•Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort.
•Loses things necessary for tasks or activities.
•Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
•Is forgetful in daily activities.

Symptoms of Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

•Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
•Leaves seat in situations where remaining seated is expected.
•Runs or climbs excessively in inappropriate situations (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness).
•Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
•Acts as if "driven by a motor".
•Talks excessively.
•Blurts out answers before questions are completed.
•Has difficulty awaiting turn.
•Interrupts or intrudes on others.

Causes

ADHD tends to occur in families, and often overlaps with other brain-based disorders such as Depression, Learning Disorder, Tic Disorder, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Genetic and environmental factors that affect brain development during prenatal and postnatal life are likely involved. Children and adults with ADHD often are found to have altered brain activity in the prefrontal cortex, a region thought to be the brain's command center. Researchers also find that hyperactive behavior in children may result from excessive slow-wave (or theta) activity in certain brain regions, although a number of ADHD subtypes with quite different brain features have been identified, contributing to the complexity of evaluation and treatment.

Treatment

Multiple strategies are most effective to manage ADHD over the long-term. A therapy called Neurofeedback, or EEG Biofeedback, is a non-drug alternative shown in a number of published studies to be beneficial in about 70% of cases. Psychostimulant medications are beneficial in 55% to 60% of cases. Behavioral treatments include individual and family education, behavioral therapy, school remediation, and social skills training. Nutritional management is a frequently explored alternative therapy. Although relatively few studies support various nutritional approaches as effective for ADHD, a growing number of studies do suggest an association between essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiencies and hyperactivity in children. A few studies have shown certain nutritional supplements such as Pycnogenol or DMAE may be similarly effective as Ritalin for ADHD. Preliminary evidence also indicates that homeopathy may significantly improve behavior among children with ADHD.

Research suggests that children who receive sustained comprehensive treatment (such as Neurofeedback, medication, or behavioral therapy) are less likely to have behavioral problems in adolescence. In most cases, ADHD can be effectively managed throughout life, particularly when multiple treatment strategies are combined.

(Adapted from information supplied by the Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, 2004.)

FDA tells ADHD drugmakers to warn of risks

WASHINGTON, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Companies that make drugs to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder must take extra steps to alert patients to possible cardiovascular and psychiatric risks, U.S. health officials said on Wednesday.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it told the drugmakers to develop patient-friendly guides that explain the risks and to hand them out with the medications, which already carry label warnings about the risks.

"Despite this new warning language ... we continue to view ADHD as an important ailment that benefits from treatment from this class of medications," said Dr. Tom Laughren, head of the FDA's division of psychiatry products. "We consider these drugs quite safe."

Novartis AG , Eli Lilly and Co., Johnson & Johnson , and Shire Plc all make ADHD drugs. Shire also makes an ADHD patch.

Novartis, Shire and several privately held manufacturers said they would work with the FDA to produce the patient information. Representatives of other drugmakers did not have immediate comment.

ADHD can make it difficult for patients to pay attention and can cause hyperactivity and impulsiveness. The FDA said people with ADHD may have low self-esteem, difficulty in school, and trouble relating to family and peers.

The risk of heart and psychiatric trouble in patients taking ADHD medications is not new.

FDA officials held two public meetings in early 2006 about concerns over the risks associated with the drugs after reports of sudden death, heart attack and stroke in patients with underlying heart problems who took them.

Another FDA review found that about one in 1,000 patients experienced drug-related psychiatric issues, such as hearing voices, becoming suspicious for no reason, or becoming manic.

The FDA was criticized last summer when, without a public announcement, it asked manufacturers to include the warning on their labels.

Some critics have challenged the agency for taking too long to notify the public about the risks, while others have said the warnings could lead some patients who might benefit from the drugs to stop taking them.

While doctors should already be aware of the risks, FDA's Laughren said the agency wanted patients to have easier to understand information that would help them provide details about past heart or mental concerns before taking the drugs. The guidelines would also encourage them to report side effects.

Companies have 30 days to comply with the FDA's request. A draft of the guide is posted on the FDA's Web site at http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ADHD/default.htm

Additional reporting by Lisa Richwine)

City Children Get More Medications

Children that live in larger cities are five times more likely to be prescribed ADHD stimulants than children living in rural areas.

New studies prove analyzing prescription rates for ADHD medications in large cities have found a huge geographical discrepancy.

The state has historically much higher rates of prescribing psycho-stimulants like Ritalin than the rural areas.

City dwellers about five times more likely to be prescribed Ritalin or another stimulant treatment, dexamphetamine.

This was probably because diagnosis of ADHD in adults remains controversial and possible mainly through private, city-based clinics, the researchers say.

Boys and girls in cities or regional areas were about 2.5 times more likely to be prescribed the drugs, which work by stimulating the brain-messenger chemical dopamine.

The medication has come under fire from several groups who claim many children are being over medicated, putting them in a zombie-like state.

By: Margo Richter

New Product to Help Your Child With ADHD

Behavioral Therapeutics, Ltd. has launched a new product called Good Vibrations. It is an interactive device designed to teach children with attention issues to self-regulate through the transmission of gentle vibrations. Utilizing the principles of learning theory, Good Vibrations teaches self-regulation by raising self-awareness and by harnessing the power of positive reinforcement.

Good Vibrations will help a child at home and in the classroom. A discrete, watch-like device is worn that will silently vibrate. When the child is on-task, a reward vibration will be sent by the teacher or parent with a transmitting unit. When the child is off-task, a reminder vibration will be sent. Every vibration sent is time-stamped so that at the end of the day, all the information can be analyzed and trends can be spotted at specific times. This information will keep the child, parents, and teachers informed so the ultimate goal of self-regulation can be achieved!

For more information, go to www.behavioraltherapeutics.org

Getting College Services for ADHD Students

For young adults with ADHD and other learning disabilities college seems like a huge challenge. Getting extra help might seem out of reach. But, that is not truth any more. Now, when you or your child is looking to apply at different colleges, look into each college’s support services. That might help make your mind up on where to attend your formal education. It will be listed and described in college catalogues. You would assume that support services are much the same from one school to the next, but this is far from true. Although several guides that have been developed to assist parents and students in selecting colleges with good learning disability support services, no such guide has yet been developed for ADHD support services. Having the right questions to ask is vital. Here is a list of questions to get you started.
Questions to ask:
1. How many students with ADHD or other learning disabilities are registered with the DSS office? The more the better! A large number of registered students suggest better funding and staffing for support services.
2. Is the director of the Office of Disabled Student Services a clinical specialist in ADHD and/or other learning disabilities? If their answer is "no", the college is less likely to offer good support services.
3. How many ADHD and/or other learning disabilities specialists are employed full-time by disability services? Beware of large universities that employ only few specialists.
4. How long has the current director held the position? The longer the better. The program director is typically the individual who is the heart and soul of disabilities support program.
5. How long has the support program for students with ADHD and other learning disabilities existed on campus? The longer the better. Good support programs take time to build and be reliable.
6. Is there a formal learning disabilities program available for students on campus and do they a separate application? Are there additional costs associated with this program? Many students with ADHD also have learning disabilities and may need support services for learning disabilities as well.
7. Is there an ADHD specialist or ADHD special service for students? Most often the answer is "no." A positive answer, however, is an excellent sign.
8. Is there an ADHD student support group on campus? Finding other students with ADHD and having an organized meeting is a big plus.
9. Is there a faculty education program to familiarize the faculty with the needs of students with ADHD or other learning disabilities? Faculty education about ADHD is very important. Today, many faculty members have little knowledge and even less training about ADHD and may even have a negative, skeptical attitude toward students who ask for accommodations.
10. What kinds of accommodations does the school offer students with special needs? At the bare minimum, a college should provide the possibility of a note-taker in each class, the possibility of extended time on exams, and the possibility of taking exams in a quiet, non-distracting environment.
11. Is specialized tutoring available for students with ADHD or other learning disabilities? Almost all campuses provide peer tutoring, however students with ADHD and other learning disabilities typically need more specialized tutoring from a trained tutor.
12. Does the DSS office facilitate the communication of the student's disability needs to each professor? Disability services should provide official documentation of the student's disability and the accommodations for which he is eligible.
13. How complicated is the procedure a student must follow to obtain alternative testing (extended time or on a computer)? Some schools require such a complex set of steps each time a student with ADHD receives alternative testing that it is difficult.
14. Is there a specialist on campus who teaches planning, organizational and study skills? If "yes", that is positive sign. If "no," ask if they have a list of private professionals in the community that can provide these services.
15. What types of writing supports are? Writing papers is one of the greatest challenges for college students with ADHD. Because they have a particular set of challenges, it is most helpful if writing tutors are available that trained and experienced in working with students with ADHD.
16. Is ADHD coaching available through the student disability office? Some cutting-edge support service offices are beginning to train their staff in ADHD coaching techniques.
17. Does the student disability office have a list of local professionals that provide ongoing treatment such as medication and psychotherapy for ADHD? This list should be made open in all disability offices.
18. Do students with ADHD and other learning disabilities have early registration privileges to allow them to select the courses and professors they need? A very critical accommodation, allowing a student with special needs to hand-pick professors and to customize his or her schedule. It is not a good sign if a college does not provide this accommodation.
19. Does the school offer specialize academic advising through the DSS office for students with ADHD and other learning disabilities? A very strong need! If students with ADHD and other learning disabilities are sent, along with all other students, for academic advising by someone with little or no training in ADHD, the advising is unlikely to be helpful.
20. Is there a way in which a student can identify faculty members who are knowledgeable about and sympathetic toward the needs of students with ADHD and other learning disabilities? Few disability offices will provide an "ADD-friendliness" rating of faculty members, however many office will allow students to make such ratings and will keep a book of such ratings available for other students to peruse.
21. Does the DSS office help to mediate disputes between student and professor regarding rights and accommodations? Many college professors are still not aware of the legal rights of students with a documented disability such as ADHD and some are even hostile to the idea of providing accommodations to these students. Students with ADHD should strongly pursue the choice of a college which has an active ADHD faculty education program and which provides mediation when students encounter resistance from a professor who is asked to provide reasonable accommodations.
22. What is the school's policy toward course substitution when a student's disability prevents him from fulfilling a particular requirement toward graduation such as a math or foreign language course? Are requirements ever waived? Under what circumstances? If a student with ADHD has a particular difficulty with math or foreign language, it is critical that the flexibility of such requirements be carefully considered before applying to a particular college.
23. Are counselors available on an ongoing basis for ADHD? ADHD student guidance, more so than others, counseling from trained staff can make the difference between success and failure during the first year or two of college.
24. Is it necessary for students in the DSS to fail math or foreign language before they qualify for a waiver, and does the failing grade become part of the student's GPA? This is the most important question! Some schools that provide requirement waivers or course substitutions first require a student to take and fail the required course. If this failing grade becomes a permanent part of the undergraduate record it can and will have a permanent negative effect upon your GPA.
At some colleges, in order to be eligible for services and particular accommodation, you might have to produce either an IEP (Individualized Educational Program) or a letter from your physician stating that you do have ADHD; and as a result of having ADHD, you require specific accommodations.
Take the time to carefully research each college you are considering attending. Often many high school children think they will not need these services. So they give little or no consideration of the services available for students. It’s better to have them available than to not know what you could be missing out on to make your college academic career easier. Call the colleges, do your research and be prepared, that is part of being a responsible adult.

By: M.Richter

The Polls About ADHD

I took several polls on the http://www.adhdnews.com/forum/forum_topics.asp?FID=19&PN=1 looking for answers on how many hours parents are spending with their children doing home work after school and how much home work impacts their ADHD children. The results were interesting. I thought sharing them with you all would be a nice change from the normal things I blog about. Feel free to comment about any of the topics I have polled and discussed. The polls are closed, but the threads are still open to discussion. Join the message boards and chat away! Enjoy the results.

Homework
In the poll taken for elementary school age children, I posed a question about how long parents spend with their children working on home work daily. Eighteen people responded to the poll. 6% of the parents stated that she spends over 3 hours a night on home work with their children. Home work for children now is an every day, common thing. 67% voted are only spending an hour or less, while 27% of the voters are spending between 1 to 2 hours a day on home work.
One parent said that before she started her child on medications the home work time was longer. The medications have helped her child accomplish his home work goals significantly!
For Jr. High, 75% of the parents say they spend about 1 hour or less on home work and 25% on 2 to 3 hours. For High School, 100% of the parents say they spend about 1 hour on home work each night.
So, with looking at the results, it would be a fair statement to say that the home work must get easier as the ADHD child gets older. Studies do show that many children do learn to manage their ADHD symptoms as they mature. In conclusion of this study, we can have hope that our children will learn to manage and succeed as they grow up and mature into young adults.

DIET, DOES IT HELP?
In a poll I took last month, I posed a question about how much diet really helps with adhd symptoms. 14% said yes, a lot. 26% said, yes some what. 14% said a little bit, and the most shocking of all was 46% said no, not at all. I was surprised by the results of the amount of people saying the diet doesn’t help at all.

Stopping Medications?
I asked what age, if at all, do people plan on stopping ADHD medications. The results were shocking to say the least. 0% said at the age of 15 or at the age of 19 or at after their child graduates from High School. 93% say they will wait and let their child decided when he or she is and adult. While only 7% say they don’t think about it. Personally, my son will be on ADHD medications while I pay for any form of education. Even if he is off at a college, he will have to take his medications. One parent even said that if her son moves out, that is fine, he can stop taking medications, but if he comes to visit, he will have to take his medications while he his there visiting. That’s positive parenting and I love that!
What Kind of College Was That, Again?
In this poll I posed the question about what kind of college do you prefer your child going off to? Strangely 0% said no to a technical school or the military. But, 78% said go off to a 4 year university, and 22% said a 2 year Jr. college.

Many parents are not sure what their children will be prepared for. These polls were created to get every one thinking about long range goals for our special ADHD children. That long range goal is … College. I think building up from home work in elementary school to when to stop meds, then to this, what kind of college to attend, will get our minds on track to what kind of 3, 5, or 10 year goals we should have. Making a plan, writing it down, as our children grow up and discussing it with our children, then working every day, diligently, to look towards it as a family unit together, we all can reach that goal. If we stray off the path we have written out, then there is no problem in sitting down and writing out a new one that has the same end result. Sit down; jot down a 12 step goal. One step for each year. If that is too hard. Then write a 2 step goal for each year. Make it a 2 step year, 24 step goal. And make it realistic and totally doable. Give the power to your child. Let them be a part of the decisions, after all it is their life we are planning. ADHD children have very little control of what they do. Impulsivity, blurting out answers, moving around too much, nurvesness, jittery, emotional, hard to find friends, and being different from the other children are just a few of the things they face every day. Let them plan their future with you. Give them that control back and they will succeed further in life than you will ever expect! Print it out. Give them a copy to put in their locker, in their room, in the bathroom, in their back pack, any where they will see it. Let them make changes if they want to. The biggest gift you will give your children is their future. The best way to give it to them, is to help them earn it. Remind them the path is right there; don’t push them on it that will just make them fall. ADHD children are their own worse critics. Be supportive, be loving, and don’t be negative. Don’t show the wrongs they do, focus on the positives. If they make a mistake, and they will, open that door to the positive side of it. Punishment of a mistake is not as important and the positive reinforcement you give him or her in the process. Again, they punish them selves much harder than a parent ever can. I should know, I am severe ADHD, and I still remember my mistakes every day and still wish I could undo the wrongs I have done. I hope that this has helped you all and if you would like to comment, please feel free to do so.

By: Margo Richter. Join the message boards at http://www.adhdnews.com/forum/default.asp

ADHD Adults Are Being Misdiagnosed

15 to 65% of children diagnosed with ADHD grow into adulthood with these symptoms. Adults that suffer from ADHD are misdiagnosed and treated for many other conditions such as depression or OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) instead of ADHD. The British Journal of Psychiatry editorial called for many adults suffering from ADHD as well as other disorders to be properly identified and treated.

By: Margo Richter

Source: British Journal of Psychiatry

ADHD and Joining the Military

After years of questions and concern about whether an individual with ADHD can join the military, I decided to go directly to the source. I called my local recruiting office. I asked the officer that answered if an ADHD young adult could join the service, he told me that was fine and they were more than welcome to join and he tried to recruit me. After explaining to him who I was and why I was asking, we had a wonderful discussion about it. He informed me that ADHD individuals can join the service but they have to be stimulant free for one year prior to joining. After hanging up the phone I wondered if that information was just his requirement or if it is the United State's requirement. So, I called Fort Hood and spoke to another officer in their recruiting office and he told me the same thing. He also told me that in some cases, after the individual finishes basic training, they will be able to start taking their medications again as needed and prescribed by their doctor. So, all the questions were answered to my satisfaction. What an interesting way our government had the ADHD individuals join the military with out their medications for a full year. They are able to serve their country, but they have to go with out their medications for a full year before they can enlist.