The therapist we recently started taking our dd to has recommended a neuro eval and brain scan. She said that may determine the parts of her brain that are under-performing and then better predict the meds that might help her.
As noted below, our dd is adopted, internationally, from an orphanage so the dx of ADHD is somewhat suspect, however we have seen tremendous results from placing her on meds. We still notice what might be processing issues
Has any tried this? Have you found it helpful? I have heard of nerutransmitter tests being helpful. Will a neurologist do test for that? Thx
lodismom39336.1981944444Dr Amen is alive and well http://www.ibh.com/html/amen.html.
The whole issue boils down to -- it's not worth that much cash to better identify which meds might be helpful.
He identifies different types of ADHD like "Ring of Fire" and so forth. His types just seem like ADHD with various comorbids, like ADHD with bipolar, ADHD with anxiety, ADHD alone, and so forth.
JADEROCK 54 - to answer your question: The therapist was a bit suspect of the ADHD dx. I am not - she has improved way too much on the meds. The therapist thinks meds should have never been started without figuring out first what might be the the best meds for her brain. Amen's research CLAIMS it knows what areas of the brain are affected by different medications.
My dd does have a significant scar on her scalp, cause unknown. I have mentioned to pediatrician, developmental-behavioral pediatrician, and psychiatrist, but they did not think too much about it and never even looked at the scar. The therapist has not looked at either.
I think I am going through with the neuro eval to at least get his/her opinion about whether or not it is of concern enough to do an MRI or CAT scan to rule out a possible brain injury as any source of problems for her.
However, I am now a bit suspect about some of her other recommendations - anyone heard of or tried Brain Gym exercises?
DIZFRIZ wrote: " I generally go with the executive function theory of Russell Barkley." - this sounds interesting - i read strattera helps with this and we did notice improvment in executive functioning for my dd when Strattera was started. i will have to check this out!
Thanks
Of interest on the general subject:
In a Barkley workshop end of last year, he indicated progress on identifying the exact genes involved in adhd to be developing to the point to where it may be possible in the next 5 years or so to take a gene map of a kid and prescribe specific medications based on this.
I though it was kinda neat. Hope it comes soon.
Dizfriz
Regarding Dr Amen:
He seems to have disappeared in that I never see reference to his work. I did a medline check on his name and nothing came up. I did a Science daily news search and did not see anything. I understand that that his work has not been replicated which would explain his influence waining but I have not heard anything at all about him lately.
I generally go with the executive function theory of Russell Barkley but like to keep up with other work. If anyone has any recent updates, could you let me know.
Dizfriz.
I would not pay for a brain scan to better predict what meds would be effective. I think that's the Dr Amen approach. Brain scans are outrageously expensive. In the area of six thousand. Just go to a really good child psychiatrist, and they can determine what meds will probably be more effective.
Neurologists don't do neurotransmitter testing. Naturopaths to neurotransmitter testing. There's info on the Alternatives board regarding neurotransmitter testing.
You might want to edit you post and delete all of the blank paragraph tags at the end.
NoTellin39335.904224537If you haven't read Dr. Amen's book I highly recommend it- the research is very interesting and informative- however, paying for a brain scan just to determine meds seems like overkill. Did she have any other reason for wanting it done?
You do mention that her dx is suspect, so it sounds like neuro eval would be the place to start. A neuropsychologist would be able to give a definite dx and identify any co-existing conditions.
Hmm - Dr. Amen - She did recommend a book of his for us to read as well. That must be where she is getting this from. I checked out his website and his technique, although researched, is pretty new. It makes sense, but I am one who likes things that have been more thoroughly researched. Now to convinve my dh we may not want to go this route, he is pretty hyped about the whole thing.....An evaluation from a good neuropsychologist may be useful to pick up undetected issues. As far as the others, I am aware of no good controlled studies showing the effectiveness of any of these. That does not mean that they will not show some positive benefits but simply that effectiveness has not yet been shown scientifically. It is your money, spend at as you wish just be aware that they are not yet validated methods and thus some risk of getting little for your money is involved.
Dizfriz