ADHD drugs only control the symptoms of ADHD and do absolutely NOTHING to cure it. All doctors are trained to tell you that "studies show ADHD is genetic." But, come on, how do the genes make ADHD happen? Do they send out a memo? Do they take out a megaphone and yell at all the cells in the brain to line up a certain way to form an ADHD pattern? [/QUOTE]
Actually, the genetic code does in fact line up along a deoxyribose and phosphate "backbone" in the form a polynucleotide chain composed of Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, and Cytosine. No, DNA does not send out a memo, but in the course of its transcription to RNA and its subsequent translation into amino acids at the ribosomes, DNA does direct protein synthesis.
Proteins are biochemical compounds that regulate our physiological processes. Therefore, to say that ADHD is caused by genetic factors is specifically addressing its biochemical origin.
This is not to say that environmental factors cannot influence the manifestation of the symptoms of ADHD, because they can. Environmental and cultural factors impact nearly all forms of human existance. I, for one, am very appreciative of the environmental factors we call science and technology: No, there is no cure for ADHD, but thanks to modern medicine, the symptoms of ADHD can be successfully managed.
It may be less frustrating for you if you compare ADHD to diabetes. Diabetes cannot be cured, either. Insulin is a hormone --a protein. Diabetes is the name given to the medical condition in which the body cannot effectively produce the insulin necessary for glucose metabolism. Diabetes is genetic in origin.
Think about it.
ADHD drugs only control the symptoms of ADHD and do absolutely NOTHING to cure it. All doctors are trained to tell you that "studies show ADHD is genetic." But, come on, how do the genes make ADHD happen? Do they send out a memo? Do they take out a megaphone and yell at all the cells in the brain to line up a certain way to form an ADHD pattern? NO! Genes use the body's natural chemicals (and electrical impulses) to communicate to the cells. They use 100% all-natural chemicals made from the vitamins, minerals, fats, water, etc that we ingest. NONE of those chemicals are synthetic!!! If someone's brain is lacking in certain natural chemicals, he ends up with a brain that cannot function correctly (ADHD, bipolar, schizophrenia, anxiety, etc).
There are over four MILLION children currently on ADD meds in this country who are being given drugs to control their symptoms while we adults simply ignore the real CAUSE of it. Why do we believe doctors and shrinks who never even talk about a cure? They just shrug their shoulders, say it's "probably genetic" and tell us to give potentially dangerous drugs to our children???
The American Psychiatry Association (APA) does not train doctors how to look for, or treat, biochemical disorders such as ADHD or schizophrenia. Their doctors only know how to prescribe drugs because the APA is in bed with the drug companies in order to make millions and sometimes billions of dollars every year. There is no money in treating with bio-chemicals because they're all-natural. Nothing that is all-natural can be patented. No patent=no money. Period. Members of the APA receive millions of dollars in grant money from drug companies. None of them give a rip about your mental health or they would have found a better way by now.
So, if you want REAL mental health for yourself or your loved ones, look into the biochemical causes of ADHD. There are biochemists out there who know the truth and have been trying to educate people about them for over 40 years. Read Dr. Abrahm Hoffer's books on pyroluria. Have the urine test done to find out if that's the particular biochemical cause of your ADHD. There are at least 12 different biochemical causes of mental disorders and pyroluria is just one of them. Read Dr. Carl Pfeiffer's book, "Mental and Elemental Nutrients." And always remember, drugs such as Ritalin only control the SYMPTOMS of ADHD (at best). Is that really what you want for your child or yourself?
another good book is called Molecular Origins of Human Attention: the dopamine folate connection by Richard Doth...oh and the neuropharmacology of stimulant drugs: implications for adhd by M. Solanto, A. Arnsten, and F.X. Castellanos[QUOTE=nwmom]ADHD drugs only control the symptoms of ADHD and do absolutely NOTHING to cure it. All doctors are trained to tell you that "studies show ADHD is genetic." But, come on, how do the genes make ADHD happen? Do they send out a memo? Do they take out a megaphone and yell at all the cells in the brain to line up a certain way to form an ADHD pattern? NO! Genes use the body's natural chemicals (and electrical impulses) to communicate to the cells. They use 100% all-natural chemicals made from the vitamins, minerals, fats, water, etc that we ingest. NONE of those chemicals are synthetic!!! If someone's brain is lacking in certain natural chemicals, he ends up with a brain that cannot function correctly (ADHD, bipolar, schizophrenia, anxiety, etc).
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First, let me say that I am NOT supporting a genetic basis of ADHD, ADD or pervasive developmental disorders at all. However, genes are the instructions for all the building blocks of our body. They determine what proteins are produced, when and where. Since the brain works based on chemical and electrical signals that are controlled and regulated by receptor proteins, it is very easy to see how some genetic changes can result in abnormal brain activity.
However, you are very correct that medications used in these disorders only treat the symptoms, not the cause. So it would be remiss to simply put an individual on medication and assume the disorder is taken care of.
All doctor's admit that meds and behavior modification and nutritional support only help the symptoms, but yes, I'll take symptom control any day over letting my child suffer. Since there is no cure, and none on the immediate horizon treating the symptoms is the least we can do for our kids. Not treating any disease is a mistake.Insulin does not cure diabetes but if it is needed by the body you would take it would'nt you? I wish they had meds for ADHD when I was a kid. I could have felt a lot better about myself and have understood why school was so hard for me. I do not think every other kid needs Ritalin but the ones that are struggling need help. I am glad that modern medicine has come this far.Hi--
My son came to live with me at 5 years old as my foster son. (he's seven now and i'm adopting him)- he has ADHD and was SCREAMING for meds from day one- we survived kindergarden on ritalin and clonidine...but it wasn't the cure all you hope for...anyway- first grade arrived and a new doctor and we're now doing a cocktail of straterra, ritalin and clonidine that has been a miracle. it's maddening because now that i've had such a clear view of the wonderful boy trapped inside these brain whims i want to scream that i can't promice him he'll always feel this good and happy. what a difference. he's a riot. so smart, so loving. very little evidence of the frustration and anger that were always on the surface before...i dread the day the stratera 'wears off'- and we have to look again for a new 'mix'...
my QUESTION to those of you who are related to your children: Did you have the same symptoms and life as your children in your childhood? did you outgrow it? i'm reading a ton of books- but i enjoy this thread. Thanks!
Elizabeth
I totally agree, the medication is not solving the problem of ADD it is just taking away the side effects and replacing them with others that are not so apparently to maybe the school system. I put my son on medication after a nightmare year with his grade 1 year... for me this is a temporary solution as I know this can be battled in a more holistic manner. I am currenlty trying to supplement my son with amino acids, minerals which can play a role and controling his diet.. it is a long drawn out progress but it will be worth it..... these prescribed drugs are damaging and addictive.... and the sooner I can get to the root of this cause the better. Teachers today love to play the medical adovate... instead of dealing with the low funded under staffed educational system we live with today. Instead of trying to get parents to fund hot dog days, pizza days with a cookie and drink.. trying and get the school to fund a more nutritious treat for lunch, you may see a few of their class room "disruptive" kids making a turnaround.
I would love to hear from anyone on a holistic nature for this topic.
Tks
Well nocky, every mother has exactly the same story and says exactly the same thing, it's the kids who can't speak for themselves. As far as your statement "these prescribed drugs are damaging and addictive" that's just ignorance of medicine talking. I do know growing up ADD will screw your whole life up, from now on. From what I understand, is if the body is lacking something and it is replaced synthetically, then the body needs it and therefore the body will not be damaged or the chemical addictive, it will be used by the body to function properly.Dixiepeep, i totally agree with you, I've gone 29 years on no medicine, and i struggled so bad in school back then, and did just the stupidest things. My son was diagnosed when he was five and has been on meds. ever since he's now 10, and I'm glad he doesn't have to face what i went through.