Archive for April, 2007
Australian ADHD: Ritalin Controversy
Posted by: | CommentsI have been following this story in the online news. It seems quite surprising to me…
From what I can gather, a 20 year old young man got charged, convicted and sentenced to jail for charges of assault and an indecent act. This young man had been diagnosed with ADHD, and was treated with Ritalin from the ages of 6-16. Judge Conlon reportedly said that he believes that the use of Ritalin has created a whole generation of violent youth. Apparently a psychiatrist testified that ritalin caused brain damage.
ADHD Medication in Australia: Strattera to Be Added
Posted by: | CommentsIt was just reported today in Australia, that the non-stimulant medicine Strattera (Atomoxetine) will be funded under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, starting July 1, 2007.
Prior to this, the only options covered under the plan are stimulant medicines.
Chris Kaman: Pro NBA Basketball Player Has ADHD
Posted by: | CommentsI came across a great article and online video about Chris Kaman, the LA Clippers Center. He has ADHD.
Chris is having a great season, and is thought to be one of the up and coming star players. He was brave enough to let people know that he has ADHD.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and ADHD
Posted by: | CommentsThis article comes from two different subscribers’ questions. The first is: “Dear Dr. Handelman – I wanted to ask you why would a child at ten years old with ADHD push his mother into counters and walls when he is upset and not getting his way?”
Comorbidity in ADHD and Adult ADD
Posted by: | CommentsThere is a very important concept in ADHD called comorbidity. Comorbidity means that there is a co-existing disorder that causes more ‘morbidity’, or in other words difficulties in one’s life.
It is very common for people with ADHD to have comorbid (or co-existing) conditions. Only about 25-40% of kids and teens with ADHD have ADD or ADHD alone. Most of the time (i.e. 60-75% of the time), there is a second, or third diagnosis as well.
Hyperfocus
Posted by: | CommentsIn a previous article, I discussed how people with ADD or ADHD actually do not always have a ‘deficit’ of attention, but rather a difference.
ADHD and Still Able to Pay Attention?
Posted by: | CommentsThis article comes from a subscriber’s question: “Dr. Handelman: I wanted to ask you my son has been diagnosed with ADHD but I have trouble accepting it. He is able to read books for a long time and he can play Nintendo for hours. How can they say that he’s got ADHD when he can pay attention?”
Adult ADD/Adult ADHD: How Common Is It?
Posted by: | CommentsIn reviewing how common adult ADD/ADHD is, we can look at it from two angles. The first is ‘ADHD kids grown up’, and the second is the rates of adults with ADD/ADHD.
We know reliably that ADHD occurs in about 5-7% of children. We also know that about 70% of those individuals carry on with their ADHD into adult life. So, we’re talking about approximately 3-4% of adults having ADHD.
Can a Child Outgrow ADHD?
Posted by: | CommentsThis article comes from a question from three of my subscribers. It was asked three different ways:
1. What is the prognosis of ADHD?
2. Can one outgrow ADHD?
3. When will my son outgrow ADHD or at least outgrow the need for medication?
