ADHD and Alternatives: An Interview
ByOn Tuesday October 6th, 2009, I’ll be speaking in the 2nd annual ADHD Virtual Conference.
My topic is: “Update on Evidence-Based Alternative Treatments for ADHD”. In this session, I’ll be discussing the role of alternative treatment in ADD and ADHD, as well as the research behind them.
As part of the lead up to the conference, host Jennifer Koretsky interviewed me. In this 10 minute interview, we discuss the nature of my presentation, and why you shouldn’t miss it.
You can listen to that interview here:
When you sign up for this conference, you’ll hear from many other ADD/ADHD Experts, including Dr. Hallowell, Dr. Amen and many more.
You can learn more and sign up here.
I hope to ‘see’ you there 
Dr. Kenny
As always, a very useful article. I was not aware of the Virtual ADHD Conference. I will have to listen to your speech.
[...] the role of alternative treatment in ADD and ADHD, as well as the research behind them.” (ADHD and Alternatives: An Interview, 2009) One of the keynote speakers is Edward “Ned” Hallowell, M.D., psychiatrist and [...]
I found out that using a high dosage of krill oil together with phosphatidyl serine has concentration enhancing properties. I use it against ADD. I find it working better then traditional meds. As a long time dexedrine user I really know what I am talking about. This is my dosage:
08:00 6 softgels krill oil.
09:00 1 softgel phosphatidyl serine.
12:00 1 softgel phosphatidyl serine.
14:00 4 softgels krill oil
15:00 1 softgel phosphatidyl serine.
18:00 1 softgel phosphatidyl serine.
20:00 4 softgels krill oil
21:00 1 softgel phosphatidyl serine.
Total: 14 capsules krill oil and 5 softgels PS.
Sometimes I also take lecithin (which is cheaper then phosphatidyl serine, but not as calming).
People who don’t have ADD might also use these supplements as a mind enhancing, concentration improving nootropic.
Remember: All these supplements are fats that originate from diet and body.
The brand krill oil is neptune krill oil (2 softgels = 1.0 g neptune krill oil/ NKO) and the brand phosphatidyl serine is Nature’s Way.
After taking the phosphatidyl serine I feel the substances have concentration enhancing but also calming, relaxing properties.
How does it work:
The brain cells membrane is made of fat. One of these fats is phosphatidyl serine. Krill oil has DHA/EPA connected to phosphatidyl choline. This works as an anchor and enables more phosphatidyl serine to anchor to the cell membrane. More phosphatidyl serine improves the brain electral conduction and makes the electrical signals stronger, causing more neurotransmitters to be released. Something like that…
Just came upon this blog. Was wondering, Steven, if you’re still having the same success with the Krill Oil and PS. My 17 year old is taking Vyvanse, his first experience with ADHD medication. For many years, tried many alternatives (including PS, but seemingly lower doses than you are taking, and not spread out during the day). He doesn’t like taking the medication (he has no appetite) and I don’t like giving it to him. I’d be thrilled to finally find something to help him focus in school.
Dr. Kenny:
Thank you very much for your very informative site on ADHD.
I wanted to ask your opinion on the biomedical treatments (ie Gluteen/casien-free diets, slew of vitamins (about 30 a day), chelation treatment). Do you think they make any difference? Is there any science based results that clearly show that it helps a child with adhd or even aspergers?
My son was diagnosed with aspergers/adhd and my ex, based on the recommendation from a “doctor”, has him on the whole biomedical treatment plan. Every time he use act up, the “doctor” prescribed him a yeast removal protocol (It makes him really sick). The “doctor” even prescribed a nicotine patch to help his behaviour (that was the last straw for me). This has been for the last four years.
I was finally able to persuade my ex to see a real doctor, for my son, and he prescribed Stratterra and Risperidone and and it has made a world of difference. I am trying to convince her that all the biomedical treatment is not effective and that yeast is not the enermy, however, it’s going to be a big battle. I would just like my son to be a normal kid that can eat things that other kids do (the occasional ice cream, piece of pizza), With his aspergers, I think it is even more important not to single him out but to make him feel part of the group as much as we can.
Thank you very for your time.