While there are many studies showing that the ADHD symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity improve with the medicine, and cause short term academic improvements, there has been a lack of research to show long term academic benefits.

The studies summarized here clearly document that ADHD stimulant medication helps with long term academic success.

In this research, the research team followed 5700 children from birth until 18 years old. In that group, 277 boys and 93 girls were diagnosed with ADHD. Of those with the diagnosis, some decided to use medication, and some did not. When kids took ADHD medication, they generally started in elementary school, and took it for (on average) 30 months (i.e. just under 3 years).

Of the ADHD kids who were taking medication, by 13 years old, the medication children had improved reading scores compared to the kids with ADHD who had not taken medication. Children taking medication were more likely to attend school (i.e. less absenteeism), and they were 1.8 times less likely to be held back a year at school.

The lead researcher, Dr. Barbaresi was quoted as saying: “We can’t simply focus on the symptoms of ADHD,” Barbaresi said. “We really need to be focusing on the risk for poor outcomes in school and in other aspects of the child’s life,” he said. “That’s why we have to recognize these children and make sure they get appropriate treatment.”

To read more about these studies, click here.

What do you think? Has ADHD medication helped your child (or yourself) over the long term? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Best,

Dr. Kenny

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

Technorati Tags: Academics, ADD, ADHD, Medication, School

As a psychiatrist working with a lot of teenagers, many of them use marijuana regularly. There is a group of patients that I see who smoke marijuana daily. They tell me that marijuana works very well for their ADD/ADHD, and that it is “god’s natural medicine”. I have also had teenagers ask me for a prescription for “medical marijuana”. There are also some teens who become ‘advocates’ for the cause. They bring in printouts from the internet to share with me why marijuana should be legalized, and how I am part of the system to keep it down.

After hearing about this for so long, I went to the scientific literature to read about the actual impact of marijuana on ADHD. Here are some of my thoughts – some supported by my clinical experience, some supported by the scientific literature:

• Patients with ADHD who smoke marijuana regularly are generally self medicating. Marijuana decreases their hyperactivity, and to some extent may help with their anxiety symptoms (clinical observation).
• Marijuana does not improve focus and concentration (scientific literature).
• Regular Marijuana use impairs memory and word finding tasks – i.e. it worsens brain functioning. (scientific literature)
• Smoking Marijuana is a health risk – for lunch cancer, etc. (scientific literature).

I do not, nor will I ever prescribe marijuana for ADHD. I do not believe that it is allowed in Canada’s medical marijuana legislation anyway. I will admit, that on occasion, I have joked about what my office would be like if I were the doctor who prescribed medical marijuana for ADHD. I would be very popular with many ADHD teens – and my waiting room would be a party every day… We’d have to have some good music, some snacks (for the munchies), etc. But I digress. OK to joke about – but not a real treatment option.

So – what do I recommend for patients who are using marijuana regularly, thinking that it helps them?

I recommend going to a substance abuse treatment program (i.e. outpatient counseling), which uses a ‘harm reduction model’. This usually involves education about the risks and side effects of the drug, as well as encouraging less use. For example, if a teen is smoking daily, one of the first goals would be to not smoke during the school days. Once that was achieved, the goal would be to not smoke during weekdays at all, etc.

Also, I recommend getting good treatment in place for ADHD – including therapy options, as well as medication, and developing skills and strategies. If the ADHD or co-existing conditions are treated effectively, there may be less of a drive for the patient to use marijuana to self medicate.

What are your thoughts? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.

Best,

Dr. Kenny

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

Technorati Tags: ADD, ADHD, Marijuana, Substance Abuse, Substance Dependence

Having ADD/ADHD symptoms can be problematic on its own…
But the real issue is when your (or your child’s) functioning is impaired.

How does this show up?

In adult ADD/ADHD, impairment in functioning can come out in these types of situations:

• Paying bills and keeping up with paperwork
• Meetings
• Setting goals and achieving them
• Handling relationships
• Coping with frustrations
• and much more…

In child/teen ADD/ADHD, impairment in functioning can come out in these types of situations:

• Homework
• Completing tasks/chores
• Handling frustration
• Social situations
• Listening to and following instructions
• And much more…

While all treatments for ADD/ADHD aim to improve functioning – they don’t always succeed. Medication can have a big impact on ADD/ADHD symptoms, and can often have an impact on functioning. Though often the improvement in functioning is not enough with medication on its own.

We aim for ‘multi-modal’ treatment – i.e. treatment which includes medication, as well as other modalities to help, because ‘pills don’t teach skills’.

One modality which has grown in its popularity and usefulness in the field of ADD/ADHD treatment is coaching.

What is coaching for ADD/ADHD?

Coaching for ADD/ADHD starts with a trained coach. Coaches who specialize in working with ADD/ADHD are trained life coaches, and may be certified by the ICF – the International Coach Federation, or other organizations like the International Association of Coaches (IAC) or others. In addition to having this qualification, ADD/ADHD coaches also specialize in ADD/ADHD (and they have taken specialized training in ADD coaching from organizations like: ADD Coaching Academy (or others))- so that they can tailor the coaching methodology to suit the specific needs of individuals with ADD/ADHD.

What Do ADD Coaches Do?

ADD/ADHD Coaches work with people in a collaborative way. Whereas therapy is often looking backward – i.e. at previous issues or challenges and how they can understood differently – coaches are forward focused – i.e. on functioning in the present and in the future.

ADD/ADHD Coaches help people to:

• Find their strengths
• Develop strategies for their areas of challenge
• Pull in the resources they need
• Develop skills to take care of themselves
• And a whole lot more…

The coaching relationship is a very collaborative one – where the coach works with the individual to work on his/her own goals, challenges and issues.

The ADD/ADHD coach provides: accountability, support and encouragement.
When someone has been challenged with functional issues with their ADD/ADHD for some time – these three things can make a world of difference for someone who has been struggling.

How Does ADD/ADHD Coaching Work?

When someone works with an ADD/ADHD coach, they meet with their coach regularly. It is very common for these meetings, or appointments to occur on the telephone. There are times that someone can have sessions with their ADD/ADHD coach in an office (or even a coffee shop) for face to face sessions, but it is very common for telephone coaching to occur. Telephone coaching helps to eliminate the need for travel time, and it helps people to find a coach who suits them best, even if they are geographically far away from that coach.

In general, there would be a ‘getting to know you’ session, and the parameters of coaching would be discussed – so that the participant learns what he can expect from the coach, as well as the coaching process.

Then, there are coaching sessions which occur on a reasonably frequent basis – i.e. 2-4 times per month. Many coaches also include ‘check in’ emails on a more frequent basis. These emails help people to be more accountable, and to have more ongoing support between coaching calls.

How much does ADD/ADHD coaching cost?

Prices can vary – depending on the coach’s experience, and their expertise. For example – a new coach would charge less than someone who has been doing this for years. It is common for people to pay $300-$400 per month for the personalized support of an ADD coach.

Group coaching is an option which can make it more affordable for people to participate in ADD/ADHD coaching. This way, there is less personalized attention, yet the person is able to still benefit from the coaching process. Group coaching is less expensive, and thus it is often easier for people to participate in.

Does ADD/ADHD Coaching Work for Adults, Teens and Kids with ADHD?

ADD coaching has been done with adults right from its start. When an adult engages in coaching, he/she can take responsibility for his/her participation in the process and benefit from it.

When coaching is done with kids or teens with ADHD, it can be much harder. This can relate to many issues – including a child or teen’s comprehension of what is going on (i.e. do they even attribute problematic behaviors to their own symptoms or actions?), or their desire to work on challenging or frustrating issues. My understanding is that for older teens, ADD coaching can be a lot more helpful than for young kids.

That said, as with behavioral treatments for kids and teens with ADD/ADHD, when the parents learn the specific skills, they can help to support their child or teen with these on a day to day basis. Thus, if parents learn the skills that an ADD coach can provide, it can help the child or teen significantly.

Resources which you may be interested in:

• AD/HD Coaches Organization (ACO)
• Institute for the Advancement of ADHD Coaching
• An Article on Coaching from CHADD

This article is meant to be an introduction to coaching for ADD/ADHD. Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Please let us know: Have you ever considered coaching for ADD/ADHD? Have you ever tried it?

Please share your comments below.

Best,

Dr. Kenny

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

Technorati Tags: ADD, ADD Coach, ADD Coaching, ADHD, ADHD Coach, ADHD Coaching, Coaching

Listed below are a few software programs which may assist you. This is a list of a few programs that I have heard about from colleagues. Please note that I don’t have direct personal experience to strongly endorse any of these outright – rather I provide this list as a place for you to get started and to do your own research from here. Hopefully, the power of this community will help you – because people can share their experiences with these programs in the comments below.

1. Dragon Naturally Speaking: This software is probably the best voice to text software. I have used this one, and I find that the newer version is much more accurate than previous versions. I will say that one of the biggest drawbacks if if someone has a particular accent, or a speech articulation problem, it can be quite frustrating.
2. Kurzweil 3000 Kurzweil is described on their site as: “Kurzweil 3000™ is a comprehensive reading, writing and learning software solution for any struggling reader, including individuals with learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, attention deficit disorder or those who are Enlish Language Learners.”
3. Smart has a whole set of resources that help teachers be more interactive with students and use the technology to help with this.
4. Word Q is a software program which helps with editing, by suggesting possible words and it also includes some aspects of speaking the words back to you.
5. Text to Speech Software: This software helps to read text out loud to assist with learning.

Have you tried any of these software programs to help with learning (for ADHD or Dyslexia/Learning Disabilities)?

Have you used any other software programs which you would recommend?

Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Best,

Dr. Kenny

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

Technorati Tags: ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Learning Disability, Software

Please share your thoughts and comments below.

Best,
Dr. Kenny

p.s. watch for video #3 coming soon!

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

Technorati Tags: ADD, ADHD, Alternative, Complimentary, herbal, naturopathic, neurofeedback

In this first video – I share how you can use alternatives as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for ADD/ADHD. I also share the guiding principles you can use when deciding on an alternative treatment.

Please share your thoughts and comments below. I’d love to hear your perspectives.

Best,
Dr. Kenny

p.s. sign up for my newsletter to be notified of when video #2 is being posted

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

Technorati Tags: ADD, ADHD, Alternative Medicine, Complementary Medicine, herbal, naturopathic, neurofeedback, omega 3

Searching online for ADHD and the military – I found a couple of resources that may help. The first is an article from the American Academy of Pediatrics. In this article from 1998, the author summarizes information from one scientific article, as well as information gathered from military sources.

A second resource came from a forum post, where the author shared his experience having had ADHD when he was younger, and then joining the US Air Force. Other people have joined the conversation, and you can find that here.

The ultimate question that will come up for someone considering the military is – can I get in if I have ADHD?

The short answer is: ‘maybe’.

Based on the sources mentioned above – it seems unlikely that one can get into the Army, Air Force, Navy and particularly the Marines (they are noted to be the most strict) if they have to take a daily medication. This applies to a thyroid condition, diabetes, or any medical condition that requires daily medicine.

This would apply to ADHD – if you take daily medicine. The articles suggest getting off your medication for approximately 1 year prior to applying to the military. If you are able to function well without the medication, then you may be eligible to enlist. The reason for this rule is that requiring a daily medication may present a risk in a combat situation.

Other criteria for the military include the fact that one could be excluded for a personality or behavioral disorder. If one has ADHD or ADD and has had numerous troubles associated with it – including substance abuse, trouble with the law, associated depression or suicidality, etc. – that may make it harder to enlist in the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines.

One other key point mentioned in the article is that recruiters may or may not share accurate information with potential recruits. This is concerning – and suggests that an interested person should pursue information from multiple sources before feeling that he/she has an accurate answer.

It is important to note that the best reference I found (the American Academy of Pediatrics article written above) was from prior to September 11, 2001. It is an article from 1998. Now that the US is at war in Iraq and Afghanistan (and Canada is in Afghanistan), it is possible that the rules for obtaining a ‘waiver for ADHD’ may be different now. Again – it is worth reviewing this with a recruiter (or two or three).

It is my belief that people with ADHD can do extremely well in the structure of the military. In these times, their contribution can be most welcomed – if the military welcomes them.

Will the military welcome people diagnosed with ADHD?

The short answer is ‘maybe’.

I am hopeful that those of you reading this article will share your experiences, and help to update the policies described above to what is happening now (this is being written in August 2009). We have had a very productive discussion on this blog about the FAA requirements for pilots with ADHD, and I hope that this post can develop into a productive discussion to help people seeking answers to this question.

**Addendum – a further internet search found this article, on the ADDitudeMag site, entitled: Uncle Sam Doesn’t Want You! It describes more up to date information about the military. It notes that there are new standards in place. The article shares:

“Under newly revised standards, ADHD is disqualifying only if the potential recruit has been treated with ADHD medication within the past year, or if he or she displays “significant” evidence of ADHD symptoms, such as impulsivity and distractibility. (The definition of “significant” is up to the military medical examiner.) Documentation of any treatment of ADHD within the previous three years must be submitted in advance of the medical evaluation. “

This is certainly a step in the right direction, but I think not enough.

Please share your thoughts and experiences below.

Best,

Dr. Kenny

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

Technorati Tags: ADD, ADHD, Afghanistan, Army, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Iraq, Marines, Military, Navy

This disclosure has come in a ’roundabout’ way. This relates to the reports that Mr. Mayfield was suspended from driving due to finding amphetamines in his urine during a random urine drug screen. Mr. Mayfield has explained that he takes Adderall medication for ADHD, as well as Claritin D. This issue is before the courts. You can read the news updates here.

While Mr. Mayfield is going through a rough time right now, I am happy to hear that he has openly disclosed his diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to advocacy and support for the many kids diagnosed with ADD or ADHD each year.

I do wonder how many of the Nascar drivers have ADD or ADHD?

Although there is research which shows that people with untreated ADHD are at risk of more accidents while driving, my clinical experience in ADHD suggests that people with ADHD often excel at ‘extreme sports’. Whereas driving to the store at 40 miles per hour may be boring, driving on a Nascar track at speeds in excess of 200 mph can be exciting and can command one’s attention. And as Mr. Mayfield explains – he is taking an ADHD medication while driving.

I do hope that things work out well for Mr. Mayfield, and that he uses this situation as a springboard for advocacy for ADD/ADHD. I hope that he can be a role model for the thousands of boys (And girls!) diagnosed with ADD and ADHD each year.

What are your thoughts and experiences? Please share them below.

Best,

Dr. Kenny

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

Technorati Tags: ADD, Adderall, ADHD, Jeremy Mayfield, Medication, Nascar

I’ve created a free video for you to learn more about this.
You can see it here: ADHD Medication Mastery.

And when you click through to that site – you’ll be given the opportunity to sign up for free ADHD Medication updates. You’ll get more videos with useful tips to help you and the people that you love.

Click through to see the video now (while it’s still fresh in your mind).

Best,

Dr. Kenny

p.s. I’ll be giving you many free videos and lessons on ADHD Medication Treatment in the coming weeks – so make sure to take advantage of it!

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

Technorati Tags: Daytrana, Focalin

Quite simply: Raise prices.

A news report shares that Big Pharma are raising their prices to improve their income. Included in the example is Eli Lilly’s Strattera – a non-stimulant medication for ADHD.

I’m not sure if the same thing is happening with other ADHD medications, which are manufactured by other companies.

This is a very concerning trend – especially as people may be under-insured, or uninsured. The medication costs are often prohibitive – and if one needs the medication to survive at work and to keep one’s income, this can be quite a bind.

What has your experience been? Have the costs of your prescription gone up?

Please share your comments below.

** As further explanation – the information above refers to prices in the US. I have recently published two articles showing that the trend in Canada is that in fact the prices are coming down – particularly for Strattera and Adderall XR. You can read more details here: Strattera Price Drop in Canada, and Adderall XR Price Drop in Canada.

Best,

Dr. Kenny

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

Technorati Tags: ADD, Adderall, ADHD, Concerta, Medication, Strattera, Vyvanse