Misquoted On The News…
ByI hate when this happens…
The news was buzzing today about a British story that ADHD Medications don’t work at all.
I am currently in Montreal, for a meeting of the Canadian Academy of Child Psychiatry. The TV news channels were calling myself and other ADHD experts to get our take on this new story. I interrupted a lunch session to be interviewed (and it had to be quick, because I was presenting a research workshop on ADHD at 1:45 pm).
When the story aired, my interview was edited enough that it didn’t represent what I said.
So, using the power of ‘new media’, I want to bring you the ‘rest of the story’.
Please watch this YouTube video so that you can understand why ADD/ADHD Medications still work, and hear the full version of the story:
You can learn more about medication for ADD and ADHD by downloading my 25 page free report here: Medication Mastery.
So remember, ADD/ADHD medications still work, and you need to monitor for stunted growth – but please watch the video above to learn the facts and speak to your doctor if you have any questions.
All the best,
Dr. Kenny
Doctor, thanks for you UTUBE message clarifying the statements about the effectiveness of medication. You mentioned the “risks of NOT taking medication”. Can you list those for us.
normanb
hi, I tried to see and hear your message however, i was able to see the video but there was no sound. Sorry, but I am unable to figure out why there is no sound. My computer is working fine. If you have another way for me to view and hear, it would be apprieciated. Thanks, Eliane
Norman:
The risks of untreated ADD/ADHD are quite serious.
For kids and teens, they include:
- Higher rates of teenage pregnancy
- Lower academic achievement (complete 3 fewer years of education, often get lower marks)
- Higher rates of accidents
- Higher rates of car accidents
- HIgher rates of drug and alcohol abuse
- Higher rates of being charged for a criminal offense.
For adults:
- More car accidents/speeding tickets
- Higher rates of divorce
- Less achievement in careers
- More likely to be fired/quit
Now, let’s be clear. Having ADD/ADHD and not getting treatment doesn’t mean that you will get all of these negative outcomes.
However, you are at higher risk if your ADD/ADHD is active, impairing and you don’t get a good, comprehensive treatment plan in place.
Thanks for the question, Norman, I hope this answer helps.
Dr. Kenny
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Hi Eliane,
I am sorry to hear that the video isn’t working for you.
It is from Youtube, so it should be working.
If you can see the video, but can’t hear it, I can only think of two suggestions:
1) Make sure that you can hear sound from your PC from something else (and if you can’t, check the volume of your speakers, or the connection to your speakers)
2) On the bottom right of the video, there is a ‘slider’ to control the volume. If someone watched a youtube video on your computer recently, and turned the volume very low, you may not hear this video.
Beyond that, I would suggest going to http://www.youtube.com and looking for their help section.
I hope this works for you!
Dr. Kenny
Thanks for explaining the background on this story, I haven’t seen much reference to the open-trial aspect of it that you mention in your video. I am curious how the BBC could quote Professor Pelham as saying this,” “There’s no indication that medication’s better than nothing in the long run,” are they just excising the caveat, “in an open trial situation.” If that is the case, that absolutely appalling media coverage. Do you have any numbers on how many of the trial participants in the behavioral program switched to the drug treament and vice-versa? I am wondering if there is any trend line (not sure if that is the right term) where those with worse symptoms went for drug treatment and those on the borderline shifted to behavioral treatment. Thanks again for your effort to clarify the findings and counter sensationalist coverage.
Aram,
Thank you for your intelligent comments.
I can’t speak for what Dr. Pelham said, and how the press have quoted him.
You raise some very good questions about how the people followed up after the first 14 months of the study.
I don’t have the info right on hand – but I will find it for you.
It will be in several days – because I have 3 teaching sessions for the Medication Mastery course in the next 6 days.
Dr. Kenny
Dr. Handelman,
My name is Trish, I volunteer with CADDAC (www.caddac.ca), working on media and communication issues for the organization. I also have a six year old son with severe ADHD, who, since this summer, has been taking concerta.
As a media relations manager in my professional life, I am aware of how badly the media can distort interviews – even positive ones – and make them work within their own angle.
When I saw Global News last night – it is fair to say I saw red. I saw what they did with Denise’s interview, and then I saw what they did with yours. I knew what you were saying – I have read enough and educated myself to the point that I know what the stats are if you do not properly treat ADHD – and I knew that is what you were trying to say. HOWEVER, I also knew how Global made it sound, and for that I was so upset I was almost in tears.
There is so much stigma that surrounds ADHD, and while I am outspoken and committed to being an advocate for my son until he can become his own advocate, I know that not all parents are like me – and many already have difficulty accepting that there might be something wrong with their child. Stories like the one on Global News last night only make it so much harder for them to accept a diagnosis of ADHD, and to seek treatment.
Anyway, what I wanted to say is that Jane just forwarded me your blog, and I wanted to take a moment to thank you for doing what you could to make it known you had your comments taken out of context.
I can’t tell you how much it means to me to know that there are people like yourself who are advocating on behalf of ADHD children.
Personally, the difference meds have made in my son’s life is night and day. That said, it isn’t a magic pill – which is pretty much what you said last night – but part of an overall treatment program that together helps my son keep his condition in check. When we combine all these approaches (meds included) he is a happy, loving child, who is LOVING first grade and excelling in school and in his social group. What a difference from his senior kindergarten year last year, when it was all the teacher’s could do to keep him from tearing the school apart.
I appreciate what you are doing, and what you have done on behalf of both my son, and others.
Thank you,
Trish
Trish,
Thank you for taking the time to share your story.
I am so glad that my video and this blog can help you out (and getting feedback like yours reminds me why I stay up late at night to post on it!).
Keep up the great work with CADDAC!
Dr. Kenny
When I go to the youtube video it says it is no longer available…has it been removed??? And is there somewhere else I can access it?
Hi Karen,
The video is still there.
The direct link to the video on youtube is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ie1keG7i8G4
Dr. Kenny
Misquoted On The News |ADD ADHD Blog.com…
The news was buzzing today about a British story that ADHD Medications don’t work at all. ADD/ADHD medications still work, and you need to monitor for stunted growth….
Misquoted On The News… | ADD ADHD Blog.com…
The news was buzzing today about a British story that ADHD Medications don’t work at all. ADD/ADHD medications still work, and you need to monitor for stunted growth….
Misquoted On The News |ADD ADHD Blog.com…
…
Misquoted On The News |ADD ADHD Blog.com…
The news was buzzing today about a British story that ADHD Medications don’t work at all. ADD/ADHD medications still work, and you need to monitor for stunted growth….
Misquoted On The News |ADD ADHD Blog.com…
The news was buzzing today about a British story that ADHD Medications don’t work at all. ADD/ADHD medications still work, and you need to monitor for stunted growth….
Misquoted On The News |ADD ADHD Blog.com…
The news was buzzing today about a British story that ADHD Medications don’t work at all. ADD/ADHD medications still work, and you need to monitor for stunted growth….