ADD Is A Gift

Stimulants increase alertness, attention, and energy, which are accompanied by increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. Historically, stimulants were used to treat asthma and other respiratory problems, obesity, neurological disorders, and a variety of other ailments. As their potential for abuse and addiction became apparent, the use of stimulants began to wane.

Now, stimulants are prescribed for treating only a few health conditions, including narcolepsy, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and depression that has not responded to other treatments. Stimulants may also be used for short-term treatment of obesity and for patients with asthma.

Stimulants such as dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) and methylphenidate (Ritalin) have chemical structures that are similar to key brain neurotransmitters called monoamines, which include norepinephrine and dopamine.Stimulants increase the levels of these chemicals in the brain and body. This, in turn, increases blood pressure and heart rate, constricts blood vessels, increases blood glucose, and opens up the pathways of the respiratory system. In addition, the increase in dopamine is associated with a sense of euphoria that can accompany the use of stimulants.Research indicates that people with ADHD do not become addicted to stimulant medications, such as Ritalin, when taken in the form and dosage prescribed. However, when misused, stimulants can be addictive.

The consequences of stimulant abuse can be extremely dangerous. Taking high doses of a stimulant can result in an irregular heartbeat, dangerously high body temperatures, and/or the potential for cardiovascular failure or seizures. Taking high doses of some stimulants repeatedly over a short period of time can lead to hostility or feelings of paranoia in some individuals.

Stimulants should not be mixed with antidepressants or OTC cold medicines containing decongestants. Antidepressants may enhance the effects of a stimulant, and stimulants in combination with decongestants may cause blood pressure to become dangerously high or lead to irregular heart rhythms.

Treatment of addiction to prescription stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, is based on behavioral therapies proven effective for treating cocaine or methamphetamine addiction. At this time, there are no proven medications for the treatment of stimulant addiction. Antidepressants, however, may be used to manage the symptoms of depression that can accompany early abstinence from stimulants.

Depending on the patient’s situation, the first step in treating prescription stimulant addiction may be to slowly decrease the drug’s dose and attempt to treat withdrawal symptoms. This process of detoxification could then be followed with one of many behavioral therapies. Contingency management, for example, improves treatment outcomes by enabling patients to earn vouchers for drug-free urine tests; the vouchers can be exchanged for items that promote healthy living. Cognitive-behavioral therapies, which teach patients skills to recognize risky situations, avoid drug use, and cope more effectively with problems, are proving beneficial. Recovery support groups may also be effective in conjunction with a behavioral therapy. Now that you have an overview of various drugs that can become addictive, let’s see if you or a loved one might have a problem.

Jonas Smith
http://www.articlesbase.com/addictions-articles/all-about-stimulants-usage-749357.html

How does the idea of using fish oil for depression treatment sound to you? You can say ‘it is a good idea’, or ‘it is a bad idea’, or you can even say ‘I have no idea whatsoever’. No matter what your answer is, you are not alone. A lot of people do not have a clear understanding of fish oil and the role it plays in treating depression. Let us take a look.

Fish oil, as you all know, is rich in omega 3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA. According to health experts, these omega 3 fatty acids play a major role in improving brain function. They play a very important role in the growth of neurons in the frontal cortex of the brain, which is referred to as the ’seat of personal behavior’. They prevent the disruption of the dopamine system and promote mental health. A number of clinical studies have shown that a regular dose of omega 3 fatty acids will prevent mental disorders like depression, anxiety, irritability, and aggression. This is why fish oil depression treatment is usually pretty effective.

When consumed on a regular basis, high quality fish based oil supplements can reduce suicidal tendencies and irritability in people who are depressed. They are very essential for pregnant women to stay healthy and to avoid postnatal depression. It has also been proven that omega 3 fatty acids significantly reduce the risks of childhood mental disorders like ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia. This is why fish based oil is considered a very good for children and adults alike.

To get the best results in fish oil depression treatment, you should take high quality fish based oil capsules. Look for fish oil supplements which contain plenty of DHA and EPA - preferably in 2:1 ratio. A lot of fish based supplements these days contain very little amount of these omega 3 fatty acids and you cannot expect good results from taking such supplements. So, always make sure the product you choose contains at least 250 mg of DHA and 120 mg of EPA.

One of the most important things you should know about depression treatment is that it is a combination of the right kind of medications, a healthy diet, regular physical exercise, high quality health supplements, and some important lifestyle changes. So, while using fish oil for depression treatment is certainly effective, it definitely should not be considered an alternative for medications. You must always consult your doctor and follow his advice without fail to improve your mental, emotional, and physical health and to get over depression.

V K Rajagopalan
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/fish-oil-for-depression-treatment-how-effective-is-it-1249825.html

Is Effexor effective for patients with ADD/ ADHD? Is their any side effects or withdrawal effects?

Effexor is a medication used to treat depression. Sometimes, a Person whom displays symptoms of ADD will also have depression. Effexor can be taken in conjunction with Adderol- which is a mediation used to treat ADD. If you do not have health insurance, these meds get expensive, especially because there is so much abuse of the ADD medication for recreational purposes. You should go to a local clinic to get diagnosed. If you walk in and ask for Adderol of ritalin, of course, you will not be taken seriously. If you do have ADD, it is Worth pursing this- you owe it to yourself to see how much more effective you may be if properly treated. Also, watch your diet- if you are eating fast food and not getting all of your vitamins, you will have more trouble. ADD meds also take a lot out of you- talk to your doctor about this. Good Luck!!!

ADHD research is essential for responsible parents searching for the best treatments for their children. Prescription drugs? Natural remedies? You need to be informed before making a decision. So make sure you take the time to do your research first.

I am a natural health consultant with an ADHD son, and I’m convinced that natural remedies are your safest treatment. Treating your child with drugs not only has side effects, but it doesn’t even address the root of the problem.

Ritalin is the drug of choice for most psychiatrists but it only treats the symptoms of the problem and not the underlying cause. Studies have shown that when children are taken off the drug, symptoms of ADHD return. Also long term effects of prescription drugs, such as Ritalin, have not been determined and there is considerable controversy.

The following statements should convince you that natural remedies for ADHD should be considered first:

* ADHD facts state that common side effects for an ADHD drug such as Ritalin include sleep disturbances, insomnia, decreased appetite, depression, headaches, stomachaches, and high blood pressure. Do you want your child to experience these? That’s why I used natural ADHD remedies. It alleviates the symptoms without the side effects and without compromising your child’s health.

* According to ADHD research , prescription drugs for ADHD may stop some of symptoms of ADHD but did you know they also alter the way your child thinks? The drugs can suppress your child’s ideas, impulses, and creativity that are natural to your child.

John F. Kennedy, Jim Carey, and Nolan Ryan are just a few of famous people who coped with ADHD without prescription drugs. Natural remedies for ADHD will not take away the creativity of your child, but instead will restore balance to his overall health.

* Adhd facts also show that there is a much higher frequency of substance abuse for adults who took ADHD prescription drugs as kids. That is because some of the prescriptions are very addictive. No so with natural ADHD remedies, as they are not addictive and very safe to take with no side effects.

* ADHD research has revealed that billions of dollars are spent on ADHD prescription drugs. That can put a heavy burden on a family even if you do have good insurance. It’s also an indication that ADHD is being over-diagnosed. Natural remedies for ADHD are not only better health-wise, but much more cost efficient.

* ADHD facts have shown that the long-term effects of prescription drugs remain a mystery. Recent studies have shown higher incidents of depression and other psychological problems with people who took those drugs as children. Do you want to take that chance with your children? I didn’t, and my grown son is very well adjusted now. By using natural ADHD remedies when he was young, I’m not worried about any long term effects he may have developed later on in life.

So where do you go from here? If you’ve done your ADHD research you now know there is controversy with prescription drugs. Do you want to just cover up their symptoms with possible side effects? Or do you want to go to the root of the problem with no side effects.

If you’re like me, a concerned Mom, you’ll choose natural ADHD remedies and feel good about it because you’ve made an informed decision. Find a good natural ADHD remedy for your child and know you’re doing the responsible thing. After all, it’s your child’s health!

Diana Ketchen
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/prescription-drugs-for-adhd-better-do-your-adhd-research-first-718526.html

If my child takes herbal supplements for ADHD, it is natural so it must be good! This is a fictional belief in that it is superficial, to say the least. Herbal supplements for treating ADHD must be approached with the same caution as that in using ADHD conventional medication.

FDA Warnings

When the FDA in 2006 told pharmaceutical companies to put warning labels on ADHD medicines, alarm bells started sounding in many parents’ heads. There ARE potential health risks and these can range from stunted growth, insomnia, mood swings and even cardiac arrest. It is a fact and if you do not believe me, try visiting the FDA site for a horror trip through the psychostimulant drugs jungle. Another alarming fact is that US doctors are three times as likely to prescribe these drugs than their European counterparts. A sad fact is that young people joining the Military in the US may not be accepted if they have been on ADHD medication up to a year before their application. They are regarded as second class drug users.

Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements for ADHD are one of the alternatives that worried parents are now taking much more seriously than before. They are no longer content to dose their children with powerful mind altering drugs. Herbal supplements have had a very long history - as old as man himself who sought relief from various ailments by extracting healing substances from the plant world around him. All the ancient civilisations from Egypt, China, Ancient Rome used herbs extensively in medication. Ayurvedic, Chinese and Native American medical systems all use herbs for medication purposes. Examples are valerian extract for insomnia, turmeric as an anti-inflammatory agent for arthritis and stinging nettle for enlarged prostate.

World Health Organisation

Even to-day, the fact that the majority of the world’s population are poor and have to survive on less than $2 a day means that up to 80% STILL use herbal medicine. This is a WHO estimate. What are the herbal supplements for treating adhd? Skullcap, Ginkgo Biloba, Avena, Chamomile and Valerian have all been used to successful help children alleviate ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity, restlessness, fidgeting, inattention and limited concentration span.

Homeopathic ADHD Remedies

Homeopathic ADHD remedies are becoming enormously popular in that they are not addictive. When looking at the product ( and the small print!), you should be able to check if the actual ingredients are listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States. Is the product a registered OTC homeopathic remedy? You should also check the reputation of the company. You may be looking for guarantees and assurances that the products have not been rested on animals and also if they are gluten and lactose free. All these questions are answered in the link below which will reassure you that ADHD herbal supplements/homeopathic remedies are by far the best option around.

 
 

Robert William Locke
http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/herbal-supplements-for-adhd-fact-or-fiction–713007.html

I’ve had ADD/ADHD and Bipolar disorder since I was in elementary school. I’ve been on Ritilin, Strattera, Aderal, and more that I’m probably forgetting. None of them treated me ‘effectively’. There was always some bad side effect that made me miserable, with all the pills. Nausea, Vomiting, Depression.. but the worst part was I never noticed any change in myself, my mood or my attention span.. (especially with Strattera) and obviously my parents didn’t either as they kept taking me back to get my meds changed or to up the dose.

I’ve been off ALL medicine for about 3 years now (I’m 22) and I feel great. I’ve learned to manage my mental problems on my own and now have my own house, a good job and a stable relationship.. but most important: I’m HAPPY.

If the medicine works for you, great. If it doesn’t, ask about Aderal. My friend who was also ADHD takes it and swears by it. Tho it never worked for me much, but it did have less negative side effects than the others. Good luck

"3 Steps to Conquering ADD-ADHD" ISBN: B00262IENA: Are there any ADHD Prescription meds for children that do not have suicide warnings? At what age do they commit suicide? Is it something you can put them on until age 10 when all children eventually catch up maturity wise. Are all adolescents at risk for suicide regardless of medications due to hormonal changes from puberty?
Thank you.

im sorry i cant answer all of your questions but i followed the steps and the books. i didnt read the books but my family did. all i know is that i take juice plus, a multi-vitamin, and 3 nuerobecalms in the morning and 3 more nuero- becalms at night. sorry i couldnt help you that much.

i will tell you this though: this system did not help my adhd very much. i did get the halp i needed with the feingold diet. the books are expensive and not necessary to buy. basically, a person with adhd should eat nothing with artificial flavoring, coloring, or sweetners. so just look ok the nutrition facts and make sure. its very simple. just look at your local whole foods market for easier find. but you can find most things at a typical grocery store

Do you know what “pharming” means? It means something significant in the child drug black market ! Simply put, it means buying and selling ADHD drugs in the school parking lot in high schools and colleges. These are sometimes referred to as ‘dexies’ which is a nickname for amphetamines, again a very common substance in ADHD meds.

Faking ADHD Symptoms

Even more shocking is the fact that many kids are faking ADHD symptoms just so that they can get ADHD drugs on prescription and then sell them on the black market. The FDA knows that the overuse or misuse of amphetmanines is very risky - such use “may lead to drug dependence and must be avoided” - their words,not mine.

Dangers Of Drug Abuse

The Partnership For A Drug Free America issued a report in 2005 and their findings do not give much comfort to worried parents either. They found that of the 7,300 teenagers they interviewed, 10% had tried these psychostimulant drugs without any prescription or medical advice. About a third of the teens interviewed claimed they knew at least one close friend who were abusing these ADHD meds.

A National Epidemic?

In treating adhd, many parents are trying to seek alternatives to these potentially harmful and damaging drugs. In a nation where mental illness among children was almost unknown fifty years
ago, we seem to be faced with an epidemic of massive proportions where 2 million children are suffering from ADHD and presumably many of these are on ADHD drugs. These are figures from The National Institutes of Mental Health.

Is There An Alternative ?

There IS an ADHD alternative therapy available which will not turn your child into an addict, neither will they compromise their physical and mental development. We owe it to our kids to give them a chance and not hang a millstone round their neck for the rest of their lives. Teenagers with ADHD are already identified as high risk drivers.

So, where can you find adhd natural remedies? How can you find out about any side effects ? Actually there are none! You need to be sure that the company is a reputable one and that the processing of the ingredients are done under FDA supervision. You will need more information before making a choice like this. You can find all the answers in the link below this article.

Robert William Locke
http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/the-dark-world-of-adhd-drugs-time-to-wake-up–688724.html

Assuming that you have already taken your child or teenager to a behavioural specialist and had their actions evaluated by an expert you should now be aware of the problems you face. But at least if you now know that you are faced with ADHD you should be on the way to developing a decent treatment plan.

Quite rightly, your child’s psychologist, therapist or physician should now want to start out on a course of treatment . But what do you need to know before you agree to sign off on and agree to any specific course of action? How do you know that what they come up with is beneficial and the best option?

Here are a few propositions for you to think on. What is listed below are only our ideas, but these have been formulated after having worked with over 1,000 children, young adults and teenagers with diagnosed ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

1. Make use of all of your opinions. Have a detailed discussion with a physician, ideally your family doctor but do not be stonewalled by them. Any recommended course of action should be well reasoned and will differ child by child.

2. Through summer holiday we like to use “alternative” treatments such as homeopathy, manipulating diet using our suggested eating plans, and increasing the consumption of essential fatty acid supplements.

3. EEG Biofeedback training has also been found to offer excellent results and should be seen as an “alternative” healing method for ADD. The benefit of this is that if these treatments are effective (and in our experience they are almost 70% of the time) then we can keep the patient away from chemical treatments.

If the initial analysis and diagnosis is made later in a school year then we tend to suggest a medical treatment right away for almost all patients. When summer approaches we would attempt to reduce dosage of medicines and try the methods above. The reason we would use a chemical treatment is to try to ’salvage’ the school year. ADHD may result in a worsening school performance. Since medicines tend to work quickly, the student may be able to get through and pass classes they might otherwise fail.

In addition to this, by trying out the medicines ahead of the summer we have something to benchmark against. We can compare the results of chemical medical solutions to other less invasive treatments to be tried and tested during the summer holidays.

It is worth bearing in mind that physicians and not always open-minded when looking at alternative medicines. Doctors tend to utilise what they know - chemical medical solutions - without being willing in some cases to examine alternatives. Make sure that when you go to them you are fully versed in what you want and do not let yourself be swayed easily by their recalcitrance.

I did this myself for many years, and this is where you have got to come to a decision yourself on how best to help your child or teenager with Attention Deficit Disorder.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/treating-adhd-tips-to-develop-an-effective-treatment-plan-703335.html

If you, your child, or someone else you care for has been diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), you’re probably feeling a little overwhelmed. After all, this is a diagnosis that’s going to affect your whole life, whether you have the disorder yourself, or you’re living or working closely with someone who does. And the most popular methods of dealing with it - primarily through drugs - don’t really help, either.

You may be wondering if drugs really are the only option, or if ADHD can be treated using other methods. The good news is that yes, there are other options. ADHD natural medicine can be used to help you improve the quality of life for yourself or a child with this problem, without having to resort to the pharmacy.

Here are a few options that could help.

Diet is one of the big factors that could contribute to ADHD. Do you or your child consume a large amount of processed food, sugars, or simple carbohydrates? These can have a big impact on blood glucose, leading to mood swings, difficulty paying attention, and irritability or other symptoms. When the level of sugar is more even, it’s a lot easier to keep your mind on what you’re doing and stay happier.

Some people also find that they have trigger foods. In this case the ADHD natural medicine prescribed is simply looking for them. Some common triggers include artificial dyes and colors, which are found in foods from the obvious candies and sodas to bread, fruit, and other things you wouldn’t suspect.

Preservatives and artificial sweeteners, including Nutrasweet (aspartame), can also be an ADHD trigger. Even innocuous foods like eggs, wheat, dairy, and juice cause episodes in some people. All you can do is pay attention to what you or your loved ones eat, and then monitor behavior. Simple modifications to diet can be all the ADHD natural medicine you need.

There are also some herbal and other natural supplements that work to keep some people’s disorders in check. Think about using fish oil, flax seed or the oil from flax seed, or primrose oil to reduce hyperactivity. This works in children and adults, due to the particular balance of essential fatty acids in these foods. Remember to let your doctor know if you start taking any ADHD natural medicine regularly, as there can be complex interactions.

Behavior modification is another treatment for ADHD that has met with success. Simple things like developing the right habits and avoiding distractions when you really need to work can cut down on the difficulties you experience from this disorder. While modifying your environment and behavior rarely eliminates all symptoms, it can be combined with medication or with diet changes to make your or your child’s life a lot more liveable.

No matter what type of ADHD natural medicine you choose, you should take it slowly and not expect miracles. After all, ADHD affects every person differently. That means it’ll take a while to find the best balance of treatments for you or your loved ones. However, it’s worth it in the end!

Diana Ketchen
http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/treating-your-child-with-adhd-natural-medicine-749013.html