“Comments from Russell Barkley: Thanks Russ
More Evidence of Brain Development Enhancement from ADHD Medications
Just today yet another science journal article was published showing that staying on ADHD medications (stimulants) may help to promote brain development in those areas in which ADHD has been associated with under-development and poor functioning. What makes this article so significant is it is the first demonstration of this in adults with ADHD. The other 33 studies showing this effect were done with children. So ask yourself, why are these findings not covered in the mainstream media? Why are we always hearing from the MSM about the supposed evils of medication use with those having ADHD but never about the potential benefits, now including evidence of neuro-protection (brain enhancement)? If this were found to occur in any other area of medicine where treatment with a medication helped to at least partially correct the underlying biological development creating that disorder, wouldn’t the MSM cover that finding? The bias of the MSM against psychiatric medications, particularly for ADHD, is just mind-numbing. the findings from these 34 studies are some of the most important I have seen in ADHD in several decades.”
My comment:
Unfortunately, I have no idea what the MSM is. Help?
Jeff informs me that MSM means mainstream media. Thanks, Jeff!
PS – sorry. it wasnt Jeff. Thanks to Russel!
The wiring (networks) in our brains are different. Presumably, the neurotransmitters and the anatomy are different. Medications not only help our symptoms but apparently change our brains towards normal. Some people don’t like this idea, but I think I could probably handle “normal.”
To repeat myself, over and over, repetitively -” The medications are a miracle for some, a help to others, and not useful or not tolerable for others. We are each different, although we share a lot in common.”
Links:
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- There are no words to describe it
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- The ADHD brain at work.
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- When my brain works at all.
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- My ADHD brain seems to have a mind of it’s own.
ADDadultstrategies 
Pingback: ADHD Pathology — ADHD Tip O the Day 887 | ADDadultstrategies
Hi Doug. I saw a psychiatrist for the first time to help treat my ADD, like I had mentioned, and I wanted to let you know how it went. It went TERRIBLE! What a waste of time! I had called 3 psychiatrists who were in my insurance plan, but the other 2 had left the practices. So I was surprised that Dr. R was able to see me within a week because I had been warned of long delays before being able see a psychiatrist.
We (my wife attended to assist me in remembering what was said) arrived on time for my appointment. First, I was given a BIG stack of papers to read and sign, including the set procedures for filing a grievance! (a bad sign?) Next, we were forced to sit in the waiting room for almost 2 hours before he was ready to see me! He finally took us to an office, but then proceeded to curse because he didn’t like where the phone and computer monitor were located on the desk! Then he disappeared out of the office for 10 minutes!
Dr. R finally returned, and started to talk with us. I handed him a sheet of paper that summarized my ADD problems, and listed all of the few medications I occasionally take. He seemed mostly uninterested in this! Instead, he was focused on his cell phone, which constantly rang during our short time with him. He checked who was calling him, and occasionally took the call! One time he even stepped out of the office again! (no more cursing, fortunately)
Eventually, Dr. R allowed me to explain my experiences and symptoms of ADD. He then stated that it was clear that I suffered from ADD, but he wanted me to get TESTED by a psychologist in his office who specialized in ADD testing. Dr. R said this would be necessary before he’d be willing to prescribe any medication. This was even though I was asking to be started at a low dose. Dr. R then took me to the scheduling desk to ensure I set up the testing appointment. My wife and I then left, stunned that a highly trained doctor would treat patients in this manner! This turned out to be the worst doctor appointment I’ve ever had!
The next day I looked for ANOTHER psychiatrist in my area who accepts my insurance, and I found one who treats patients with ADD. The bad news: She isn’t able to see me until late OCTOBER! The good news: She doesn’t require separate ADD testing, as I was told she evaluates patients during their first visit – during which she’s expected to prescribe medication!
So, what do you think of my experience, Doug? As a psychiatrist, I’m sure you treat your patients much better than Dr. R does. I hope you enjoyed my (hopefully) unusual story. Jeff
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Oh Jeff, terrible indeed, and an embarrassment to the medical profession. I’m sorry this happened to you. I trust your next appointment will go better.
you have the option of reporting this guy to the state medical board. the comment you posted should be sufficient. if several people report him, he will at least be investigated. in my opinion, there is no need for a psychologist testing just to diagnose ADHD. and/or you could google him and then grade him on the various sites and maybe have room for a comment.
i cant say i enjoyed your story at all. i would like to use at least part of it in a post unless you object.
thank you for sharing this
doug
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Hi Doug. I’m sure the next appt will go better, but it’s a long wait for meds. By the way, when I called the 2 psychiatrists that had left the practices, I was told by BOTH offices that they won’t refer patients to Dr. R! But I had to find out on my own. And boy did I. I told myself “He can’t be THAT bad.” HA! It was my own fault.
I just want to forget about this guy. You can mention my experiences, but please refer to him as Dr. X. Because his office forced me to sign an agreement relating handling grievances, I don’t want to risk him suing me! Maybe this agreement helps him get away with these practices? Jeff
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jeff- sounds like a scumbag. would be good if you reported him.
people unfortunately need to research before seeing a new doc.
sorry it was so bad for you. surely will be better this time.
thank you for commenting
doug
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Hi Doug. Well, I finally did it. I finally made an appointment to see a psychiatrist in my area who treats ADHD! The appt is early this coming week. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but it was much more difficult than I anticipated! (because of the system) As a result, I need your advice: What GENERIC medications do you think would be appropriate initially for a psychiatrist to prescribe to treat a case of severe ADHD? I believe it would be best for me to start out at a low dose of a med, and increase the dosage if necessary. I am also concerned about side effects. Based on YOUR experience, what do you think? I’m looking for some ideas on meds that I could ask the doctor about.
Also, in reading ram’s reply, I recalled a job I had when in my mid-20s in which I had to travel quite a bit. I remember that I kept a check-off list of all of the items I needed to bring with me prior to leaving for the airport, so I wouldn’t forget something (like showing up at the airport without my plane ticket!) None of my coworkers seemed to need a check-off list like this. Could this have been an early sign of my having ADHD? Jeff
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jeff – good for you .low and increase is good. side effects are not a big issue – if you get them you adjust the dose, the timing or change meds. you arent going to be stuck with them.
i’m sorry i dont know prices and i’m not even sure what is generic now . what i prescribed was ritalin-generic. it worked for most of my patients, but not all. i read that sometimes buproprion works but i’m a little skeptical if it would work as well. i think vyvanse and concerta are not generic?
your doc should know all about this.
your check list was a great strategy for a typical adhd problem.
best wishes
doug
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Interesting. Thanks for sharing.
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anon
thank you for commenting
doug
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Hi Doug. Funny thing is that I was about to leave you a comment on what MSM refers to when I saw Russell’s comment. The mainstream media is in contrast with all of the alternative and fringe media out there because of the internet, etc. All of this media is a problem for my ADHD brain! Your cartoon “The ADHD brain at work” shows how I feel much of the time, as there’s just so much inforrmaton for us to process in this day and age! Jeff
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jeff – yes , overwhelming information, even for vanillas. and a lot of it is nonsense, hard to sort out. still, we keep trying
thank you for responding
doug
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Thanks for sharing. I had heard that my medication (with lisdesamphetamine destilate) had been subject of studies that show the alteration of the brain towards a “normal brain”, which is why I’ve so insistently kept taking the medication and not despairing it it seems to be off one day or another (regular people have bad, forgetfuly days too, right?). I do think I see a difference on days that I forgot my medication or even after the 12 hours it’s supposed to work. Can’t know if it’s wishful thinking or just that sleeping well and having a halfway organized life (which wouldn’t have been possible without the meds) makes a difference. It’s good to know that more and more studies are demonstrating this even in adults!
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ram – glad the med is working, sounds like it clearly is. i like your feedback cycle – the med helps you organize, which probably helps you sleep better, which helps you function better, which increases morale and motivation, which —
any idea why some days are off?
as always, i appreciate your comments
thanks
doug
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Sadly, I have no idea why some days the meds are off. I still haven’t found a pattern. What I do notice is that they are off when it comes to feeling laggy, and with other symptoms like impulsivity (eating) and motivation. Focus also suffers a bit. For example, on those days I feel sluggish, I sometimes have trouble keeping on task at work and start 3 things at once, but as soon as I notice, I can easily get back on track.
A good deal of it, though, is really the way I learned to work with my condition. For example: everyone gets a list of stuff we need to do at work, but I’m the only one who crosses things off the list as I go. No one else does it. Everyone else looks at the list while they go and KNOWS what’s done and what’s not. I need to cross them off, but that works fine with me and has helped me avoid a catastrophe on many occasions 🙂
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I think MSM refers to Main Stream Media.
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russel – Thank you! i wrongly attributed this intelligence to jeff but have given you credit now. thank you for contributing
doug
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