New Research On ADHD
Lots of important research comes from Scandinavia because they apparently keep very good detailed statistics on everyone from birth to death. That is a very valuable bank of data, but the concept probably would not go over well here. Anyway,a recent study found that ADHD patients had significantly higher rates of both attempted and completed suicide and higher mortality rate in general, with accidents being the most common cause of death.
Previous research did not produce surprises – we have an increased proclivity to risk-taking behaviors, substance abuse, criminality, and risky sexual behavior, as well as accidents. It all fits together.
The important finding is that ADHD patients taking medication still had increased risk over vanilla’s, but a significant reduction of risk compared to ADHD patients without medication.
My Opinion
Everyone with ADHD, especially children, deserves a trial of medication. Medication doesn’t help everyone and not everyone can take it, because some get side effects. For some, medication is a life-changing miracle; for many, it is just a very significant help. I think it is always worth a try.
More ADHD Research
A study from Amsterdam showed that boys with ADHD significantly improved their sleep with Ritalin. They fell asleep earlier, quicker, and slept longer, compared to their findings before the Ritalin and compared to control boys who did not get Ritalin.
As you can see, this is important because sleep difficulties are a significant symptom with ADHD and poor sleep makes symptoms and general health worse and parents often are concerned that Ritalin will interfere with their child’s sleep.
The study indicated that the child needed to be on Ritalin for eight weeks before the positive effects on sleep were clearly significant.
doug
Another Silly Life with ADHD Story
It was time to take the dog for a walk and it was cold outside. Really cold. So I wanted my sweater in addition to my jacket. But of course, I couldn’t find my sweater. Looked everywhere that it might possibly be. No sweater. Looked everywhere that it couldn’t possibly be. No sweater.
Gave up. Started to put on my jacket. Found my sweater. I was wearing it under my shirt.
What?!?
Actually, in retrospect, I can explain that, I think. But why bother?
Bonus Links
Non-medication treatment for ADHD
What?
We all need a dog
ADDadultstrategies 
Hi
I just found this pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
I was recently guide to this website by my hyperfocus on trying to find new time managing techniques for people with ADHD.
I was diagnosted when I was yungh but unfortunetly there wasn’t much help beyond the daily efforts of my parenths.
I was medicaded for most of my elementary studies and I hated it, I didn’t feel my self and I feel slower. I’m glad that there is people that can benefit from the meds.
Now that I’m older I try really hard to learn how to change my weaknesses into strong points that can make me a better version of my self.
I’m reading your book, I love reading even if I have to read the same book several times to actually read it all.
I have started with the keys strategy, and it’s working.
Thank you very much.
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Sorry for my mistakes, English isn’t my first language.
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It’s fine.
Doug
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xareni
Thank you so much for commenting. Glad the book is useful to you and glad you are following the blog. Hope you will keep commenting. And your English is no worse than mine, perfectly clear.
Best wishes
Doug
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I definitely sleep better on stimulants as well. In fact, I wonder why we aren’t medicated 24hrs/day – it seems to me that if my brain is missing something which allows it to function normally, I’m also missing it at night. And a lot of important things happen at night in our brains! Anyway, nice to see some evidence coming out about this. Thanks, and happy new year!
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I’ve heard of people mentioned they can’t sleep if they don’t take Ritalin in the evening, but I guess everyone is different. I mean, if I’m really tired, I’ll sleep a nap even on my meds, but otherwise I think I’d be too awake – I seem to sure from some form of chronic tiredness and as a Side-Effekt, ritalin makes me feel fresh and leveled.
On the other hand, I notice the positive effects of Ritalin even when the meds have worn off. back when I was on lys-desamphetamine, I had to take anti-psychotics as well, or else I’d have major melt-downs. I was skeptical when the doc said I wouldn’t need them when I switched back to Ritalin, but it was true. I feel emotionally level-headed most if the time even after medication wears off.
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shannonell
Our brains are weird. Drinking coffee later at night used to put me asleep. Now that I’m older keeps me awake.
Thank you for commenting, and happy new year to you.
Doug
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RAM
you are quite right about everyone being different. Glad you found the right medicine.
Thank you for the comment
Doug
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Hey Doug, so good to hear from you again! I hope you had a lovely Christmas with your loved ones. 🙂
Reading your post I smirked. I might be a boy from Amsterdam: my sleep became so much better after starting my medication (same compound as Ritalin, different name. It’s called “Medikinet Adult” in Germany). Still feel the medication was a blessing for me and it made a huge impact in my life. Coming March, I will be working for 2 years at the same company, which is a first for me!
Incidentally: I find it funny how not being able to hold a job for long is a symptom of ADHD in Adults, but usually it’s meant that we do a lot of small mistakes and get fired. Me, I’m usually known for my short temper and loved by many at work for my fierce work-ethic, if not for reliability. I never held jobs for too long because ruminating and short temper made me make mountains of mole-hills and look for a way out.
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igualamente (means same to you)
thanks
doug
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RAM
I had only gotten the first line of your comment and had missed the rest.
Glad the medication works for you. It is a blessing and a huge impact for many, helpful for many more, and either not helpful or not tolerable for some. I preach that everyone deserves a trial of medication.
Typically, I and many ADHDers work best with the boss who leaves us alone to do the job our own way, and only gets involved if we are screwing up or need help.
Congratulations for your two years.
As always, thank you for contributing your comments
Doug
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RAM
so glad the medication works for you. You are an the lucky group. And what an accomplishment about the job. Good for you.
Thank you for commenting, sorry I procrastinated on replying.
Have A new year that’s great
Doug
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