I find it really helpful to periodically review the various treatments behaviors and rituals that we use at our house and report on what is working well for us. I did a list like this for 2009, below is what worked well for us in 2010.
Unless otherwise stated, these recommendations work well for both the Inattentive type ADHD and for Combined type ADHD.
Laughing (the best medicine).
Clearly Stated Expectations.
Praise.
Being Flexible.
"Chunking" goals to be accomplished (breaking them down into smaller steps).
Dr. Charles Parker Medication Rules for any all questions related to ADHD Medicines.
Click here to purchase the eBook ADHD - Medication Rules...., by Dr. Charles Parker
An Organizational plan for my middle schooler who is Inattentive.
Kitchen Timer (http://primarilyinattentiveadd.blogspot.com/2009/12/kitchen-timer.html).
Fresh Fair Trade Organic Coffee and Chai Tea
(http://primarilyinattentiveadd.blogspot.com/2009/12/coffee-why-it-helps.html).Graph Paper (Helps ADHD kids write better).
White Board and Markers (to draw letters and big figure 8s using a pen in each hand, a Visual Therapy Exercises) http://primarilyinattentiveadd.blogspot.com/2009/12/visual-therapy-and-adhd.html.
A Morning Ritual and multigrain cheerios.
A Bedtime Ritual.
Epsom Salts Bath
(So calming and soothing).Kids Multivitamins that have at least 12mg of Zinc
Krill Oil for both Omega-3 supplementation and a cheap Phophatidylserine/phosphatidylcholine supplementation
Generic Adderall for my Hyperactive/Impulsive son
An Adaptogen for everyone in the family. We use Ginseng Energy
one a day. Every pack has three, do not take three. One for kids is plenty. Adults may take two.Inexpensive Bacopa Monnieri
for my Inattentive Son and I.Weight Training
plan and kids weight bench
for my Hyperactive/Impulsive son. ( One of the very best ways to boosts dopamine levels and is great for adults and kids. Will post soon on studies confirming these findings).There you have the recommendations for 2011. If I have left anything out, please leave a comment.
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First, this is a great article. One comment: in the article above: "
ReplyDeleteKids Multivitamins that have at least 12mg of Zinc."
Zinc is important bt the multivitamin linked to also has a lot of copper. In fact it contains 100% RDA of copper and only 7% RDA of zinc. The copper-zinc ratio is important, as higher copper levels drive down zinc levels (and vice versa). Many ADHD kids are high in copper and low in zinc. So supplementing with zinc is something worth trying, but copper promotes oxidation of the phospholipids comprising the cell membranes (such as PS and PE) so avoid excess copper. (But you don't wnat to overdo it either by taking too much zinc and driving copper too low--both copper and zinc are essential minerals and have their place, it's just that most of our ADHD kids appear to have too little zinc and too much copper).
Thank so much for that information. Do you know of another kids multi with less copper and more zinc? I have not found one.
ReplyDeleteTess
I have not spent nearly the time looking as I should, but whenever I happen to come across a kid's vitamin supplement in the store or online (and that it appears to possibly be palatable to my kid), I check--and so far they've all contained copper. I'm thinking I might have more luck in finding an adult supplement without copper. (And using a pill cutter to change the dose and then turning it into power with a mortar and pestle--yeah a real pain in the neck, maybe that's why I haven't pursued this.)
ReplyDeleteBut also, a lot of adult multi's contain copper. The one that I used to take does. I noticed an improvement when I stopped taking it. And I've noticed being more symtomatic when I start it back up again--not a huge effect, so it's possible I'm imagining it, but I don't think so. Also I assume that this kind of sensitivity is fairly rare...
Thanks so much. I will be on the lookout and I will keep you posted if I find anything.
ReplyDeleteAs already mentioned, a great collection of ideas to consider.
ReplyDeleteFor me, exercise is by far the most beneficial, as it just has a fantastic effect on our mood and outlook. It also helps me to sleep better and start the next day fresh.
I'll have to give the epsom salts a try, sounds very relaxing!
For those with ADHD, I think that following even a few of these suggestions would (and could) only have a positive effect on their lives.
I am always amazed at what angels my kids are after a bath in Epson salts. It is no wonder our grandmothers liked it so much!!
ReplyDeleteI want to try epson salts now in a bath!! But I am really suprised you included that, some adhd teen might get the wrong idea and try sniffing them,smoking,ingesting them and DIEING. Do you not read the news?? It's really very sad and it seems as even the smallest dose can cause death.
ReplyDeleteThis case may be unique to me but before I was diagnoised I tried ginseng, ginko, fish oil, zinc and magnesium. NONE OF THEM WORKED> Although given the inherent uncertainty of taking amphetamine I could try higher quality samples. Although those have risks of their own, the fact they aren't approved or tested by the FDA, the fact of impurities especially in fish oil(mercury) and basically no knowledge of the long-term effects.
People seem to have this absurd notion that if it comes from the earth than it must be good for you and less dangerous. Yes sometimes this is true but not always lol. Sometimes medicine can be harmful, but not always lol. Some "natural" herbs, minerals from the earth include cocaine, opium, marijuana, nutmeg(which causes death of ingesting more than few grams), womrwood and many of those "100 percent natural" supplements you buy at the store if you were to take too many. And if they're so safe then it's counter to logic that an overdose would so easily kill or maime you.
Also I always wonder why vitamin/mineral supplements have such ridicilously HIGH amounts, 500 %, 1000 %. Do you really think that's safe taking it for the rest of your life?
I would hope people go to the doctors before they start self-medicating.
Thanks for your comment!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that all supplements should be first discussed with your primary care physician and that a claim of 'All Natural" is often meaningles. I also agree that natural ingredients can be harmful.
About the Epsom salts. I do read the news. I also read Emergency Medicine journals and Mental Heath Journals but I have never heard of an Epsom salts abuse problem.
Epsom salts should not be used on infants, It should be used with care in patients taking certain medications but it is,overall, considered to be extremely safe.
I work in an Emergency Department and I have just polled all the physicians, nurses and paramedics that are here today. Not a one of them, nor have any the ancillary workers heard of ever seeing a patient who had abused Epsom salts.
There are people who mix cocaine and Meth with Epson Salts and this cannot be good for you but I am not aware of a problem with people purposely snorting epsom slats.
I also googled 'snorting epsom salts' and smoking epsom salts' and found nothing. I would be very interested to read about the news report that you read and now all my collegues want to read the report as well. I try to stay on top of stuff and maybe this trend has just not yet reached our city.
Thanks again for your comments!
Hi...
ReplyDeleteTo the "Anonymous" above:
(I am wondering if you are a MD in disguise? ; )
Then again...
I would consult a Neuropath before a regular MD... I have little trust in the majority of MD's in areas as this. I've had 4 prescribe antidepressants before ever checking blood levels. I have since learned about and treated my very low levels of iron and Vit. D and B12... any of which a deficiency causes symptoms of depression. That's only one expample... many, many alopaths have quick/misdiagnoses and ready pill pads.
And trusting the FDA guidelines? That's another place to do one's research and take with "a grain of salt."
Each of our systems are unique... and complex. Learning to muscle test can be helpful, as well as working with knowledgeable and aware health care providers.
No, I do not think "one-a-day" for the rest of one's life is a good idea. Moderation... too much or too many of most things is not good for a person. People have been known of dieing from drinking too much pure water.
Thanks for your input!
ReplyDeleteThe body does not make iodine. It's deficiency, according the the World Health Oreganization, is causative in ADD ADHD and the leading cause of mental retardation.
ReplyDeleteYes and this is the reason for salt being fortified with iodine.
ReplyDelete