Home

Author: Amelia Lorimer

CategoriesADD/ADHD

ADHD Meds Don’t Help Healthy Students Think Better

by Amelia Lorimer

Medications used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) don’t boost cognitive function in young adults who don’t actually have the condition, and may actually impair their thinking, according to researchers at the University of Rhode Island (URI) in Kingston and Brown University in Providence.

Their small study (just 13 subjects) contradicts common perceptions about stimulants in high schools and colleges throughout the United States: An estimated 5 to 35 percent of college students in the U.S. and other countries use these controlled substances illegally to bolster their academic performance.

Based on that, the researchers hypothesized that stimulant drugs like Ritalin, Adderall, and Vyvanse could improve academic performance. Instead, they discovered that the expected effects of the drugs – improved attention and focus – didn’t translate to better results on tests measuring reading comprehension or fluency, and in fact, the meds took a toll on working memory.

4 Lifestyle Changes to Help With ADHD Symptoms

No one likes a long meeting at work, but for most adults, enduring such a meeting is simple (although perhaps boring). For adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), however, a routine meeting can become a painful challenge. ADHD makes it difficult to concentrate, stay seated, recall information, and listen quietly — all skills that are necessary to navigate a routine meeting at work. Fortunately, some promising lifestyle changes may help alleviate the symptoms of adult ADHD.

ADHD is more common than you think

Recent research suggests that more and more adults are being diagnosed with ADHD, with estimates suggesting that more than 4 percent of adults in the United States are affected, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Many adults with ADHD may have been diagnosed as children, as ADHD symptoms can continue beyond adolescence. Others, however, may not have experienced ADHD symptoms as children. Recent studies suggest that adults may develop ADHD later in life.

So what’s behind the rapid rise in ADHD cases? Technology has become a common scapegoat, but science suggests that smartphones or the internet don’t cause ADHD, even if they can cause symptoms that mimic it. Instead, most ADHD research focuses on genetic causes (environmental factors are also being explored).

In fact, some experts believe there probably aren’t that many more cases of ADHD today — we’re just better at diagnosing it. More people know about ADHD now, meaning that patients who may have previously dismissed their symptoms now know to get help. Likewise, health care professionals have gotten better at identifying ADHD, so more people are getting a correct diagnosis and proper treatment.

The treatment status quo

At present, the most common treatments for adult ADHD are medication and behavioral therapy. Most ADHD medications are stimulants, like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, and other brand names) and amphetamines (Adderall, Eveko, and other brand names), though there are other options available. Many people find these medications successfully alleviate ADHD symptoms, particularly when used in combination with therapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults with ADHD often focuses on managing the everyday difficulties of dealing with ADHD. CBT can help adults with ADHD improve their time management, organization, and other essential skills. It can also help treat problems that often exist alongside ADHD, such as anxiety and depression.

Treating adult ADHD with lifestyle changes

Medication and CBT may be the current treatment standard for adults with ADHD, but there is promising research about alternative ADHD treatments and lifestyle changes. Practices such as meditation along with changes in exercise, diet, and sleep could very well be the future of ADHD treatment.

1. Meditation

Mindful meditation, for example, has been shown to reduce symptoms of hyperactivity and inattentiveness in adults with ADHD. Participants in the study practiced mindful meditation in addition to continuing their usual treatment. More than half of the meditating group reported a significant decrease in their symptoms, and the vast majority of participants planned to continue with meditation. While more research needs to be conducted, adults with ADHD may want to consider learning to meditate.

2. Exercise

Likewise, exercise has been proven to help mitigate symptoms of adult ADHD. Exercise has stress-relieving and focus-enhancing benefits that make it a great fit for adults looking to relieve ADHD symptoms. Experts suggest that adults with ADHD can benefit from a variety of exercises — yoga to promote calmness and focus, for example, or aerobic workouts to promote neurotransmitters.

3. Diet

While there isn’t much conclusive research on diet yet, some adults with ADHD find that changing their diet helps them naturally manage ADHD symptoms. A typical diet for ADHD features foods that nourish the brain, like protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Some people with ADHD also avoid certain artificial colorings, flavorings, and sweeteners.

4. Sleep

Finally, quality sleep could prove to be another natural treatment for ADHD. Recent evidence suggests that ADHD could be a misunderstood sleep disorder. Even if that’s not the case, ADHD can cause or exacerbate other sleep problems that can, in turn, make ADHD symptoms worse. Either way, adults with ADHD may find that practicing good sleep hygiene can help them to naturally manage their symptoms.

Of course, if you have been diagnosed with or believe you could have ADHD, you should work with your health care professionals to determine the best course of treatment for your personal situation.

What to do if you think you have adult ADHD

Keep in mind that being occasionally absentminded or antsy in a long meeting is not necessarily an indication of adult ADHD. On the other hand, consistent difficulty concentrating, staying organized, managing your time, and completing tasks could be cause for concern. Try completing an ADHD self-evaluation, which will ask you to evaluate certain behaviors. Based on your self-screening, you may want to see a professional for a formal diagnosis.

Remember, adult ADHD is very much a diagnosable and treatable condition. Proper treatment can help control symptoms and make everyday living easier, and meditation and lifestyle changes are a more promising option than ever before. If you think you might have adult ADHD, don’t wait — get help today!

CategoriesADHD

The Link Between ADHD Meds and Parkinson’s Disease Risk

by Amelia Lorimer

People with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be at higher risk for developing Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson’s-like syndromes, according to researchers at the University of Utah Health in Salt Lake City. Their study results were published in Neuropsychopharmacology.

The researchers analyzed 20 years of data from the Utah Population Database, which contains medical information for more than 11 million people. The study involved 31,769 people with ADHD — 4,960 of whom were prescribed medications, stimulants like Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, Metadate, Methylin (methylphenidate), Adderall (amphetamine salts), or Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) — and 158,790 controls without ADHD.

According to the researchers, people diagnosed with ADHD are more than twice as likely as those without the neurobehavioral disorder to develop early-onset Parkinson’s (between ages 21 and 66) and Parkinson-like conditions. For this group, Parkinson’s risk is six to eight times higher in people prescribed ADHD medications.

Strattera for ADHD: Pros and Cons

If you take medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chances are you use a stimulant medication such as Adderall, Ritalin, or Concerta. These types of medication are effective in reducing impulsivity and inattention. However, for many people, they are not an option. Side effects, such as insomnia, loss of appetite, and irritability stop them from using stimulants. Other problems are the increased risk of cardiovascular problems or interference with other medical conditions or medication.

Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant medication approved by the FDA to treat ADHD symptoms in children, adolescents, and adults. For some, this medication has proven to be effective. Others find it is not effective at all. Just as with stimulants, Strattera also has side effects that prevent some from taking it. As with all medications, you will need to weigh the pros and cons of the medication and discuss all your treatment options with your doctor.

The Benefits of Strattera

Stimulant medications are Schedule II medications, or controlled substances, meaning that the federal government regulates how the drug is made, prescribed, and dispensed. Your doctor must write a prescription every month and you must present the written prescription to the pharmacy. Your doctor cannot call in the medication, making it inconvenient for many. Since Strattera is not a controlled sbustance, you can receive a prescription for longer than 30 days and your doctor is able to call the pharmacy to fill or refill your prescription, saving you a trip to your doctor’s office each month.

Strattera is not considered to be addictive and does not have “abuse potential.” Because the full effect of Strattera can take up to three to four weeks (which is later listed as a disadvantage) and it does not give a euphoric feeling, it is not used to get high. For adolescents and adults who are prone to substance abuse or addiction, this medication might be a better alternative than stimulant medications.

The medication, when taken as directed, provides 24-hour relief from symptoms of ADHD. That means, as a parent, your child will be able to complete homework in the evening and mornings might not turn into a daily power struggle because the medication is still working.

Strattera appears to have some antidepressant properties and can help those who have symptoms of depression as well as symptoms of ADHD. When taking stimulant medications, those with depressive symptoms may need to add a second medication. With Strattera that may not be needed.

This medication is often a better choice for those with Tourette’s syndrome and ADHD because Strattera does not increase or aggravate tics. It also causes some urinary retention, which in some people may cause a problem but for those children with nocturnal enuresis (bed wetting), Strattera can help. Although you shouldn’t use Strattera specifically for this reason, it may be an added benefit for children struggling with bed wetting.

Disadvantages

As with all medications, Strattera does have side effects. Your prescription comes with a warning about a potential for suicide when on this medication. The warning indicates that children and teens may have suicidal thoughts while taking this medication. Other side effects for children and teens include:

  • Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Mood swings
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure

For adults, the most common side effects are:

  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Insomnia
  • Dizziness
  • Increased menstrual flow and cramps
  • Problems urinating or pain when urinating

Another disadvantage is that it takes three to four weeks of sustained used to reach full effectiveness. There may be a number of people that start this medication and give up before waiting a month to decide if it works. Some individuals with ADHD choose to take medication only as needed, when focus and attention are required for a period of time, and to not take it on days when concentration isn’t required. If this is best for you, Strattera isn’t an option. Stimulant medications would be best.

Some men have complained of sexual side effects from Strattera, including a decreased sex drive, impotence, decreased ejaculation amount, or the inability to ejaculate and painful erections.

If you are having any side effects, including sexual side effects, from Strattera, talk with your doctor. Sometimes adjusting the dosage can help alleviate the side effects. In some cases, your doctor might suggest lowering your dosage or trying a different medication.

CategoriesADHD

ADHD And Seasonal Affective Disorder

by Amelia Lorimer

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) impacts millions of people each winter. The farther someone lives from the equator, the greater the risk. Scientists are still learning about the causes behind SAD, and its connection to other conditions, in hopes of finding better treatments. For example, people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)) are three times more likely to have symptoms of SAD than people without ADHD, according to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research.

What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

SAD is a type of depression that cycles with the seasons, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). People with SAD have symptoms that may include:

  • Feeling lethargic or having low energy
  • Sleeping more than normal
  • Overeating, especially carbohydrates
  • Weight gain
  • Withdrawing from social activities

These symptoms usually occur during the winter months, but some people do experience SAD during the summer months. The exact causes of SAD are not known, however some proposed causes include serotonin dysregulation in the brain, overproduction of melatonin, and low vitamin D levels. It is the serotonin dysregulation that might explain the association between ADHD and SAD, according to a 2006 paper published in the American Family Physician, because both disorders are characterized by an under arousal of certain brain regions and a heightened sensitivity to the physical environment.

What you can do

There are currently a few different treatments available for SAD. Light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication all reduce symptoms. But, there haven’t been any large-scale studies to show which of these treatments is best, according to the 2006 paper published in the American Family Physician. If you experience symptoms of SAD, it is important to talk with your doctor about the different treatments to determine which one is right for you.

Light therapy — Light therapy, the most common treatment for SAD, is found to work best when it is administered in the morning, according to the 2006 paper published in the American Family Physician. Light therapy involves sitting under a bright light for 20-60 minutes per day to help make up for lost sunlight, according to the NIH. Lightboxes for SAD therapy use 10,000 lux of cool, white fluorescent light and filter out the UV rays.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — CBT is a type of psychotherapy based on the idea that how we think (cognition), how we feel (emotion) and how we act (behavior) all interlink. To this end it works to change negative thought patterns into realistic and helpful thought patterns and behaviors. For example, CBT would coach someone to change unhelpful thoughts about staying indoors extensively into thoughts about ways to find pleasurable activities to do outdoors. According to the American Family Physician 2006 paper, a small study of 26 participants found CBT to be equally as effective as light therapy in treating SAD. There have not yet been large or long-term studies to determine the effectiveness of this treatment.

Medication — Some medications that are used to treat depression can also be used to treat SAD, according to the American Family Physician 2006 paper. For example, some studies have found that sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac) are helpful in treating people with SAD.

CategoriesADHD

ADD vs. ADHD: Is One Better (or Worse) than the Other?

by Amelia Lorimer

ADD and ADHD are distinct conditions, though they share many of the same symptoms. Their differences do not make one better or worse than the other, but gaining a proper understanding of each condition will arm you with the information you need to create the best treatment regimen possible.

You have ADD: You have trouble at company meetings, you find yourself constantly daydreaming and being snapped back to paying attention when someone says your name. You consistently lose your keys, forget appointments, and are one of the most disorganized people in the office.

Your co-worker, on the other hand, has ADHD. He is constantly moving, constantly talking, and never seems to complete anything, moving from one project to the next. He always looks busy, but he says he never feels like he has accomplished anything. Even though you are so different, you both have the same disorder. It is baffling to think that you both take the same medication and it helps decrease his symptoms of hyperactivity while providing you with more motivation.

ADD is commonly used to refer to Attention Deficit Disorder without hyperactivity and ADHD is often used to describe Attention Deficit Disorder with hyperactivity. Both are considered to be a type of the same condition. There are some major differences between ADD and ADHD:

ADD without hyperactivity (ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type), includes symptoms such as inability to sustain attention, making careless mistakes, avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort, and becoming easily distracted.

ADHD (ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type), has symptoms such as fidgeting, being constantly in motion, restlessness, talking excessively, blurting out answers, and interrupting others.

In addition to the above symptoms, there are a number of characteristics that are often shared by both ADD and ADHD:

  • Forgetfulness
  • Difficulty in school
  • Lack of organizational skills
  • Regularly losing items
  • Poor social skills
  • Low self-esteem
  • Relationship problems

Behavioral problems are more often associated with ADHD, while ADD has a high incidence of co-existing emotional conditions such as depression and anxiety. ADHD is normally diagnosed at an earlier age, as hyperactivity is much more recognizable. Problems associated with ADD may be misunderstood and mislabeled as extreme shyness and therefore not diagnosed until later, sometimes in middle school or high school or not until adulthood.

Relationship issues also seem to occur in both ADHD and ADD. The high energy level of ADHD can allow an individual to attract many people, although they may have more of a problem developing a close emotional bond. People with ADD, on the other hand, have a harder time making friends with others because of their quiet manner, but once they do, they are more easily able to create deep friendships.

At one time, it was thought that ADHD was a boy’s disorder and ADD was the girl’s disorder. This is now known not to be true. There are boys suffering from symptoms of ADD and girls that are hyperactive.

Overall, there are distinctive characteristics and symptoms for ADHD and ADD. There are also similarities. One is not worse or better than the other. There is simply a difference in behavior patterns. Treatment, when properly done, will not differentiate between ADD and ADHD, but will target the specific areas of difficulty in a person’s life and work to improve their lives.

CategoriesADHD

ADHD and Indecisiveness

by Amelia Lorimer

Every day is filled with decisions. What to have for breakfast? What to wear today? Should I do my math homework first, or should I read first? Then there are the big decisions. Should I take this new job? Should I buy a house or rent one? Which college should I attend? For those with ADHD, indecisiveness is often a real problem. The inability to make a decision can leave them paralyzed. They might do nothing because they don’t have a clear idea of which path to follow.

The inability to make a decision might stem from executive functioning impairments. In an article on CHADD.org, Russell Barkley and Tom Brown, who have both done extensive research on ADHD, explain executive functioning differently, but both agree that it includes prioritizing, planning, organization, and self-regulation skills. The article also notes that deficits in executive functions and ADHD symptoms are commonly considered to be interrelated. Decision-making requires the ability to prioritize, plan, and self-monitor yourself to determine whether the process is working or should be revised.

Other symptoms of ADHD can also contribute to indecisiveness:

  • People with ADHD often have a problem starting tasks.
  • Some people with ADHD avoid complex problems or tasks that are unpleasant or uninteresting because of attentional difficulties.

There might also be the fear of making a wrong decision. Past failures might hold you back from moving forward. You might be afraid of making the wrong choice or worry that you will be judged. Sometimes, however, not making a choice means you give up your power. It allows someone else to make the decision for you.

The following are tips to help you become more decisive:

Categorize your decisions. When faced with a decision, decide if it is a small, medium, or large decision. Small decisions usually don’t have large consequences, and these are ones you should be able to make quickly, without too much analysis. Deciding what type of decision it is gives you an idea of how much thought and worry you should put into making it. You can ask yourself, “Will this matter in five minutes, five days, five months, or five years from now?” The answer might help you decide the category in which to put your decision.

Give yourself a time limit for making decisions. This becomes easier if you categorize them as in the previous tip. For small decisions, limit yourself to a few minutes and add to the time for larger decisions. Set a timer or put the deadline on your calendar. If you haven’t made a decision in that time, it might be helpful to talk it over with someone.

Think about what scares you about making decisions. Is it concern that you will make the wrong decision? If so, consider what will happen. Will it be consequential or a small inconvenience? Use this information to help you decide if a decision can be made quickly. Are you concerned about whether others will judge you? Consider whether their opinion is important in your life; if so, talk to them about the decision. If not, go ahead and make it. If you overcome your fear, your decision will be easier.

Give yourself credit for the decisions you do make. If you are always telling yourself, “I am not a good decision-maker,” think about the hundreds of decisions you successfully make each week: What should I wear? What route should I take to work? What movie should I see? Where should I go for lunch? Pat yourself on the back for making decisions every day and rephrase your thought to: “I make decisions all the time. I can make decisions.”

Get treated for ADHD. For some people with ADHD, treatment, including medication, helps ease the decision-making process. When ADHD symptoms are better managed and you aren’t quite so distracted or overwhelmed, decisions are easier.

Gather information. Before assessing your options, gather all pertinent information. Keep in mind that you can’t make a decision until you have all the information.

Make a pro-and-con chart. Look at what the potential benefits and costs of each decision are. Not every decision is going to offer the perfect choice, but you can look at which option has the best outcome.

Trust your instinct. If you keep coming back to one answer, or if one choice jumps out at you as the best choice, trust that it is the right choice to make, at least for now.

Remember that most choices are reversible. If you decide to take a job and it turns out not to be a good fit, you can look for another one. If you choose to move to an apartment and don’t like the noise from outside, you can find another one and not renew the lease. Most decisions can be adjusted, modified, or reversed.

CategoriesAnxiety

ADHD, Distraction, and Finishing Things

by Amelia Lorimer

When I was a kid, every once in a while I would hear my dad swear as he hit his head on a cabinet door I had left open. It was a really bad habit of mine. I would open cabinets doors and never, I mean never, remember to close them. Actually, nothing’s changed. I still forget to close them. But my exhusband and current husband both learned to either close the doors themselves or duck. That’s the kind of thing you laugh about, once you’re finished swearing, I guess, as long as no one gets a concussion. But it’s symptomatic of how bad I am at finishing things.

For instance, there are my craft projects. I sew, knit and make jewelry. I love all three crafts and often consider cheating on them with other crafts like quilting or embroidery. But then I think of all the projects that I’ve started and then put down and tell myself that the last thing I need is the materials for yet another craft cluttering up our house.

Yes, I know, a lot of people have unfinished craft projects hidden away in closets. But I have a full yarn closet (it’s not a full-sized closet, but a shallow one with shelves). And then in my clothes closet I have more yarn and the abandoned knitting projects. About 15 of them. Then I have a trunk full of fabric that I bought and am planning to sew into all sorts of things, along with several plastic bins of patterns. In the garage I have another large plastic bin of fabric (we had to put it there since we were being squeezed out of our bedroom by craft materials). In the dining room I have a couple of plastic bins and one Trader Joe’s shopping bag full of my jewelry making materials.

“The shiny new object” syndrome

A big part of the problem is that ADHD trait that I call “Oooh, shiny.” I have a magnet on my fridge that my parents gave me. It says, “They say I have ADD, but they don’t understand. Oh look A chicken!” That’s about the size of it. Distractability is a big problem for me. So I see a project I absolutely love, buy the materials and get started. When does the boredom set in? Of course, it’s different for each project, but I find that if it’s too easy or too hard, I become very susceptible to a new knitting or sewing pattern. Maybe it’s my short attention span. I’m not sure that’s the same as being easily distracted, although in all probability they’re closely related, at the very least.

What a little understanding of ADHD does

Once I was diagnosed with ADHD, I didn’t start feeling better about these unfinished projects, per se. I didn’t feel that ADHD absolved me of the need to address the problem and actually finish something once in a while. However, I did understand myself a little better, and that understanding did alleviate some of the “I’m a total loser; I can’t finish anything” feeling that would start to creep over me once in a while. I’m definitely not using ADHD a way to avoid addressing the issue. In fact, I think I’m a little better at addressing it. I know what I’m fighting against.

Scheduling: A tool for distraction

And I actually have started fighting it at work, because my tendency to forget about essential tasks was getting to be a problem. I schedule events into classrooms at a university. Basically, I schedule anything that isn’t an academic class into the rooms. In the beginning of each semester, the events that I book can get bumped out of a room by an academic class. When this happens, I need to try to put the event into another room, and notify the requestor that their room has changed. Sometimes I can’t find a replacement room, so I need to notify them that so they can make alternative arrangements.

Obviously, this should be a pretty high priority. But I used to let myself get distracted by other tasks, and it could take days or even weeks for me to take care of this task.

The importance of deadlines

This was bad, very bad. A few times it screwed people up because they didn’t get enough notice as to their new location, or complete lack of a location. I realized that I had to change how I was handling these bumps. So I made a rule for myself that all bumps had to be completed by the end of the first day I received them. It seemed to help a lot to set a specific deadline instead of just telling myself that it was high priority. Now, I still have tasks at work that fall through the cracks, but none of them are as crucial as that particular one.

And you know what I just realized? I’ve even started closing cabinet doors more often. It took about forty years, but better late than never!

CategoriesAnxiety

Adult ADHD and Cigarette Smoking

by Amelia Lorimer

You know the dangers. You know smoking cigarettes greatly increases your risk of lung cancer, heart disease and other health problems. But you can’t seem to quit. If you have ADHD your chances of smoking are increased. Numerous studies have shown that the rates for smoking are around twice as high for adults with ADHD than for their non-ADHD counterparts.

There are a number of theories as to why the rate of cigarette smoking is so high in those with ADHD:

It’s in Your Genes

Your genetics might play a role (however this isn’t an excuse to continue smoking). Scientists have discovered that some of the genes responsible for ADHD are also associated with smoking. These genes might put you at a higher risk for using tobacco. Although researchers don’t fully understand the relationship between these genes, the symptoms of ADHD might interfere with genes to increase your smoking risk.

Smoking tends to run in families. If your parents smoked, there is a higher chance that you will too. And since ADHD also runs in families, there is a high chance that at least one of your parents has ADHD, even if never diagnosed. That means they are also at increased risk for smoking. Research has also shown that exposure to cigarette smoke in utero increases your chance of developing ADHD.

Self-Medicating

Nicotine is a stimulant. It works in much the same way as stimulant medications do. Studies have shown that nicotine can increase attention, memory and impulse control. For some people with ADHD, nicotine is an easily accessible way to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Scientists believe this might be because the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine are low in those with ADHD. Nicotine increases these chemicals, therefore reducing the symptoms.

Trouble with Quitting

Besides having a higher rate of smoking, adults with ADHD seem to find quitting smoking more difficult. Although little research has been done in this area, one study of people who were lifetime smokers found that adults without ADHD were twice as likely to report being an “ex-smoker” as those with ADHD. The reasons for the increased rate of smoking are considered possible causes of the difficulty in quitting.

Stimulant Medications and Quitting Smoking

A 2012 study published in the Journal of Pediatrics showed promise that treating ADHD symptoms can help prevent smoking in teens. The study looked at teens with ADHD and found that those who were treated with stimulant medications had a lower rate of smoking than those who were not treated. Although this study shows promise, it doesn’t provide information on how to help those who do smoke stop.

ADHD: When Cabin Fever Strikes

For people with ADHD, cabin fever — that time when the weather keeps you indoors for extended periods  — can be torture. You feel restless and fidgety. You are bored and antsy. You become irritable and find it difficult to cope. If this sounds like you, here are some strategies to help manage cabin fever.

Go outside, anyway. It’s cold, snowy, rainy, or just plain dreary and you don’t want to go outside. Go anyway. Bundle up, grab the umbrella or a pair of gloves and a scarf and go for a walk for 15 minutes. Being outside in the fresh air, no matter what the weather, is probably going to make you feel better.

Talk to your doctor about vitamin D supplements. Many people in cold weather areas have low levels of vitamin D during the winter months. A vitamin D deficiency can cause tiredness and general aches and pains, according to the Vitamin D Council. Your doctor can check your vitamin D levels and recommend supplements if necessary.

Set aside time for family. With all the electronics around, it’s easy for everyone in a family to retreat to their corner and spend time online. Use being stuck in the house as an opportunity for family time. Set aside one or two hours a day to put away the electronics and spend time together.

Get up and do something. Sitting is only going to add to your feelings of restlessness. Get up and move, vacuum the house, walk up and down the stairs, clean out a closet, go to the mall and walk around. Moving your body will help decrease the antsy feeling.

Avoid taking naps. It might be tempting to sleep the day away or take a nap to pass the time, but in the long-term this rarely helps. You might end up not sleeping at night and being awake alone during the night can bring on a sense of loneliness.

Take up an indoor hobby. Consider a creative pursuit such as painting or drawing. People with ADHD are often creative and need this type of outlet to keep their minds active

Start a journal. Keep track of how you are feeling, write about your worries or, even better, start a “gratitude journal” that helps you focus on what is good in your life. Being grateful has been shown to improve happiness.

Create a cabin fever box. Before the cold, snowy weather strikes, fill a box with craft supplies, games, playing card, and other things to keep you and your family occupied. Save the box for days when you feel boxed in.

Learn something new. The restless feeling of cabin fever sometimes makes you feel that you need something new in your life. You might decide you want a new job or a new home. Instead of making a major change, try a smaller task — learn a new skill, take lessons for a new language, rearrange the furniture in your living room. Reduce your urge to make major changes because of temporary restlessness.

Reach out and help others. Look for places to volunteer, such as a food bank or shelter. Help your neighbors shovel their driveway. Reach out to elderly neighbors. When you focus on other people, your own problems fade into the background.

Talk to your doctor about seasonal affective disorder (SAD). If you just can’t seem to shake the depressive feeling, it might be SAD. People with ADHD have a high incidence rate of depression and might be more apt to develop SAD. Talk to your doctor about strategies to combat it.

CategoriesAnxiety

Monkeys on ADHD Meds Don’t Show Signs of Heart Damage

by Amelia Lorimer

A common stimulant medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — methylphenidate (MPH) — probably does not cause heart damage, according to a long-term study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). For ethical reasons, this study involved primates (rhesus monkeys) rather than humans.

About 1.8 million children in the United States are treated for ADHD each year. Some of the stimulants used to treat the neurobehavioral disorder include a “black box warning” issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advising that they should be used with caution in children who have an underlying heart condition. Previous research has shown increased risk for sudden cardiac death and other heart damage in some children taking stimulants for ADHD.

The results of this latest study, published in Pediatric Research, can’t be automatically applied to humans, but the findings are very reassuring, according to the researchers involved. The 2-year-old monkeys were divided into three groups: one group receive normal doses of the stimulant, one received high doses, and one received a placebo for five years — a time-frame that corresponds to the period from childhood to adulthood in humans. The researchers found no statistical differences among the three groups on any measures of heart damage, including inflammatory biomarkers, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, endomyocardial biopsies, and others.

ADHD and Stuttering

Is there a connecton between ADHD and stuttering? Some of you have asked about stuttering with relation to certain ADHD medications and some of you have asked if adults with ADHD can have a stuttering problem. The short answer to these questions is yes.

What is the correlation between ADHD and stuttering?

According to a 2007 Medical News Today article, “Many Kids with ADHD also Stutter,” as many as 26 percent of children diagnosed with ADHD also have a stuttering problem. Why? Here are some possible reasons why stuttering may be more of an issue for individuals who have ADHD:

  • Stuttering may be part of a larger issue of speech and language impairment. The Stuttering Foundation of America cites an estimate that as many as 45 percent of children with ADHD also have some form of speech and language impairment. Many of the children who have ADHD and speech and language challenges will have high rates of articulation disorders.
  • Many of the comorbid disorders associated with ADHD can have a significant effect upon one’s ability to organize and formulate thoughts and ideas. These comorbid disorders may include learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, and depression.
  • In a 2001 study reported in the Journal of Neurotherapy, researchers looked at the brain waves of stutterers and individuals having ADHD and found that there were great similarities. They found empirical evidence to suggest that there is an attentional component to stuttering. The researchers concluded that “there are strong similarities in the EEG, morphology, and behavior of stutterers and individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These similarities suggest that neurofeedback, which has proven successful in the treatment of ADHD, may hold promise as a viable adjunct treatment to traditional speech therapies for stuttering.”

Is there an association between ADHD medications and stuttering behavior?

There may be an association between some ADHD medications and stuttering, but the literature is mixed in its reviews of any correlation. In a 2007 Medical News Today article, the author states that recent research indicates that some of the ADHD medications may aggravate stuttering. This article says one ADHD medication which may be used which is not known to exacerbate stuttering is Strattera, which is a non-stimulant type of medication.

There was a 2009 case study published in Perspectives on Fluency and Fluency Disorders which described the effects of Stattera (a non-stimulant ADHD medication) versus Adderall XR (a stimulant medication) on an ADHD child’s stuttering behavior. They found that the stimulant medication increased the 10-year-old boy’s stuttering, tics, social anxiety and communication frustration. When he took Strattera they found a 51 percent reduction in his stuttering behavior.

On this Wikibooks Speech Language Pathology/Stuttering/Anti-Stuttering web site, medications such as Zyprexia and Risperdal are listed as medications that can decrease stuttering, but there is no conclusive evidence about which medications may cause stuttering. Clearly more research needs to be done on the topic of how certain medications affect stuttering behavior.

Are there any other reasons why a child having ADHD may stutter?

There is a comorbid condition of ADHD which can be associated with stuttering behavior called Tourette Syndrome. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines Tourette Syndrome as a “neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics.” It is estimated that as many as 60 percent of people with Tourette Syndrome also have ADHD.

It is reported that individuals with Tourette Syndrome can have a variety of speech problems, including stuttering, stammering, lisping, and rapid speech. It is estimated that up to 33 percent of patients with Tourette Syndrome may stutter.

The research is inconsistent as to whether ADHD stimulant medications can cause or exacerbate vocal tics or stuttering. Some parents do report an association. It may be important for parents to record any new behaviors such as stuttering, vocal tics, or speech problems after the initiation of any new ADHD medication.

What can be done to help a child who has ADHD and stutters?

If stuttering is a problem for your child, the first thing to do is to get a referral for a speech and language pathologist. If your child is enrolled in public school, this can be done through your school system. Or you may opt to hire a private speech and language therapist in addition to any school services.

The Stuttering Foundation of America gives some general guidelines for parents of children having ADHD and a stuttering problem:

  • Keep your instructions simple and have your child repeat them back to you before they respond.
  • Provide visual cues to help your child comprehend what you are saying.
  • Use positive reinforcement and frequent praise to reward behaviors you do wish to promote.
  • Model good speech practices of giving eye contact paired with appropriate speech volume and rate of speech.

Things not to do:

  • Don’t finish your child’s sentences.
  • Don’t rush your child to finish thoughts and sentences.
  • Don’t interrupt your child when they are talking.
  • Don’t frequently correct or criticize your child’s speech.

CategoriesRx Meds Advice

The Proper Way to Purchase Prescription Medicine From Canada

by Amelia Lorimer

Pharmacies have grown to be an alternate for buying medicine of prescribed drugs due to the cost. To show this there’s proof. According to the statement prepared for Representative Henry Waxman of Florida suggests that actually the medication costs provided by Medicare is more which is 60 percent greater than the cost provided at pharmacies. Although purchasing medicines from Europe is legitimately unacceptable, the Food Administration doesn’t prosecute anybody for doing this. Additionally, it provides a to choose for three-month offer of medicines at Canadian line without concern with justice to everybody. You will find couple of people they prevent purchasing medication aside from the fact at pharmacies that they are able to have considerable savings. Sen. Byron Dorgan -N.D, in September 2009 he suggested an amendment which legalize prescription medicine to be purchased by Americans from Canada. Nevertheless the statement has to become established.

Stage 1

Obtain a prescription. For this there is for the documents a photocopy crucial.

Step two

Pharmacies associated info can be acquired at with the International Pharmacy Association site. Additionally, it provides a concept if the drugstore is just a person in Worldwide Pharmacy Organization after which it it’s possible to Pick A drugstore that’s possibly handy to he lives or is found in a location he’s prepared to go to wherever.

Stage 3

Permit number, telephone number, the handle, and land of the chosen drugstore should be established. In the same period we ought to prevent any drugstore that doesn’t obviously reveal the info mentioned previously in specifics.

Stage 4

Noise is definitely an eight-digit number designated by Health Canada, by which data is supplied towards the individual concerning buying of medicine at Canada pharmacy’s security. The medication without noise mustn’t be bought at any price.

Step 5

The drugstore must be contacted by one and obtain various other info viz. Contact details etc. to go to with the internet drugstore it’s possible to make a correct routine. One should choose transporting the photocopy of the prescription and also both unique with to Canada.

Step 6

It’s possible to go to with the site of Europe drugstore and be a part of survey. Dose for that medicine and the specified amount should be examined correctly.

Action 7

A duplicate of bill mustn’t be quickly obtained it ought to be organized precisely in the same period.

Top features of Health Checking Account

One fascinating in addition to distinctive function of an HSA is to how profit an IRA bill could be spent the fact that the cash within the HSA account could be invested in comparable methods. Exactly the same types of limitations and guidelines affect HSAs in deferring taxes in addition to regards to investing cash.

  • All profits on opportunities within an HSA bill are non taxable for so long as the cash remains within the consideration or is removed of paying costs with the objective.
  • If profits are removed for low-medical reasons, and also the operator is underneath 65’s era taxes will need to be compensated about the distributions.
  • Since efforts to an HSA are created with pre tax dollars, it offers the capability to lower your taxes to you.

Mixing an HSA having an HDHP gives the capability to utilize resources within the HSA bill to not pay nondeductible and also to purchase medical costs that their plan doesn’t address to the consideration operator.

You will find limitations towards the quantities towards the quantities you are able to contribute in a single to HSAs year. The restriction for people is 850, $2 as well as for a household it’s 650, $5.

An HSA has protection for medical costs than many traditional healthcare programs. The protection can include the next:

  • Preventive healthcare appointments
  • Physical treatment, including chiropractor appointments
  • Psychological treatment, including psychiatry, psychotherapy and psychology
  • Dental care
  • Maternity costs
  • Prescription and nonprescription medicines
  • Alternate healthcare for methods like acupuncture and homeopathy
  • Journey and hotel costs that relate solely to healthcare

HSAs are possibly an excellent choice for households and people who wish to possess a large level of versatility within their healthcare without having to be necessary to visit community healthcare companies or total plenty of paperwork that they’ll handle by themselves.

The power for homeowners within the era of 65 to make use of the resources within the take into account both medical in addition to low-medical reasons implies that an HSA, unlike a number of other kinds of medical health insurance ideas, may gain virtually anybody, including people who have medical expenditures on the continuous basis in addition to balanced people who don’t possess a large amount of continuing expenses.

Techniques to keep in mind Prescription Brands

Pharmacies are now being handled as a substitute for buying medicine in middle of the cost of prescribed drugs and also increasing healthcare expenses. A study prepared for Representative Henry Waxman of Florida suggested that actually the medicines price cost was provided by Medicare 60 percent greater than costs provided at pharmacies. The Drug and Meals Administration doesn’t prosecute anyone-even though buying medicines from Canada’s exercise is not legal. It’s possible to actually buy with no anxiety about justice to some three-month offer of medicines over the Canadian line. Nevertheless there are several individuals who nevertheless think about this exercise to become illegitimate although it offers the chance of savings to them. Sen. Byron Dorgan in September 2009 introduced an amendment towards the health reform statement that will legalize. Prescription medicine to be purchased by Americans from Europe; not and nevertheless the standing of the present statement continues to be imminent yet established.

Stage 1

Obtain a prescription in the physician. Additionally obtain a photocopy for the documents.

Step two

To obtain the info concerning the Canadian pharmacies that are genuine go to the International Pharmacy Association site. Look for pharmacies that bring the medicines you’ll need, and ensure that they’re people of the business. Choice of the drugstore is possibly handy to you live or is found in a location you intend to go to where.

Stage 3

Confirmation of land of the selected drugstore, telephone number, permit number and the handle is needed. Drugstore that doesn’t obviously show these details should be prevented.

Stage 4

Examine medicine id quantity or the noise of the specified medicine. The noise is definitely an eight-digit number designated by Health Canada, which allows the individual realize that the medication and overview of its security have handed. Medication that doesn’t possess a noise shouldn’t be in the same period and purchased.

Step 5

Ask concerning operation’s hours to create travel preparations to go to the drugstore. One simply needs to provide the photocopy of one’s prescription and also both unique to Canada along with you.

Step 6

Visiting with the drugstore and filling the medical survey in its entirety out. Dose and the best amount for that medicine should be correct.

Action 7

Create a copy of one’s bill.

A Good Medicine For Change Employees

Image an autoworker that’s assigned to function the graveyard shift forever. All typical ramifications of being overtired because of shift-work although operating he’s operating procedurally as he’s designed to but he’s sleepy, tired, and quickly diverted. Drinking lots of caffeine do exactly the same and just gets him wired and also the new energy beverages will also be laden with coffee. The reduced isn’t worth the large. Actually caffeine stimulant tablets have now been attempted to assist his changes are managed through by him.

While he gets and ultimately completes house he stays upset and disturbed, triggered by the small items that many people constructively cope with daily. Any rest he handles is low and erratic peaceful. He it has no household or pleasant interpersonal lifestyle and is living to function since he’s merely too exhausted to help make the work. It’s stated that whenever you work-shifts particularly the night time change you never get accustomed to it. Some section of your entire day are affected from insufficient sufficient sleep.

Your change employee that was dedicated discovered an internet site online that mentioned SWSD or change employee sleeping condition, which seemed just like what he went through. It mentioned a brand new medication referred to as modafinil which helped individuals remain attentive and concentrated at the office without Large related to additional wake-UPS or the activated sensation he’d attempted. After talking to your physician before departing for his work he was recommended a brand modafinil and just requires his dose. The medial side effects be seemingly tapering down and are several. Moderate complications some loose chairs that and originally didn’t last.

He anticipated a stronger response in the medication that what he really experienced while he first started using modafinil. There is no hype with getting modafinil as he’d experienced with other stimuli associated. He thought wide and really effective awake. There is not the dash sensation both. He could execute his work perfectly and he was in a feeling that is much more enhanced, more straightforward to be around he thought. After-work he could rest without feeling super or disturbed.

the Food approves modafinil for that therapy a problem that triggers uncontrolled rest during normally wakeful intervals in a everyday life, of narcolepsy. Study information indicates modafinil includes a proclivity to assist with sleep that is additional related problems beyond the range of existing national authorization. Thus is a reasonable little bit of off-label prescribing being completed with modafinil. Change employees are taking advantage of this medication, as are other individuals who possess a have to not stay asleep during these time times when rest might come quickly. The army is actually using modafinil in a few circumstances where emphasis and caution are required.

Modafinil isn’t deemed a catalyst nevertheless it may also be known as that in certain groups. As stimuli do it operates in some of the mind instead of in. There’s very little study accessible about how exactly modafinil really works but specialists believe it operates slow or end a response within the mind that’s accountable for initiating sleepiness and ultimate rest.

Modafinil can be used like a treatment a sleep problem, for anti snoring that quit inhaling serious circumstances as well as triggers victims to slow their breathing. This causes the individual to become jarred awake suffering this routine through the evening and fighting to capture their breathing. Sadly this sketchy kind of relaxation indicates this type of person actually travelling in day hours. These using modafinil are now able to perform more usually less exhaustion with a far more effective normal apnea treatment, with enhanced interest covers.

Modafinil seems to be a fruitful therapy for several ailments but possibly the drug’s primary benefit is when getting it the fact that for that most part you will find several if any undesireable effects. Proof indicates once they absolutely need to rest that customers can drift off with small difficulty. Because it isn’t habit-forming and works within the mind and never the nervous system, modafinil has started specific curiosity about study because of its use like a medication therapy process for change employees

CategoriesHealth Tips

Clear Skin a Stage Towards a Vibrant Search

by Amelia Lorimer

By being cautious you are able to take care of the skin and avoid any skin infection. Skincare involves when you are out within the sunlight utilizing sunscreen creams. Skincare also contains consuming lots of water to maintain your skin hydrated.

Papaya juice is just an established home-remedy for acne. Whenever you consume papaya juice every day, you slow-up the recovery process and reduce the opportunity of puss inflamation. Acne could be enhanced having a glass of papaya juice consumed every day.

Medical scientists came up with many ANTI AGING treatments for example retinal. Retinal in beauty creams’ goal would be to prevent the results of aging. Nowadays, products could be slowed up with anti-aging.

Due to how they actually work, herbal treatments for skincare have become increasingly common. Skincare anti- remedies are efficient because they create a vibrant search for you. Prevent oil-based creams when you have greasy skin and choose products which contain infant oils or vitamin oil to lessen the quantity of outbreaks.

Learn to Decide a Proven Tablet

Unknown medications or the older could be quickly present in several people’s medication units or in pill-boxes stored in briefcases and bags. As time passes it’s very difficult to find the title of the initial medication therefore to prevent the distress and producing simple to determine the tablets, the internet platforms are created accessible by a few of the medication and drugstore websites, or by investing in a tablet id guide from any bookstore.

Stage 1

Visit Drugs.com, even the Wellness point Tablet Person site which could supply online tablet obtaining associated facts or RxList.com. To obtain more specifics you will find websites which may be a source that is real.

Step two

We are able to create an evaluation of pill or our unknown tablet towards the functions supplied within the selections that are online. Prescription medications’ categorization derive from type the form and shade in addition to text mark.

Stage 3

Menus’ use offers and suggests getting a complement for that medication one is currently searching for via Drugs.com. The web site offers one using unwanted effects, power, the producer, medication connections along with other relevant info specifics.

Stage 4

Incase one doesn’t wish to utilize Purchase use instructions for tablet id “then Tablet Book’s utilization could be favored to do product identification process. It’s common at any bookstore obtainable in health area. It’s really useful to utilize with complete determining facts and all prescription medications specifics and assist us to determine what one wants.

Step 5

The medication cupboard should be examined frequently to sure their brands are retained by all tablet containers using all indispensable facts, physician’s title and the title of the prescription, the date the medicine was requested it and its own termination day. According to when one posesses pill-box with free medications RxList.com, ensure that you preserve a summary of titles of all of the medication therein the pill-box which could assist a person to recognize the medicines quickly.

  • Subsribe to our
    newsletter
Be the first to learn about our latest trends and get exclusive offers

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

Categories

Account

Quick Links

Promotions

img footer 01
Facebook Twitter Youtube Google-plus Pinterest

Copyright © 2025 Perthpharma. All Rights Reserved.

Add to cart