Beware of Bogus Treatments
There are many, many sources who claim to successfully "treat" ADD/ADHD. They even claim that their product is "clinically proven", "scientifically proven", "natural", "no harmful side effects", and backed by glowing testimonials from very sincere-sounding, convincing people "just like you".
Be a wise consumer. Investigate.
In my 35 years of practice, I have yet to come across a non-prescription product that significantly reduces the symptoms of ADHD and has solid, well-done, consistently duplicated research supporting its effectiveness. I have had many clients who have tried many non-prescription remedies, of all sort and types. Not one has consistently, over-time reported significant benefits. In fact, all have either reported either no benefit at all or some initial "mild" changes that disappeared over time. Remember "placebo effect" is roughly 35-45%, i.e., 35-45% of people who try a particular remedy or "treatment" report at least "some" improvement, even if the "remedy" or "treatment" has absolutely no active ingredient ("sugar pill").
This does not mean that prescription medications are totally wonderful. Some of them aren’t very effective either. Some have very problematic side effects no matter how careful one is in using them. However, there are two factors in their favor: (1) Most of them do have solid, well-done, replicated research demonstrating their effectiveness, and, (2) Many of them do reduce ADHD symptoms to a high degree, 60-90%.
The KEY to successful medication trials (whether for ADHD or any other condition) is:
1. Thorough diagnostic evaluation, according to current standards.
2. Selection of medication based upon matching symptom profile with current knowledge about which medication best targets which symptoms.
3. The patient and family must educated about how the medication works, what symptoms it is expected to target, what benefits to look for, what side-effects to look- out for.
4. Usually start at the minimum dose.
5. Psychotropic medications should initially be monitored by the physician/therapist weekly. This can be done via phone call.
6. Close monitoring can determine degree of benefit and whether side-effects, if any, are significant.
7. Close monitoring can also determine when/whether to increase or decrease dose. Most medication doses can be increased after 1-2 weeks as long as no significant side effects occur. A common mistake by primary physicians is to give a prescription and have the patient schedule a follow-up appointment in 2-4 weeks. Waiting 2-4 weeks to check on medication response is inadequate and can result in a "failed-trial" due to poor or negative responses that the patient/family does not understand.
8. Close monitoring means frequent (at least once per week) and systematic questioning regarding potential benefits, side effects, and the degree of each.
9. Most psychotropic medications need considerable adjustment, initially, in order to
optimize benefits and minimize side effects. It is a highly individual process.
10. It is usually best to try one medication at a time, making adjustments until optimum
benefits are reached. Then, if additional medication is necessary, further trials can
more easily determine effects of the second medication, because the exact effects of the first one are known.
Here are some good resources for a REALITY CHECK on various "treatments" and "remedies" -
Quackwatch
American Council on Science & Health
Health Watcher
National Council Against Health Fraud
Quack Files
Mike Gingerich, LCSW, Ph.D.
550 H St., Ste. 2N
Crescent City, CA 95531
707-464-6075
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