>>13067944 (pb)
>Maybe ADHD is not really a disorder, it's just a different way of thinking.
Yes exactly. A brain state. They are very important people in society.
Here is some interesting research. The interesting thing is the ADDers have the opportunity for two brain wiring types. Using meds ... not a big advocate for meds but from experience they can be a benefit for some people.
To help people understand the deficit in ADD, I use the "bridges-out" concept. This is a somewhat simplified explanation -- the brain is a very complicated organ with very complex feedback and modulation loops. The brain is made up of billions of little pieces of road (nerve cells). The pieces of road are connected by bridges (chemicals called neurotransmitters). In the human brain, there are no long roads without bridges. So, if a lot of bridges are out (low neurotransmitter levels), there are fewer roads available for transporting data. When there are only a few roads for information to travel on, much information doesn't get processed properly.
All medications that help with ADD symptoms do similar things -- they increase certain neurotransmitters in the prefrontal cortex. Thus, they put more bridges back into operation creating more usable roads for information processing. If people with normal levels of neurotransmitters take these medications, they may get mostly side-effects. There are no advantages to increasing neurotransmitter levels to above normal. Unfortunately, there is no clear evidence yet that these medications can "fix" neurons, so their function is to temporarily add a deficient component (bridges/neurotransmitters).
Not all people with ADD have difficulties and problems. There are people who, because of their particular circumstances, intelligence level, or support systems, do very well. They may be very creative and energetic, and accomplish a lot. However, in those people who are experiencing mostly the downside of ADD, I recommend a thorough evaluation and a treatment plan.
Given the clear neurobiological basis of the symptoms of ADD neurotransmitter deficiencies there is no consistently reliable non-medication method for raising those levels to normal, well, unless you want to say that being an "adrenaline junkie" can do it.
Yes, behaviorally, you can raise dopamine and norepinephrine levels by participating in risky behavior or constant high stress situations (video games, extreme sports, risky driving, criminal activities, police, fire, security, war, emergency services, etc.), but the side effects of such behaviors is generally burn-out, injuries or legal problems. You can modify neurotransmitters with exercise, but it also is not a very potent or reliable way for raising neurotransmitter levels.
So, in adults, I highly recommend pursuing a medication treatment strategy. Before you start accusing me of some kind of conflict of interest with respect to pharmaceutical companies and their possible "profiteering" from an increased frequency of medication treatment for ADD, you should read my disclosure statement, here.
If you think about it a bit, the best way I could make money related to the diagnosis of ADD would be to recommend therapy for treatment, which could go on and on and on with little or no results. The most cost-effective and most effective treatment for the symptoms of ADD is the correct medication. The folks who hugely profit from the existence and under-treatment of ADD in our society are the entertainment industry, retailers, and prisons.
With respect to children under the ages of 12 or so, I do not particularly support the use of medication strategies for treatment, or, if utilized, utilized only in the most difficult behavioral circumstances or at minimum doses.
http://www.dearshrink.com/adultadd.htm
Old material but very based. This doctor gets it.