...finding the balance
ADHD: FROM a NEUROLOGIST and a MOM'S PERSPECTIVE
I treat ADD/ADHD. Throughout this website ADHD will be used for inattentive and hyperactive types. I see parents come in to the office and say they don’t want their kids on stimulants, but they want me to do something to fix the problem. The younger kid is running around too much, the older kid is disrespectful, can’t focus in class, has low grades, can’t finish homework or
focus.
focus.
I can give stimulants or non-stimulant ADHD medications. But none of these medications fix the problem the parents originally came in for. They miss the point of the visit, the parents are not satisfied, the kid feels blamed for not focusing well enough in school, over-medicated. Often the kids resent their medications, don’t want to take their medications, especially the pre-teens and teens. The kids may be right.
What about better parenting? stricter parenting? Therapy? Does that work? We don’t have all the research I need to advise parents. This is the evidence on ADHD so far.
People ask me all the time about alternatives. Do they work? Does staying away from sugar, milk, wheat, tomatoes, etc make any difference or are these diets a waste of time? We don’t know the full answers yet- that’s what has to be admitted. We do not have reams of research that can answer these questions with certainty. Maybe they work for some small subset of kids - but how do we as physicians pick out the kids who would benefit from diet changes? We don’t know and won’t know if the research money never goes to this kind of study.
NIMH study Multimodal Treatment of Children with ADHD MTA STUDY:
The most famous study is by Peter S Jensen (JAACAP, 2007) Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (large study of 579 kids 10-13) in which he compared four approaches: behavior therapy, medication, therapy + medications, routine community care and found:
The most famous study is by Peter S Jensen (JAACAP, 2007) Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (large study of 579 kids 10-13) in which he compared four approaches: behavior therapy, medication, therapy + medications, routine community care and found:
What about articles that ADHD kids are geniuses in disguise? Is that true? This is so attractive partially because we’re moms and want to be proud, but also because so many moms feel that school and doctors are not seeing the potential we see. We see too little attention being paid to developing the positive parts of our kids that we can see shine through at different times. We have no strategy to build on positives for ADHD kids in school or with medication.
We neurologists don’t know the full answers to the most frequently asked questions that parents ask me. We have to admit we don’t know. This is written to bring you up to date on what we neurologists do know as of April 2010. Understanding the result of ADHD research so far will help you to make better decisions as a parent of an ADHD kid or as an adult ADHD person.
Medications at first year seemed to be more effective, but the surprise result was this: at 3 years, the medications were no longer superior to the other 3 methods in treating ADHD. At 3 year follow up, many kids were not taking their medications, only 45-71% of kids were taking medications. He concluded that the “ones taking medications were not better than the others” Peter S Jensen (CNS Spectrums, 2005), The research proved that patients with combined psych therapy + medications were able to lower the amount of meds. This shows that ADHD is not only treatable by blocking dopamine reuptake with stimulants, but also is treatable by some change, chemical or otherwise, that occurs as a result of talking with a therapist. But we don’t yet know which therapy is the most effective.
FAQ’s from parents and patients with ADHD
Did my child inherit this from me or my spouse?
- if one person has ADHD, there is a 25-35 % probability that another family member has ADHD
- About 25% of ADHD kids, or one in 4 have other members of the family with ADHD.
- ADD patients have been identified in every country studied, and with approximately the same percentages.
- study of twins found that 90% of kids with a diagnosis of ADHD had a twin with the same diagnosis
- ADHD is among the most inherited psychological disorders. The mean heritability is 76% as per Stephen Faraone (Biol. Psychiatry, 2005)
Did my child inherit this from me or my spouse?
- if one person has ADHD, there is a 25-35 % probability that another family member has ADHD
- About 25% of ADHD kids, or one in 4 have other members of the family with ADHD.
- ADD patients have been identified in every country studied, and with approximately the same percentages.
- study of twins found that 90% of kids with a diagnosis of ADHD had a twin with the same diagnosis
- ADHD is among the most inherited psychological disorders. The mean heritability is 76% as per Stephen Faraone (Biol. Psychiatry, 2005)
What is known about the ADHD genes?
- There are several genes that may increase risk of ADHD. Neuroscientists are very interested in the genes that encodes the proteins for the dopamine transporter molecule, and the norepinephrine transporter molecule as per Dr. Kim (PNAA, 2006) .
- One of the genes found to be part of ADHD is coding for novelty seeking and extraversion. It is named dopamine D4/ dopamine 4 receptor subtype (DRD4) receptor gene.
- There are several genes that may increase risk of ADHD. Neuroscientists are very interested in the genes that encodes the proteins for the dopamine transporter molecule, and the norepinephrine transporter molecule as per Dr. Kim (PNAA, 2006) .
- One of the genes found to be part of ADHD is coding for novelty seeking and extraversion. It is named dopamine D4/ dopamine 4 receptor subtype (DRD4) receptor gene.
Will my child have the disorder as an adult?
- Studies on this differ widely in their answers -approximately 30-80% of kids with ADHD still have the disorder as adults
- Studies on this differ widely in their answers -approximately 30-80% of kids with ADHD still have the disorder as adults
Is the ADHD brain formed differently or abnormally?
Brain differences between ADHD kids and others in volume and chemistry have been found.
Brain differences between ADHD kids and others in volume and chemistry have been found.
How is brain volume different for ADHD patients?
A 10 year study by NIMH demonstrated that the brains of kids with ADHD are 3-4% smaller than those of kids without ADHD. At first, scientists thought the low brain volume was due to medications, but those who never had medications also had the low brain volume.
A 10 year study by NIMH demonstrated that the brains of kids with ADHD are 3-4% smaller than those of kids without ADHD. At first, scientists thought the low brain volume was due to medications, but those who never had medications also had the low brain volume.
Is Brain Chemistry different for ADHD people? Dopamine:
We know that methylphenidate (Ritalin) works by increasing the dopamine in the brain synapses between two neurons by blocking dopamine re-uptake (it blocks the dopamine transporters).
Volkow (J Neurosci, 2001) studied ADHD patients before and after taking methylphenidate with PET scanning
RESEARCH STUDY: using D2 receptor radioligand that competes with endogenous dopamine for binding to the receptor to evaluate whether methylphenidate changes extracellular dopamine in 11 controls. They concluded the methylphenidate significantly increases extracellular dopamine in the human brain.
We know that methylphenidate (Ritalin) works by increasing the dopamine in the brain synapses between two neurons by blocking dopamine re-uptake (it blocks the dopamine transporters).
Volkow (J Neurosci, 2001) studied ADHD patients before and after taking methylphenidate with PET scanning
RESEARCH STUDY: using D2 receptor radioligand that competes with endogenous dopamine for binding to the receptor to evaluate whether methylphenidate changes extracellular dopamine in 11 controls. They concluded the methylphenidate significantly increases extracellular dopamine in the human brain.
Do ADHD patients make enough dopamine?
Adults with ADHD had abnormally low levels of DOPA decarboxylase, the enzyme that produces dopamine.
RESEARCH: As per Ernst (Journal of Neurosci, 1998), who studied dopamine in the prefrontal and nigrostriatal regions by PET imaging, she found that adults who have ADHD have abnormally low dopa decarboxylase activity in the prefrontal cortex.
Adults with ADHD had abnormally low levels of DOPA decarboxylase, the enzyme that produces dopamine.
RESEARCH: As per Ernst (Journal of Neurosci, 1998), who studied dopamine in the prefrontal and nigrostriatal regions by PET imaging, she found that adults who have ADHD have abnormally low dopa decarboxylase activity in the prefrontal cortex.
Why do stimulants increase dopamine in the brain?
Stimulants increase dopamine for two reasons:
1. Dopamine increases ability to distinguish important things from background noise. Strengthening of weak dopamine signals in ADHD kids by stimulants enhance attention, and decrease distractions from background noise.
2. Also, Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved with motivation and reward, so stimulants can increase goal directed activities aimed at getting more rewards.
RESEARCH: In 2009, Nora Volkow (JAMA, 2009) published a study on ADHD showing that the reward + motivation system in the brain, that uses dopamine, is malfunctioning in ADHD adults. Increased dopamine transporters have been found in ADHD patients, which would result in reduction in extracellular dopamine. She used PET to measure dopamine transporters and receptors in 53 nonmedicated adults with ADHD and 44 healthy controls. Binding of dopamine was abnormally low in ADHD patients as compared to non-ADHD controls in regions of the dopamine reward pathway.
Stimulants increase dopamine for two reasons:
1. Dopamine increases ability to distinguish important things from background noise. Strengthening of weak dopamine signals in ADHD kids by stimulants enhance attention, and decrease distractions from background noise.
2. Also, Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved with motivation and reward, so stimulants can increase goal directed activities aimed at getting more rewards.
RESEARCH: In 2009, Nora Volkow (JAMA, 2009) published a study on ADHD showing that the reward + motivation system in the brain, that uses dopamine, is malfunctioning in ADHD adults. Increased dopamine transporters have been found in ADHD patients, which would result in reduction in extracellular dopamine. She used PET to measure dopamine transporters and receptors in 53 nonmedicated adults with ADHD and 44 healthy controls. Binding of dopamine was abnormally low in ADHD patients as compared to non-ADHD controls in regions of the dopamine reward pathway.
What are differences in Brain Metabolism?
Brain areas that help us to dampen impulsiveness, and control our speech and movements (caudate and putamen) have been found to be under-active.
RESEARCH: As per Vaidya ( Am J Psych, 2005), Functional MRI indicates that the frontal lobes and striatal regions have reduced metabolism in boys with ADHD. Boys with ADHD were not able to fully activate the caudate nucleus. Methylphenidate enhances activity of these hypoactive regions in boys with ADHD, but not healthy boys in Vaidya’s research.
Brain areas that help us to dampen impulsiveness, and control our speech and movements (caudate and putamen) have been found to be under-active.
RESEARCH: As per Vaidya ( Am J Psych, 2005), Functional MRI indicates that the frontal lobes and striatal regions have reduced metabolism in boys with ADHD. Boys with ADHD were not able to fully activate the caudate nucleus. Methylphenidate enhances activity of these hypoactive regions in boys with ADHD, but not healthy boys in Vaidya’s research.
Why do some medications for ADHD advertise that norepinephrine is the target, in addition to dopamine?
We need norepinephrine in the PreFrontal cortex to control our impulsivity. Arnstein (Arch Gen Psych, 1996) studied the dysfunction of the norepinephrine receptor in the PreFrontal Cortex and reports that this deficiency is part of the problem causing the lack of inhibition in patients with ADHD
We need norepinephrine in the PreFrontal cortex to control our impulsivity. Arnstein (Arch Gen Psych, 1996) studied the dysfunction of the norepinephrine receptor in the PreFrontal Cortex and reports that this deficiency is part of the problem causing the lack of inhibition in patients with ADHD
Are other chemicals, besides dopamine, important in ADHD
Norepinephrine, GABA, glucose are all important in ADHD
RESEARCH: Zametkin (NEJM, 1990 and Arch Gen Psych, 1993) found that teens and adults with past or current history of ADHD on continuous performance tests, had 8.1% lower levels of cerebral glucose metabolism than non-ADHD people, with the main differences in superior prefrontal cortex and premotor areas.
Nucleus accumbens, a small collection of neurons in the lower front part of the brain, releases GABA, which is a neurotransmitter that inhibits actions of the brain. Nucleus accumbens is controlled by dopamine released from the VTA/ventral tegmental area also in the lower frontal area of the brain.
Norepinephrine, GABA, glucose are all important in ADHD
RESEARCH: Zametkin (NEJM, 1990 and Arch Gen Psych, 1993) found that teens and adults with past or current history of ADHD on continuous performance tests, had 8.1% lower levels of cerebral glucose metabolism than non-ADHD people, with the main differences in superior prefrontal cortex and premotor areas.
Nucleus accumbens, a small collection of neurons in the lower front part of the brain, releases GABA, which is a neurotransmitter that inhibits actions of the brain. Nucleus accumbens is controlled by dopamine released from the VTA/ventral tegmental area also in the lower frontal area of the brain.
What other diseases can cause ADHD symptoms so should be ruled out by the physician?
We know that thyroid disorders, sleep disorders, infectious diseases (e.g. HIV), anxiety, neurofibromatosis, lead poisoning, and Central nervous system toxins can cause ADHD symptoms. Testing can include an EEG, HIV testing, Lyme testing, lead testing, genetic testing, sleep study, thyroid testing, psychosocial stressors, and evaluation of cognition and memory.
We know that thyroid disorders, sleep disorders, infectious diseases (e.g. HIV), anxiety, neurofibromatosis, lead poisoning, and Central nervous system toxins can cause ADHD symptoms. Testing can include an EEG, HIV testing, Lyme testing, lead testing, genetic testing, sleep study, thyroid testing, psychosocial stressors, and evaluation of cognition and memory.
Does sugar increase hyperactivity?
Feingold (Why your child is hyperactive, 1975) did research on ADD and concluded that sugar causes hyperactivity. Other scientists disagreed strongly with his research. However, many parents who come in to the office report that when they keep their children away from sugar, they are much less hyperactive. We do not have the definitive amount of research on this that would make me feel certain either for or against Feingold’s research.
Feingold (Why your child is hyperactive, 1975) did research on ADD and concluded that sugar causes hyperactivity. Other scientists disagreed strongly with his research. However, many parents who come in to the office report that when they keep their children away from sugar, they are much less hyperactive. We do not have the definitive amount of research on this that would make me feel certain either for or against Feingold’s research.
Can anything in pregnancy lead to ADHD?
Exposure to PCB’s in the pregnant mother or exposure to lead in the young toddler’s brain can lead to ADHD symptoms.
Exposure to PCB’s in the pregnant mother or exposure to lead in the young toddler’s brain can lead to ADHD symptoms.
Allergies - do they cause ADHD?
Doris Rapp (Allergies and the Hyperactive Child, Simon and Schuster, 1979) has done research on allergies, and she is a proponent of allergies as a cause of ADHD. Some parents feel strongly that allergies cause their kid’s ADD. But her research has not been supported by other scientists, so may or may not be correct. We don’t have enough studies proving that she is right or wrong.
Doris Rapp (Allergies and the Hyperactive Child, Simon and Schuster, 1979) has done research on allergies, and she is a proponent of allergies as a cause of ADHD. Some parents feel strongly that allergies cause their kid’s ADD. But her research has not been supported by other scientists, so may or may not be correct. We don’t have enough studies proving that she is right or wrong.