Of Different Minds

New info on Genetics/ADHD and Medications

maren — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:41:27 +0000

There has been a wonderful breakthrough in the area of ADHD, genetics and medication. It is now possible for doctors to simply take a cheek squab and check the individuals DNA to determine which ADHD medication is compatible with their particular DNA. This is huge for this population. Now there is no need to wonder which med will work. The days are gone of “let’s try this med or that med” to see which is more effective. This DNA test will allow your doctor be able to pinpoint stimulants, non-stimulants or even alternative options that will be the most efficient.

“The GeneSightRX ADHD – This test analyzes three genes that can affect a patient’s response to ADHD medications, including stimulant and non-stimulant medications. The test includes a pharmacokinetic gene from the Cytochrome P450 family and two pharmacodynamic genes related to the regulation of neurotransmitters.” To find out more about this go to http://www.assurerxhealth.com/products

Several doctors are already using this technology in helping their patients find more success in managing their ADHD. Go to this site above to learn more about the research that has been done at the Mayo Clinic. Science continues to give new and valued insights toward the advancement in the treatment of ADHD.

Great Article – A must read – Attention-Deficit Drugs Face New Campus Rules

maren — Thu, 02 May 2013 02:26:20 +0000

A friend shared this article with me. I think it is a must read for any college student and their parents. Let me know what you think. http://nyti.ms/YdROwd

Summertime and the challenges of ADHD

maren — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 20:59:34 +0000

It is hard to believe that summer is just around the corner. It should be a time of lazy days and fun filled adventures for you and your kids. This is not always the case for kids with ADHD and their parents. It is a time of year that can really bring about stress and frustration for all members of the family. However, there are several strategies, activities and camps that are available to make this summer stress free and one that will bring about great memories. Remember moms and dads, attitude is everything. If your tone of voice says to your children that they are a “pain” to be around, then they probably will be a “pain” to be around. Start this summer break with an attitude of positive thinking and organization, then I guarantee that a successful summer is yours for the taking. Here are some great suggestions.

Great strategies:

– Think positively
– Organize their time sensibly (Don’t plan too many activities, but enough to keep them busy.)
– Have Monday, Wednesday and Friday for specific activities. Save Tuesday and Thursday’s for time around the house.

Great activities:

– The SPCA is a great place for kids of all ages to connect with their community as well as animals. The SPCA is always looking for volunteers to help. Remember parents, this is also a great opportunity to do something constructive with your children too.
– Equest is a good place to volunteer and help others. Many ADHD children have a hard time seeing past themselves. When they have the chance to help those struggling with something other than ADHD there seems to be a different dimension of empathy that they will form.

Great Camps

These camps are all great. If you don’t see one that will work for you check out the ADDitude website to view more.

– SOAR camps for children with ADHD has been around for the last 35 years and still going strong. This is a place where these kids can make lasting friendships where those around them really understand their differences. http://www.soarnc.org

– Camp Buckskin
Ely, Minn.
(763) 208-4805
ACA accredited
Buckskin’s personal growth program aims to improve social skills that include forming relationships, problem solving, and task completion.

Camp Discovery
Pacific Palisades, Calif.
(818) 501-5522
Discovery has speech and occupational therapists working closely with counselors to craft activities for each child’s special needs.

Camp Excel
Allenwood, N.J.
(732) 281-0275
Camp Excel offers academics, sports, recreational activities, and relationship-building activities in its program. Parent and sibling group meetings are also incorporated.

Camp Huntington
High Falls, N.Y.
(866) 514-5281
ACA accredited
Huntington offers a program for kids with learning disabilities and ADHD. Camp activities target disabilities, aiming to strengthen language or fine motor skills with classes in speech, music, and woodworking, for example.

I hope that this has been helpful. Take the time to cherish these summer months. They will grow up fast enough.

Part two on Executive Function

maren — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:32:44 +0000

In my last blog I posed the question, “If someone is struggling with challenges with executive function, then how can they find success and happiness in their personal and professional relationships? There are a sequence of answers. I wish that I could say that there is a simple answer, but unfortunately that is not the case when in comes to ADHD. However, there are some strategies that can be put into place that can help to move one into a place of satisfaction an ultimately peace.

1. Make a list of what needs to be done for the next day at work and or at home. Your smart phone can be a real help here. Schedule bills to be paid and appointments by setting up alarms or vibrations to help with memory and planning.

2. Many ADDer’s find their minds wandering during conversations. This can give the impression to others that you may be day dreamy and not in tune with what is going on. It helps to simply rephrase the persons statement into a question. It can look something like this, “Let me make sure I understand your point.” Then state what you think that you heard. Even if you are not entirely correct, at least the other person will believe that you are interested in them and want to know more. This is a big plus in the social skills category.

3.If temper seems to be your downfall, remember, this is a neurological problem not a motivational one. Those neurotransmitters are trying to boost themselves to normal. By creating drama and chaos the ADDer finds those neurotransmitters boosted and relief is achieved. However, this is not a healthy way to live. Make sure that you find time to exercise and raise your heart rate to an aerobic level for thirty minutes everyday. This boost will give your brain what it needs. If an ADDer feels edgy and being drawn into conflict then that would be the clue to get out and go for a run. Who knows it may save your marriage.

These tips have definitely worked for others and I know that they can work for you. Feel free to let me know how executive function has affected your life. By sharing here you may help others who struggle on a daily basis.

Improving Social Relationships for Adult with ADHD

maren — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:09:55 +0000

ADHD individuals can be a real joy to have around when it comes to creating adventures, partying, or even coming up with grand ideas to implement in starting a new business. But when it comes to sustaining long term relationships inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and distractibility can really put a damper on things. During this blog I will be referring to the book, “Succeeding With Adult ADHD.” The authors have a short quiz to help in understanding how your social skills might be challenged. Check it out.

1. Do you blurt out things that your later regret?

2. Do you tend to interrupt others when having a conversation?

3. Do others complain that you don’t listen or that you forget what they’ve told you?

4. Does your spouse or roommate complain that your space is always a mess?

5. Do you forget anniversaries and birthdays, or do you remember but can’t quite seem to get a card or gift in time?

6. Do others complain because you are never on time for dates or planned activities?

7. Do you frequently lose your temper over something minor?

8. Are you accused of being self-centered, even though you don’t think this is true of you?

Chances are if you answered “yes” to most of these questions you are struggling with difficulties with executive functioning. This involves problem solving, planning, short-term memory, inhibition, self regulation and motor control. It has been my experience in working with ADHD individuals of all ages that seeing themselves in a realistic framework can be almost impossible. Many ADDer’s may really believe that they have said or done something. When in fact there seems to be a disconnect in their perception of a particular event and what has really happened. This appears to be the deficit of executive functioning. They may not accurately remember what really happened or what they have done or said in the past. This is the difficulties in the areas of memory, sequencing and logic at work. It becomes obvious that when executive functioning is a problem, then social relationships can become easily impaired. The question then becomes, “How does one work through this to have lasting and meaningful relationships?” I will discuss this in my next blog.

Living with a Hot Tempered ADHD Person

maren — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:29:37 +0000

When asked what the definition of what ADHD is, most people believe that they just can’t focus and they seem to just be impulsive. In fact, the science has shown us that the anterior cingulate cortex is involved with ADHD causing poor emotional control as well as poor executive functioning.
(This would include any type of planning skills) We have seen that this can be caused by a couple of different reasons. One, being the low neurotransmitter levels within the brain. Secondly, there may be other co-existing elements involved such as bi-polar, depression, auditory processing disorder, anxiety, or even substance abuse. Whatever the case, this can be challenging to live with. There are certain strategies that need to be put into place to live a peaceful life. First, make sure that you have the right and even complete diagnosis. Guessing what the diagnosis is can leave the individual in a wasteland of wondering what is going on and believing that things will get better on their own. Once the diagnosis is made, then remember that this is neurological and not motivational. Make sure that communication with the ADHDer must be made in small increments. Be clear and specific as to what you are trying to get across to them. You may even want them to repeat back what was said for clarity. Lastly, make sure that you don’t engage when their temper begins to flare. Let them know before this type of event occurs that when this happens you will be removing yourself from the situation until they can calm down. Let me know your experiences with your hot tempered ADHDer.

NOTICING YOUR ADULT ADHD

maren — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 15:53:28 +0000

In working with adults with ADHD, one thread of similarity seems to be most consistent within this population. That seems to be the inability to notice what and when ADHD becomes a problem. When the brain is moving at lightening speed all of the time, it becomes difficult to tease out what is truly important to spend time one and what is will be a time killer. Many of my clients/students tend to allow every thought to have equal attention. This can lead to hours on the internet investigating irrelevant material while forgetting to finish that project or paper due tomorrow. This can lead the ADHD individual to chase their tails day in and day out. This can prove to be very difficult for spouse to deal with as well. These spouses can perceive that they are not being heard and can believe that they are in this marriage alone. This week I want to challenge all adult ADHDer’s to simply NOTICE when they are beginning to shift into that place of no return. Then document it. How long did they find themselves hyper-focusing? Were they unaware of family members and their needs? Did this affect their work? This task is simple but very effective. Let me know how it works.

The second way for ADHDers to find hope for waking up.

maren — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 16:58:57 +0000

This clock is for those ADHDers who wake up grouchy. I know that you are out there. Check this one out and see if it is a better fit for you. Those living with you will appreciate it. Let me know what you think.

Tools for ADHDers who have trouble waking up…

maren — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 16:47:35 +0000

I had such a great response to my post about sleep and ADHD that I thought I would share with you some of the tools that work for others struggling with the same issue. Here are two clocks that work for the hard to wake as well as those who prefer to wake without becoming grouchy. Check it out and tell me what you think.

What the ADHD brain looks like…….

maren — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 20:01:05 +0000

This gives those with ADHD a little insight as to why ADHD affects them the way it does. Very interesting.