It is usually better to start low and increase until no additional benefits or side-effects. Weight can be used to determine maximum dose, 2mg/kg for methylphenidate and 1.5mg/kg for amphetamines. The following chart was published by Biederman and Wilens at the Harvard department of psychiatry. More people prefer amphetamines. Only 16% prefer methyphenidate. […]
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Depression runs in my family and I’ve been on the same medicine for a while with no episodes of depression. About two weeks ago I woke up feeling not myself and contributed it to getting my period on top of coming down with a respiratory infection. Still not feeling well […]
Brain functioning is genetically variable (polymorphic) and has plasticity – adaptability to conditions and experience. When you learn a new skill or habit – at any age (though easier when in childhood) it changes your brain. Neurons establish new connections. Connections are strengthened – more receptors and nerve impulses are […]
A study of 3,000 randomly selected kids ages 8-15 was funded by the National Institute of Health (with no pharmaceutical company support). The main author was Tanya Froehlich, a developmental behavior pediatrician. The study was published in Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine Sept 07. Originally the objective was to […]
ADHD is a personality type that is determined mainly by genetics. Survival of the group is enhanced by variability of its members. We wouldn’t want everyone to be the same. Ancient tribes for example, needed a look-out person who could patiently maintain watch in case something happened. That wouldn’t be an […]
Vyvanse, the new ADHD medicine, has a unique prodrug delivery system developed to prevent abuse. In addition to marked reduced abuse and misuse, studies have shown other major advantages over Adderall XR – the most prescribed medication for ADHD. Vyvanse has been found to be more consistent in its effect, more […]
These scans looking down on the brain are measuring dopamine activity in the nucleus accumbens and reflect levels of interest, drive and motivation. A recent research finding is that people who are born with below average receptors (D2) in this area are more likely to develop behavioral and/or substance addictions. […]
One of the major themes of this year’s APA was the neurobiological basis of addictions. First it was schizophrenia, then manic and depressive disorders, then the anxiety disorders, then attention deficit disorders – These all became much better understood not just as abnormal behavior or feelings but as complex medical […]
Two thunderous standing ovations highlighted this year’s APA meeting. They were as different as you could imagine. An intimate conversation with Brooke Shields about her battle against nature’s cruelest mood disorder – postpartum depression – and Dr. John Nash (A Beautiful Mind) reading a paper he wrote in which he […]
I am now completely against birth control pills. I’m also against hormone replacement with oral estradiol. Estradiol (in every birth control pill) taken by mouth goes through the liver and causes problems with thyroid, testosterone, and the most effective form of estrogen. In anyone with a history of depression and/or […]