Comments for ADHDFamilies

Comment on DIAGNOSING BIPOLAR vs. ADHD by lens

lens — Mon, 12 May 2008 19:53:26 +0000

I am writing a comparison essay about adhd and diagnosing bipolar so this article is really good resource for me.Thank you..

Comment on DIAGNOSING BIPOLAR vs. ADHD by Judy

Judy — Wed, 07 May 2008 22:04:48 +0000

HI Jerry,
You’ve brought out a very good point where ADHD could be over diagnosed while little attention was paid to bipolar.
I think thats because the amount of information we know for ADHD is so plentiful and easily available whereas its not the case for bipolar.

You’ve mentioned that “child who is bipolar enjoys the danger and seeks it out.”
Just wonder if there are cases where an ADHD child also behaves the same way.
Are these manifestations the only tell tale signs of the differences between bipolar and ADHD?
I also wonder if the antidepressants used to treat both cases are the same?

Comment on DIAGNOSING BIPOLAR vs. ADHD by Tracy Robinson

Tracy Robinson — Wed, 07 May 2008 03:37:40 +0000

I’m somewhat concerned with the diagnosis of psychological problems in young children. It seems that either the diagnosis range for many illnesses has been broadened, or the heightened attention to ADHD and bipolar has increased awareness. It seems the same thing is happening with autism. Are there really that many more children with the condition than in previous generations, or is it just recognized now, or has the diagnosis broadened to include a wider range of behaviours? Don’t kno . . .

Comment on Emergency finacial distress, Payday Loans and ADHD by Jerry

Jerry — Tue, 06 May 2008 13:01:45 +0000

Tara,
I believe that kids with ADHD need to be taken on a case-by-case basis. I have never taken medication for ADHD, nor have two of my sons but both of my daughters are medicated and my stepson is completely nonfunctional without medication. I think that it depends entirely on the severity of the condition in relation to that particular child.

Comment on Emergency finacial distress, Payday Loans and ADHD by Tara

Tara — Tue, 06 May 2008 08:42:42 +0000

Hi Jerry,
I saw the visiting pedeatrician today for my 10 year old daughters ADHD. We believe that medication should be used on a needs only basis as I believe that an ADHD child learns to cope with life only when medicated. The pedo disagreed. I find these professionals quite condescending at times as they have not had personal dealings with an ADHD child. My daughter is a great little person with many endearing qualities but I find that as soon as people especially teachers find out that sherhas this problem she is automatically treated differently.
What has you experience been and were you diagnosed as a child?
Tara

Comment on The Robin Williams in my Head by Jerry

Jerry — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:19:02 +0000

Dana,
It’s good to hear that John is doing well! I understand the frustrations involved with schools. Even with an IEP and a 504 in place there can still be issues, but they tend to be more manageable.

My stepson has ADHD, Bipolar disorder and OCD. For him every day at school is a challenge, but from what I hear he’s till on track as well. (his mother and I are separated, so I have to stay on top of his progress over the phone… One of the sad facts of life.)

Keep pumping out the commentary and we’ll keep reading! (Even though I am on the other side of the political fence from you.)

Comment on The Robin Williams in my Head by Dana Blankenhorn

Dana Blankenhorn — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 22:01:29 +0000

Thanks for the shout-out.

John continues to do well in his studies and poorly in his socialization. He was blackballed by teachers from the National Honor Society because they didn’t know he now has an IEP which calls the ADHD symptoms “Asperger’s Syndrome.”

If you have a kid who has ADHD, or dyslexia (which is how it often displays in girls) check out getting an Individualized Education Plan from your school. It will protect you in times of trouble, under Section 504 of the IDEA.

It kept John in school, where he’s still on track to graduate with the grades and test scores needed for him to reach a school filled with kids just like him.

Stay in touch.

Comment on The Robin Williams in my Head by Lori

Lori — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:36:41 +0000

I love the statement “signs of extraordinary people” What a beautifully true statement. I have one of these extraordinary sons, and he is wonderful, funny, imaginative. It is so nice to hear someone with ,what I consider, an accurate view of these highly intelligent wonderful people. I can’t wait to read more.

Comment on Life coach wonders if ADHD is contagious by Lauren

Lauren — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:13:38 +0000

In response to Ronit’s comment-

As a sufferer of ADHD myself, I cannot tell how often I hear remarks similar to yours, and it makes me furious. The biochemistry of ADHD is such that the frontal lobe requires constant stimulation from the outside, as it does not receive enough dopamine. In practice, this means that only a deeply satisfying activity can provide this stimulation. For those who do not suffer from the disorder, a lack of interest or short-term gratification do not serve as inhibitors; the long-term payoff is adequaTE (long term goals, avoidance of punishment, etc). For sufferers of ADHD, even the knowledge of negative consequence is not enough to ward off the necessity to have instant gratification, meaning an uninteresting activity, even if necessary, can not be fulfilled. A key term of ADHD is “self-deception” meaning that even the knowledge of significant consequence and future suffering can be eradicated by “deception” in place of an activity that provides that gratification, that missing dopamine. So please don’t go pretending that you understand this disease, don’t judge those of us who have to struggle everyday to function as you do, and be grateful you can sit and do whatever it is you need to do without 90% more effort than necessary. It’s incredibly ignorant.

Comment on Study finds ADHD stimulant medications not a factor in drug abuse by Jerry

Jerry — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:54:37 +0000

I’m glad something that I did has helped! I really just do this so that people have a place they can pop by for information on a subject that, far too ofthen, gets a negative light in the media. I prefer to keep things positive when I can.

Please pardon the mess while I finish getting the place ready for guests. Finding a good “Look” for a site of this type can be difficult, but I’m working on it!