Focused Distractions

Tuesday, November 28. 2006

Dr. Barkley's New 9 Symptoms for Diagnosing Adults

I've been meaning to post this, but didn't have the complete list. Dr. Russell Barkley presented at National CHADD last month and came up with a new list that he hopes will be included in the new DSM for diagnoising adults. Here they are:

1. is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
2. often makes decisions impulsively
3. often have difficulty stopping activities or behavior when they should
4. often start a project or task without reading or listening to
directions carefully
5. often show poor follow through on promises or commitments made to
others
6. often have trouble doing things in their proper sequence
7. often more likely to drive a motor vehicle much faster than others
8. often have difficulty sustaining attention in a task or leisure
activities
9. often have difficulty organizing tasks and activities

As a reminder, he says if you have 6 of the 9, it is a good indicator
that the adult may have ADHD. Remember....to be diagnosed, you must have a full evaluation by an experienced clinician. The above symptems is just the beginning!

Posted by Terry at 08:10

Thursday, November 23. 2006

Volunteers needed for study on chronic disorganization

Needed: volunteer participants that are US residents above the age of 18.
This research looks at the relationship between chronic disorganization
and ADHD, perfectionism, hoarding, and depression. Total participation
time is approximately 20 minutes to complete. Participants who complete
the anonymous survey will be given the opportunity to enter into a
lottery in which one winner will receive Volume 1 of the Seinfeld
Seasons 1 & 2 on DVD as well as a Blockbuster $50 gift card.

http://tinyurl.com/yy8yaj

For questions about the study, please email Sharon Mintz, a doctoral
student of Counseling Psychology at Fordham University, at
smintz@fordham.edu

Posted by Terry at 13:17

Friday, November 17. 2006

Sunrise, Sunset

My husband is out of town. That means I am on morning duty and must get my daughter, Mackenzie, up and ready for her school bus. The school bus arrives at the unGodly hour of 6:55. That's AM, not PM. That means, in order to make sure she wakes up in time, I have to be up by 5:45. What's the big deal?

Many of us with ADD brains are not very pleasant in the morning. We are often night owls who find it nearly impossible to

Shut off our computers
Turn off the TV
Close the interesting novel
Turn off our non-stop brains

That means, we generally are up LATE and try to sleep in as late as humanly possible without getting fired or kicked out of school.

What is all the fuss about observing a beautiful sunrise? I've probably witnessed a few in my entire life; and only because of colicky babies, early flights out of Detroit, or some awful illness or other emergency.

Today I forced myself up at 5:45. I got my daughter out of the house with the bus only having to wait 5 minutes (whew) and instead of crawling back into bed, thought I'd witness this wonder of nature: THE SUNRISE.

Well, I don't see anything special. My eyes are still blurry. My brain is still in that primitive sleep state, probably stuck in a REM cycle that will affect me the rest of the day.

Looking out the window, all I see are black trees against a dark blue and cloudy sky.

This is what writers, poets and painters scream about?

I think I'll just head back to bed and have a REM experience instead.

Posted by Terry at 07:13 | Trackbacks (3)

Monday, November 13. 2006

Thanksgiving Dinner You Can Make in 30 Minutes

BY BETH J. HARPAZ

When's dinner? What are we having?", one of my kids will ask as I get home from work.

About once a month, the answer is, "Thanksgiving. It'll be ready in a half-hour."

In our house, Thanksgiving is not a once-a-year event that requires eight hours of cooking. It's a simple meal that I can have on the table in 30 minutes.

It includes all the main components of a traditional Thanksgiving, without all the fuss. I use turkey breast cutlets instead of a whole bird, canned cranberry sauce, stuffing and gravy from mixes, and microwaved potatoes. Enough food for four people costs less than $20. This is an easy way to celebrate with all the traditional trimmings.

Read the step-by-step scaled down, ADD friendly way to get YOUR Thanksgiving Dinner on the table by clicking HERE.

Posted by Terry at 22:19 | Comments (2)

Monday, November 6. 2006

New 16 Hour AD/HD Medication

SHIRE ANNOUNCES STUDY RESULTS FOR INVESTIGATIONAL DRUG (SPD465) DESIGNED TO REDUCE ADHD SYMPTOMS FOR UP TO 16 HOURS
Data on an Investigational Drug Presented at a Major Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Meeting

Philadelphia – Oct. 31, 2006 – Shire plc announced the results of two phase II trials in adults (studies 201 and 203) of the investigational amphetamine compound SPD465 (triple-bead mixed amphetamine salts [MAS]) at a major medical meeting of child and adolescent psychiatrists in San Diego, Calif. These results demonstrated that SPD465 improved Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms in adults for up to 16 hours post-dose and had a generally well tolerated safety profile consistent with currently marketed amphetamine products.

“If approved, triple-bead MAS may be useful for maintaining adult ADHD symptom control throughout the day and during the evening hours, at work or at home, due to its long duration of action,” said Timothy Wigal, Ph.D., lead investigator for both studies and associate clinical professor of pediatrics and deputy director of the Child Development Center at the University of California, Irvine.

On July 21, 2006, Shire submitted a New Drug Application for triple-bead MAS, which is now under FDA review. If approved, triple-bead MAS would be the first and only ADHD stimulant product designed to control inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity in adults for up to 16 hours with one daily dose. More than 9 million American adults currently exhibit symptoms of ADHD.

Study 203: Single Morning Dose of Triple-bead MAS 25 mg In this study of 73 adult subjects, those taking the 25 mg dose had significantly higher scores than subjects taking placebo as measured by the Permanent Product Measure of Performance (PERMP), the primary endpoint, at 16-hours post-dose (P < .0001). This test is a 10-minute, written, age-adjusted collection of 80 math problems that provides an accurate measure of a person’s ability to pay attention and stay on task. Subanalyses of the number of problems attempted and the number answered correctly showed similar results.

In addition, subjects treated with triple-bead MAS had significantly improved average ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-SRS) total scores than those taking placebo (P < .0001) at all test times (5.5, 11 and 16.5 hours) post-dose.

Study 201: This study evaluated 77 adult subjects with ADHD during three seven-day treatment periods at doses of 50 mg or 75 mg of triple-bead MAS compared to placebo, and used an active control for test sensitivity. The study results demonstrated that triple-bead MAS provided significant improvement in ADHD symptom control based on PERMP and ADHD-RS scores.
With both triple-bead MAS doses, the average PERMP total, attempted and correct scores were significantly better than with placebo at all times measured after dosing. Average ADHD-SRS total scores were significantly better for participants receiving triple-bead MAS than those taking placebo (P < .0001) at all three test times (5.5, 11.0 and 16.5 hours) post-dose.

Triple-bead MAS was generally well tolerated in both studies, although two serious adverse events, chest pain with no sequelae and hypertension with no sequelae, were reported in subjects treated with 75 mg. The most frequently reported adverse events in both studies were insomnia, decreased appetite, dry mouth, headache and anorexia and were consistent with amphetamine use.

Shire Development Inc. supported these studies.

For further information please contact:

Priya Namjoshi (Porter Novelli) 212-601-8337priya.namjoshi@porternovelli.com
Marion E. Glick (Porter Novelli) 212-601-8273marion.glick@porternovelli.com

Notes to editors

About SPD465
SPD465, a mixed amphetamine salt formulation designed to provide sustained release of medication with symptom control for up to 16 hours, is being studied for the treatment of ADHD in adults. The most common adverse events reported in SPD465 phase II studies were insomnia, decreased appetite, dry mouth, headache and anorexia.

Posted by Terry at 23:13 | Comments (2)

How ADHD Affects the Workplace

What is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological psychiatric disorder that manifests in a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. These symptoms are present since childhood and occur at a higher frequency than those of the same age group.

• ADHD not only affects children and adolescents, but also persist into adulthood and can affect work performance, social relationships, as well as personal safety and can lead to costly public health problems

• Research strongly suggests that ADHD tends to run in families with twin studies revealing that nearly 80 percent of the influence of ADHD is due to genetic factors

How Many People are Affected by ADHD?

• Approximately 4.4 million or 7.8 percent of school-age children in the U.S. have ADHD

• An estimated 9 million or 4.4 percent of U.S. adults have ADHD

• Up to 80 percent of children with ADHD continue to have the disorder as adolescents and 65 percent have the disorder as adults

What are Common Symptoms of ADHD in Adults?

• Adults with ADHD often struggle with symptoms of inattention and can experience organizational challenges because of a lack of structure in their lives. This inattention also places additional stress on relationships.

• These adults generally have outbursts of energy and are attracted to highly stimulated environments; however, this constant activity may lead to extreme family tension.

• Adults with ADHD can have difficulty controlling impulsive behavior, talk excessively and react inappropriately in social and professional settings. Additionally, they are easily distracted and are more likely to be involved in accidents and driving collisions.

• Adults with ADHD can have a low tolerance for frustration and because of their symptoms of impulsivity, they can have unpredictable tempers.

What is the Impact of Untreated ADHD?

• Adults with untreated ADHD are more likely to experience lower educational achievement and are less likely to graduate from high school or college. They are inclined to have low self-esteem, anti-social thoughts, a pessimistic outlook on their future and problems with their romantic relationships and jobs. Furthermore, adults with untreated ADHD are twice as likely to be divorced or separated.

• Untreated ADHD can lead to increased stress, depression and poor mental or physical health. Additionally, adults who do not treat the disorder are likely to engage in harmful behaviors, such as smoking, using recreational drugs and unlawful conduct. These adults are also at risk for frequent personal injuries and are four times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident.

What are Common Signs of ADHD in Adults in the Workplace?

• Adults with untreated ADHD can have difficulty staying engaged in reading, meetings or while going through paperwork. Additionally, they may rapidly switch between projects because they have difficulty starting or finishing assignments. Because they cannot focus and complete projects, adults with untreated ADHD are viewed as inefficient and low performing.

• Adults with untreated ADHD often have poor time management skills and are disorganized, which can lead to over scheduling and feelings of being overwhelmed.

• However, adults with ADHD are usually very creative and perform well in interactive jobs.

What is the Impact of Untreated ADHD in the Workplace?

• Adults with untreated ADHD have difficulty managing large workloads, keeping organized and concentrating on work and are; therefore, less likely to be currently employed. Those who are employed are less likely to express complete satisfaction with their professional life and career track.

• Among adults with ADHD who currently are employed and have had more than one job in the past 10 years, 43 percent report leaving one or more jobs because of their ADHD symptoms.

• The average loss of household income per adult with ADHD ranged from $8,900 to $15,400 per year, compared to adults without ADHD, which amounts to $77 billion lost each year in the US economy.

How is ADHD Treated?

• The first-line treatment for ADHD is stimulant medications, with long-acting and once-daily medication remaining the gold standard of medical therapy.

• Medical treatment can be combined with educational approaches and psychological and behavioral therapies, which are effective in teaching individuals with ADHD coping methods to help them maneuver through common challenges in professional and social settings.

• The following coping techniques, used in conjunction with medical treatment are useful in helping individuals overcome their ADHD and reach their potential:

• Maintain consistent structure and predictability in daily activities to compensate for challenges in inattention, impulsivity and distractibility

• Participate in activities and pursue professions that play to strengths, rather than exacerbate weaknesses

• Begin seeking treatment and counseling as soon as impairments are recognized

• Commit to educating family and friends about the symptoms of ADHD and how the disorder affects everyday activities and relationships to develop an environment of understanding and acceptance.

Posted by Terry at 23:10

Wednesday, November 1. 2006

Back from CHADD

Chicago. The Windy City. Great shopping. Arts! Music! Pizza! Did I see any of that? No...I was in the hotel the entire time. But it was well worth it, for I heard some of the greatest minds in the ADD world speak about research, treatment, and much more.

There where a bit of gasps in the air when Dr. Russell Barkley announced his new recommendations for DSM criteria which will be published in his new book next year. Since he is on the DSM panel, he has a bit of clout in making these changes happen. And boy, do I agree with most of what he is suggesting.

Without looking at my notes (if you want me to get them, leave a comment below), he is advocating that onset of symptoms be pushed waaay up- to 14 or 16. I agree.

What was sobering- and what upset many attendees- was the research data he shared and how bleak things look. I understand where he is coming from. In order to truly see AD/HD as potentially devastating to people and to get better health coverage, school/work accommodations, he painted a pretty sad picture of the life and times of one who lives with AD/HD.

There were complaints from attendees who felt it was all doom and gloom. What about creativity? No dice, he said. Those with ADD who also are creative- well, there is no correlation. Same with IQ and lots of other things.

Peter Jensen softened the blows, by explaining the reason for the dark stats and how one needs to use these in order to move ahead in life. He has become my new hero.

Seeing my friends was actually the best part of the conference. It's wonderful to just laugh away the nights with great stories.

We bumped into Ned Hallowell as he dashed in Friday night and we all had a great time with our 5 year old potty humor. Like I said...it was late..

Sari Solden popped in on Friday, too. Note to CHADD committee: PLEASE give Sari a 1/2 day session next year! We all missed hearing from her.

Saturday, I presented on Survival Tips for Women with AD/HD and as usual, I learned from my audience. One woman, after hearing how much I hate cooking, came up with an amazing tip. She said:

"Utilize your dishwasher to its fullest. Before switching it on, take your chicken, fish, or whatever you need to cook for dinner, place it in Saran wrap tightly (or did she mean aluminum foil??) and you'll have dinner AND clean dishes all at the same time.

Is that brilliant or what?

Next year, CHADD will be in Washington, DC. Hope to see you there!

Posted by Terry at 23:26 | Comment (1)

(Page 1 of 1, totaling 7 entries)