Excerpt from Caffeine: “Herbal” Treatment of ADD/ADHD, by Monroe Gross, MD

Over 60% of ADD/ADHD people who entered my medical practice came to me using substantial amounts of caffeine to fight daytime tiredness and inadequate mental focus. This tells us, of course, that many ADD/ADHD people benefit from caffeine but it also says that many give up caffeine because it offers less than adequate treatment of their ADD/ADHD brain chemistry.

Caffeine is a potent stimulant. It does reduce daytime tiredness and improves mental focus in many with and without ADD/ADHD. It may not be as powerful as the amphetamines and methylphenidate (Ritalin), but it sure can be helpful for many with ADD/ADHD when it comes to functioning at work, in school, and in society.

…For completeness, let’s keep in mind some of the major drawbacks of caffeine for treating ADD/ADHD. First of all, caffeine is a short-acting stimulant with effectiveness usually for only three to four hours after each dose. Mental focus is improved but usually not to the degree it is with the amphetamines and methylphenidate. At doses that improve mental function, many ADD/ADHD people experience irritability, feel shaky, and are emotionally edgy. Also, when the stimulatory effect wears off, sedentary (i.e., those sitting and reading) individuals usually suffer from a mental “crash” characterized by listlessness, enervation, lack of motivation, feeling cranky, and being explosive. Finally, long-term users of caffeine who suddenly stop ingesting caffeine often suffer for one to three days with severe headache.

– Dr. Monroe Gross, MD, is founder of the ADD Medical Treatment Center of Santa Clara Valley.

Are you looking for a fast and free online tool to evaluate your possible ADHD? Larry Jasper & Ivan Goldberg have a 24-question evaluation here: “Jasper/Goldberg Adult ADD Questionnaire” at MentalHelp.net.

They include questions like “I find it difficult to read written material unless it is very interesting or very easy.” with 5 possible responses from “Not at all” to “Very much”.

Notes:

Their description: Use this questionnaire to help determine if you need to see a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment of ADD or ADHD in an adult.

Their disclaimer: Scores on this test are not meant as a diagnosis tool! You should not take this score to represent a mental disorder diagnosis or any type of behavioral healthcare treatment recommendation. Always consult with a trained mental health professional if you are experiencing feelings, thoughts or difficulties that cause you or people you love to be concerned…

Driven to Distraction by Edward Hallowell and John Ratey is the most well-known book on ADHD (and the ADDexecutive promises to post an in-depth review before long).

In fact, Dr. Ned Hallowell is broadly recognized as one of the most important MDs to research, treat, and write about ADHD in both children and adults.  In 1996 he created the Hallowell Center which provides holistic treatment and education about ADHD for both children and adults.  The Hallowell Center also offers consulting service for businesses/businesspeople affected by ADHD.

Below, an excerpt from their Mission/Vision page:

"Mission Statement

At The Hallowell Center we are committed to helping people lead happier, more productive lives through our balanced treatment approach; integrating brain, body and heart.

Philosophy

The Hallowell Center is dedicated to promoting cognitive and emotional health in both children and adults. We combine the latest knowledge about the brain, learning, human behavior, and emotion with a personal, patient-centered approach to diagnosis and treatment. Our goal is to help people achieve their goals in life.

…It is our mission to bring to you the power of knowledge and the spirit of human connection. In addition to treating individuals, we recognize the importance of working with couples, families, schools and businesses. Our staff integrates a traditional medical practice with natural approaches to health and healing. Our nutritionist can evaluate the effects of diet and natural supplements on your mood, mental focus, sleep, and energy. We also teach stress reduction through meditation and muscle relaxation techniques.

Finally, we have a business consultation arm of The Center which specializes in the psychology of the workplace and organizational dynamics."

Duke University ADHD Clinic — Durham NC.

As might be expected at an affiliate of one of the nation’s premier teaching hospitals, the Duke University ADHD Clinic practitioners are simultaneously involved with individual treatment, clinical research, and clinical trials of new pharmaceuticals. If you work with these folks, you’re working with the vanguard.

From their website:

“The ADHD Clinic at the Duke University Medical Center is one of the nation’s leading programs for research and clinical services pertaining to ADHD and related behavior problems. The program is staffed by four licensed clinical psychologists, one board-certified child psychiatrist, and a number of study coordinators and research assistants. The ADHD Clinic participates actively in three primary activities: 1) Federally-funded (e.g., NIMH) research grants; 2) Industry-funded (e.g., pharmaceutical companies) clinical trials; 3) Clinic services to the community. These activities encompass patients from preschool age to adulthood.”

Human Resource Consultants — Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill NC.

HRC is a well-established firm with both psychiatric and psychological clinicans (5 MDs and 20+ PhDs at present) who work with both corporations and individuals.

In our ADDExec arena, there are several things to like about HRC: (1) they have an established consultancy for workplace solutions, (2) they have clinicians who specialize in working with adults with ADD, and (3) their comprehensive practice (MDs andPhDs, family and workplace consultation, pharmacological and non-pharmacological techniques) allows them to provide solutions that are often more “complete” than those available from most independent practitioners.

I have had the pleasure of working with several of the clinicians as a client, and I have also worked with one of the clinicians in a joint-consult with one of my own management consulting clients who needed evaluation and advice in several areas affecting his workplace effectiveness.