Expert: Norm Bishop - 5/7/2008

Question
My daughter is 17, and was "unofficially" dx'd with ADD by her pediatrician when she was a Freshman. This has been so frustrating. We've tried Straterra (twice) Focalin, Adderal, and Vyvance. We think that it seems to be working, but then she decides she doesnt want to take the medicine, and crys becasue it makes her feel funny, etc. She is a great softball player, and pitcher, but she has really struggled this year, and I feel it may be because she isnt taking anything and is having trouble focusing. Her grades are decent, could be better if she would put forth the effort. We really dont know what to do. Suggestions?

Answer
There is no magic.  Only about 50% of those prescribed medicine for ADD respond favorably to it.  Some have side effects that make it uncomfortable or impossible to continue taking the meds.

The most recent research seems to connect sleeping patterns with some ADD/ADHD.  How does your daughter sleep?  Does she get 10 hours of solid deep sleep every night, or does she stay up late and want to sleep all morning, or sleep only a few hours each night, or have fitfull sleep, snore loudly, display sleep apnea patterns.  Any good sleep clinic can evaluate her for sleep patterns.  Some have seen remarkable results.

Another recent research success is eliminating processed foods from the diet (anything pre packaged).  Then create a diet for her that is 1/3 protein, 1/3 fresh fruits and vegetable, and 1/3 low glycemic value carbohydrates.  

As a parent, you need to keep encouraging her, be positive, focus her on her assets as opposed to her weaknesses.  Also teach her as many focusing and organization skills you can.  

My son, now 25, a college graduate, and successful in his career had a similar high school experience.  He succeeded, but took work and sometimes still takes work!

I wish you luck.

Norm