Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 9/27/2007

Question
QUESTION: My 48 year old husband was diagnosed with ADD 10 years ago.  Neither of us like the idea of being on medication, but without it, his ADD behaviors were negatively affecting our relationship.

He has been on Strattera for a year and it works wonderfully for him.  He hasn't changed his procrastinating habits, but he doesn't feel overwhelmed with life.

My question: I can't see continuing medicating for another 25 years, but I'm not in a hurry to return to his pre-Strattera days.  He exercises regularly; would a change of diet or supplements provide enough benefits to be noticable?  How long does one stay on medication?

ANSWER: There is a major difference between better and "fine". Only on an optimal dose does one achieve the "fine" status. Your comment suggests he is better, not fine! How is his dose monitored? Diet plays absolutely no part in the treatment of ADHD. Your treating octor should have given you these facts as part of treatment. As I do not know the patient well enough to eveluate his needs, I would not be in a position to state how long he would need treatment for. However, unfortunately some might be on treatment life long, like Diabetes, Gout ,or Hypertension.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: His family physician prescribed the medication and had a few questions about how it is working during his annual physical for a follow up.  I doubt he is an expert in this field but was willing to listen and treat and my husband felt the mediation helped.  Since he is a generalist, I don't feel an office visit with him would provide an expert option.

Now that he is able to be successful in planning his day and achieving his goals, we are able to evaluate his situation long term.  I was looking for solutions other than prescribed medication.  Maybe there are none?

Answer
Not all people with ADHD need medical treatment, but if severe enough, then unfortunately the treatment of choice is medical treatment. But it should be monitored to achieve maximun effect. It is only the optimal dose that really works welll. Thereafter councilling and modifying negative life styles are important.