It is not surprising and very human to speculate, then evaluate,
then research, and eventually prove a concept. Medical science is no
exception. The problem arises when one is not familiar with the final and
correct conclusion. In the field of ADHD there has been major confusion
misinformation and incorrect interpretations, causing major problems for the
doctors and the patients alike. I am equally sure the final word has not
been reached and will one day be published. Some examples would explain why
there is sadly, confusion and misinformation still amongst doctors.
An American professor recently estimated in a publication that in
his opinion 70% of doctors treated ADHD incorrectly. I was asked to write
and article published in "PED MED" entitled "ADHD-Confusion and
misinformation".
When the American Psychiatric Association's Committee wanted to
develop a protocol for ADHD assessments, they discovered nobody on their
committee had any expertise. An ad hoc committee of experts was
appointed, who developed a protocol. The original committee of non experts
rejected the expert's protocol and published their own protocol. On the day
it was published the American Pediatric Association rejected it and
published their own protocol. Was this the blind leading the blind?
This so called DSM iv has been in existence for about 18 years. The
new DSM V was published recently and is not much better than the previous
one, it would appear.
In the UK, where the state pays for everything, their money saving
policy is for the consultant to diagnose and prescribe the first
prescription for ADHD. Thereafter the GP, who is not an expert, simply
repeats the same prescription on a monthly basis without establishing if
the treatment is effective or even examining the patient. A research
project on
When the pamphlet in the Ritalin box suggested that Tofranil for
enuresis was contraindicated if Ritalin was being used, despite this being
incorrect. Enuresis is often part of ADHD. When Ciba was enlightened, the
concept was changed to, it can used with caution.
Tourettes syndrome is often seen with ADHD and Ritalin was forbidden
as it was suggested, it made Tourettes syndrome worse. It was even suggested
that Ritalin caused the tics despite professor Tourette describing the
condition about 50 years before Ritalin came onto the market. Later
research suggested that Ritalin could be successfully used for the ADHD and
possibly Serenace for the Tourettes syndrome with not risk to the patient.
When Concerta was introduced to South Africa the medical "rep" from
Cilag, who market Concerta, informed me the maximal dose was 54mg. When I
informed her that this was wrong and 72mg was acceptable her reply was that
this is what is registered with the Medicines Control Council. A short
while later a pamphlet to the doctors from Cialag Jansen announced the
maximal dose is 72mg. Currently the recommended maximal dose is 108mg.
Novartis suggests that a maximum dose for the 10mg Ritalin tablet is
6 a day. If Jansen pharmaceuticals suggest 108mg Concerta, than 9 , 10mg
Ritalin tablets is acceptable, obviously in divided doses. Who is correct?
The American Pediatric Association suggested that 6 years of age was the
correct age to start assessing ADHD. About 18 months ago they changed their
mind and announced that 4 years of age was acceptable. In the UK, 6 year
olds are still the accepted age for assessment.
A professor's text book suggested treatment for ADHD was only
acceptable till 12 years of age. When the professor was informed of his
incorrect concept, when the book was eventually rewritten, the incorrect
information was changed.
A medical aid refused to pay for an adult on treatment for ADHD as
they insisted that there was no reason to treat adults as the patient would
and should have outgrow their problem. They currently still refuse to
accept that some ADHD adults still need medical treatment despite research
suggesting adults should not be neglected. Many an adult only come for an
assessment once one of their children have been successfully diagnosed and
treated. In the UK they are only recently recognizing the need to treat
adults. In 1982 I lectured at a National Medical Conference in Cape Town on
the treatment of ADHD in adults.
A rating scale by an American professor for ADHD consisted of 10
questions which was not acceptable or effective, as it was too brief. When
it was changed locally, to 12 questions and proved very successful, it took
the world famous professor quite a few years, to admit the original rating
scale was too brief.
There are still doctors prescribing schedule 6 medications like
Concerta and Ritalin with repeat prescriptions, despite this being illegal.
Only one months supply is permitted, to do monthly reevaluations. Some time
ago, a doctor who issued repeat prescriptions was fined by the Medical
Council and warned, he would be struck off the medical register if did it
again.
Many years ago the "Feingold diet" was recommended. Dr Feingold
suggested diet played a role in the treatment of ADHD. This was disproved
and is no longer recommended. Sugar and colorants were also blamed only to
be rejected as unimportant. If ADHD is right brain dominance and left brain
immaturity, how can food, colorants and sugar, promote right brain functions
and hamper left brain functions. How can the external so called mesomorphic
features often seen on the skin of ADHD patients be caused by food. They are
visible at birth. I refer to high palate, tiny ear lobes, curved little
finger, single simian fold in the palm, a web between second and third toe
and a big space between first and second toe.
Research has clearly showed that the dose of Concerta and Ritalin
needs to be titrated to an optimal does to be effective, yet doctors are
prescribing an estimated dose that does not work. The Modified Conners
rating scale done before and after starting medication will show very
accurately if the doses are effective. An effective dose has nothing to do
with age or weight but how they respond to medication.
Occupational therapy is still recommended for young ADHD patients
despite the fact that research suggests, it has no value. It boosts the
right brain while medication tries to boost the left brain. OT does have a
value but not for ADHD. I have over 400 parents who tried OT prior to
coming to see me for their child's ADHD. Not one found any benefit from OT.
Can they all be wrong?
Many patients are referred to psychologists initially for a
neurological conditions like ADHD, despite a previous Minister of Education
suggesting a medical diagnosis is needed in an official notice to schools
from the Department of Education and Culture , from the House of Assembly.
Psychologists have no training in neurology. Moreover they sometimes advise
on medical treatment despite having no training in pharmacology. An article
in the SAMJ some time ago warned of the dangers of this situation.
However, psychology certainly has a value for psychological problems.
Doctors may suggest that "drug holidays" are advisable despite this
having a negative effect on the chances for success. Every day treatment is
essential. In the very hyperactive child, the bad behavior during the week
end off medication can be a major problem.
Many doctors are prescribing the short acting 10mg Ritalin as a "once
a day" treatment, despite it only been effective for 4 hours. The "rebound
phenomena" when Ritalin fades is being ignored. As Ritalin is a stimulant
it must not be given too late in the day so as not to cause insomnia. I have
seen a prescription from a paediatrician for Ritalin to be given at night
only. The pharmacist could not believe this and phoned the doctor. The
doctor insisted. That's why the parents can to see me as the evening dose
was causing major problems with insomnia.
An article in a South African news paper suggests that homeopathic
medication is effective for ADHD. Yet research in the UK, America and
Australia suggests homeopathic medication does not work. I have a small
series of children with ADHD who were given homeopathic treatment prior to
coming to see me. Not one was successful.
There is confusion regarding the danger of addiction for stimulants
used to treat ADHD. In other countries Dexamphetamine is still prescribed
but it may cause addiction if abused. In South Africa it is banned. In South
Africa, Ritalin and Concerta are both Methylphenidates which is not
addictive but may be abused.
The above is just a brief summary of the confusion and misinformation
regarding ADHD treatment. There is as much confusion about the causes of
ADHD. It is a proven neurological inherited dysfunction, where the right
brain develops too much or the left brain is immature. Either, one or the
other or both in varying degrees from mild to severe. ADHD and ADD are not
the same. The former includes behavior problems. ADD is a learning problem.
Some time ago I was informed that athletes participating in some
national events are forbidden from using their Ritalin despite it having
been prescribed by a doctor. Did they know of the dangers of not taking this
medication. They reasoned that taking a stimulant was not acceptable and
unfair. What they did not know is that when used for ADHD is normalizes, not
boosts athletes ability. When used illegally in non ADHD people it may boost
ability.
Keith Conners a famous American and the developer of the very
effective Conners rating scale, suggested in a book he has published,that
there is no confusion among experts, only minor variations. However there is
major confusion among non experts.
There is more than enough correct, scientific information currently
available, for anyone who is interested enough to make the effort. to study
available information. However, this does not mean the final word has been
published. Time will tell.
Dr Billy Levin - 30/8/15