Alternative Treatment for Children with Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a hereditary form of mental retardation that often includes an ADHD disorder. Previously, stimulant medications like Ritalin were found to produce side effects like increased irritability. Now, a new study has found that a certain amino acid (called L-acetyl carnitine or LAC) can reduce ADHD symptoms without side effects.

"Those treated with LAC demonstrated reduced hyperactive behavior and increased attention. No side effects were exhibited, confirming that LAC is a safe alternative to stimulants... The patients treated with LAC also had significantly improved social ability compared to the placebo-treated group."

The authors of the study concluded that LAC should be proposed as a viable alternative treatment for children with FXS who also display ADHD symptoms. Read more at MedicalNewsToday.com.

Parents of Kids with Disabilities Shut Down Ad Campaign in NY

A controversial public service advertising campaign ended because of objections from parents of children and teens with mental disorders.

The ads, which appeared only in New York City, were supposed to incite parents to have their children evaluated for autism, ADHD and other disorders.

A typical ad looked like a ransom note that read:

"We have your son. We will make sure he will no longer be able to care for himself or interact socially as long as he lives. Autism."

Air N'eman, president of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, wrote, "You have inadvertently reinforced many of the worst stereotypes that have prevented children and adults with disabilities from gaining inclusion, equality and full access to the services and supports they require."

The New York University Child Study Center pulled their ads and apologized to that group and others.

"We meant well," said Dr. Harold Koplewicz of the Child Study Center, "but we unintentionally hurt and offended some people."

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Controversial ADHD Ads Pulled

The Child Study Center at New York University has pulled a set of controversial ads intended to raise awareness about childhood mental health issues. The ads featured "ransom notes" addressed to parents indicating that their kids will "pay" if mental health issues aren't addressed.

"An introductory press release from the Child Study Center attempts to explain the goal of the campaign, which is to raise awareness of childhood mental illness and urge treatment as early as possible."

Critics of the campaign have said that it gives the impression that there's a "criminal element" to childhood mental health issues and that kids with these issues are doomed to a life of total dysfunction. Just two weeks after the campaign began, the Child Study Center released a statement of apology and has pulled all related ads.

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Portsmouth School Board Considers ADHD Memo

In September, the School Board of Portsmouth, Virginia issued a memo warning parents of the "dangers" of ADHD medication. The memo went on to say that parents who accept their children have ADHD are admitting that their children are mentally ill.

"The School Board will consider sending parents new information about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder that would be drastically different from... [the] controversial memo it issued in September."

The new memo comes in the wake of a litany of comments from national ADHD organizations calling for the School Board to address the medical facts of ADHD in children and adolescents.

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Treatment of Children with Mental Disorders

The medical community's understanding of mental disorders has advanced significantly in the last several years. This Q & A article from PsychCentral addresses some of the more common concerns that parents have about getting their children diagnosed.

"Talk to your child's doctor. Ask questions and find out everything you can about the behavior or symptoms that worry you. Every child is different and even normal development varies from child to child."

The article goes on to suggest that parents may want to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist if the child's doctor believes he or she may have a mental disorder. Read more at PsychCentral.com.

Study Asks How ADHD Teens Cope

Ten years ago, Johnston County, North Carolina was the subject of a study on teens and ADHD. Now, researchers from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University have returned to do a follow-up study.

"Most of what is known about ADHD stems from smaller clinical studies, predominantly of Caucasian boys with the hyperactive form of the disorder. Much less is known about ADHD in young adults, especially females, African-Americans and children with the inattentive type of ADHD."

The original study revealed that about 10% of first- through fifth-graders in Johnston County had been diagnosed with ADHD; a far cry from the 3-5% cited in other studies. The follow-up study is focused on determining long-term effects of ADHD medication, and some of the potential myths surrounding ADHD – like the belief that it leads to riskier behavior (drinking, substance abuse, etc...). Read more at NewsObserver.com.

Meditation Sharpens the Mind

Though it's still in the most infant stage of study, some scientists believe that meditation can help reduce the symptoms of attention-related disorders like ADHD. Studies have found that people who meditate regularly can focus longer, and that the area of the brain linked with attention actually becomes thicker.

"'One of the fundamental mysteries that is now becoming better understood as we go along but which is still a breakthrough area of research is neuroplasticity, the idea that we can literally change our brains through mental training,' [Richard] Davidson said."

Davidson's initial study used an ancient Buddhist meditation technique called Vipassana. Seventeen volunteers went through three months of rigorous training on this technique, and after three months were able to spot details more quickly in laboratory testing. Read more at LiveScience.com.

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Parents Mental Health May Influence Child's ADHD

Researchers at the University of Maryland have found a connection between a parent's mental health and behavior problems of children with ADHD.

"The study... found that early positive parenting during the preschool years predicted fewer conduct problems as the children grew into early adolescence. The strength of the findings led researchers to conclude that maternal depression may be a risk factor, whereas positive parenting may be a protective factor."

Having this research information means that early intervention programs can be developed which are aimed specifically at the children who are most at risk. Read more at PsychCentral.com.

Psychiatric Meds Eyed After Girl's Death

A 4-year-old diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity and bipolar disorder died Dec. 13 of an overdose of prescribed drugs. Her parents have been arrested on murder charges, accused of intentionally overmedicating their daughter to keep her quiet and out of their hair. Read more online.

The Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health

What is most important to reiterate is that the causes of health and disease are generally viewed as a product of the interplay or interaction between biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. This is true for all health and illness, including mental health and mental illness. Read more online.