ADHD on the World Wide Web
The Best, The Worst, and the
Confusing
By,
Tina D’Alessandro, MSN, ARNP
Objective
Summarize information available on the
Internet regarding ADHD. Patients
routinely search the internet regarding
treatment options and for education
regarding disorders. Providers with
knowledge of this information can
better serve and guide their patients.
Where To Begin
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15,900 choices for ADHD on Google
76,700 choices for ADHD on Yahoo
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It’s enough to confuse anyone!
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What’s Out There?
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Testimonials
Vitamin Supplements
Biofeedback
Books
Drug information from Pharmaceuticals
Diagnostic and Treatment Information
Supplements
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Secret ADHD Formula http://www.neu-becalm.com/index.html
NeuroGenesis: Science for the Mind and Body
http://www.neurogenesis-inc.com/45029
“Neu-BeCALM'd is the only product that
restores the brain by providing basic building
blocks it needs for focus and calm. In order
to focus you need certain amino acids. Many
people have attention problems lack the
essential amino acid, Phenylalanine.”
Supplements
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Clarocet CS “complementary and
alternative medicine designed to
provide full-day cognitive support
http://www.clarocet.com/cs/#destinatio
ns
$42.50 for 1 month supply, $35.50 for
one month supply with automatic refills.
Supplements
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Efalex: Supports all aspects of brain and eye
function. Supplements the intake of long chain
polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs) needed for healthy
brain and visual development, including learning
ability, concentration and co-ordination. Supplies DHA
and AA - important building blocks of the brain,
nervous system and eye. Helps support all aspects of
brain and eye function.
Approximately $20.00 per bottle, #90 capsules,
recommended dosage = 8 capsules/day
Supplements
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Native Sun – Natural Remedies
http://www.nativeremedies.com/search
_results.php?query=adhd
Homeopathic products, supplements
and testimonials – “Focus Formula”
ADHD Information Library
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Promotes the use of a supplement –
Attends; encourages “ADHD diet”
Cites “clinical trial” evaluating
effectiveness of Attends in 30 day trial –
TOVA scores compared pre and post tx.
No placebo group was used.
http://newideas.net/adhd/attendalternative/study-results
Personal Testimonials
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Three Steps to Conquering ADD
http://3stepsadd.com/index2.html
Table of Contents to book - $89.99!
My Struggle with ADD-ADHD
(testimonial for the above book).
http://add.natural.googlepages.com/
Lets compare online videos
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http://3stepsadd.com/index2.html
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen
/home/children/parents/behavior/118.ht
ml
The Fear Factor Testimonial
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ADHD Fraud: http://adhdfraud.org/
*Here are some facts that are being withheld from parents that could
possibly alter their life decisions and outcomes.
Did you know that schools receive additional money from state and federal
government for every child labeled and drugged? This clearly demonstrates a
possible "financial incentive" for schools to label and drug children. It also backs
up the alarming rise/increase in the labeling and drugging that has taken place
in the last decade within our schools.
Did you know that parents receiving welfare money from the government can
get additional funds for every child that they have labeled and drugged? In this
way, many lower socio-economic parents (many times single mothers) are
reeled into the drugging by these financial incentives waved in front of them in
hard times, making lifestyle changes possible.
Did you know that by labeling your child with ADHD, you are actually labeling
them with a mental illness listed in the DSM-IV, the unscientific billing bible for
psychiatry?
Death by Ritalin
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Did you know that a child taking a psycho-tropic,
psycho-stimulant drugs like Ritalin after the age of 12
is ineligible for military service?
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Under the new standards, ADD/ADHD is disqualifying only if
the applicant has been treated with ADD/ADHD medication
within the previous year and/or they display signs of
ADD/ADHD.
Did you know that the subjective checklists that are
being used as criteria for diagnosis are very similar to
the checklists used to determine Gifted and Talented
Children? These two checklists are almost identical.
Death by Ritalin (continued)
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The Drug Enforcement Administration clearly states in their report on
Methylphenidate: "However, contrary to popular belief, stimulants like
methylphenidate will affect normal children and adults in the same manner that
they affect ADHD children. Behavioral or attentional improvements with
methylphenidate treatment therefore is not diagnostic of ADHD." (p.11) This
statement thoroughly contradicts what is being told to many parents by the
many "professionals" that have a vested stake in the diagnosis itself.
The DEA further states that: "Of particular concern is that most of the ADHD
literature prepared for public consumption by CHADD and other groups and
available to parents, does not address the abuse potential or actual abuse of
methylphenidate. Instead, methylphenidate (usually referred to as Ritalin by
these groups) is routinely portrayed as a benign, mild substance that is not
associated with abuse or serious side effects. In reality, however, there is an
abundance of scientific literature which indicates that methylphenidate shares
the same abuse potential as other Schedule II stimulants." (p.4)
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In fact, research suggests that children with ADHD who are treated with stimulants
have lower degrees of abuse compared to children with ADHD who are not treated.
Death by Ritalin
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Did you know that there are studies such as the Berkeley Study that contends that Ritalin
and other stimulants further raise the risk of drug abuse? From the Wall Street Journal,
Monday, May 17, 1999 by Marilyn Chase: "Nadine Lambert, a professor of education,
followed almost 500 children for 26 years. She argues that exposure to Ritalin makes the
brain more susceptible to the addictive power of cocaine and doubles the risk of abuse.“
Habit-forming illnesses can be associated with a high comorbidity with ADHD, expressed in
the form of alcohol abuse and also in consumption of illegal drugs. The results underline the
great importance of early and adequate diagnostics and therapy of ADHD for the prevention
of habit-forming illnesses. (Ohlmeier MD, Peters K, Te Wildt BT, Zedler M, Ziegenbein M,
Wiese B, Emrich HM, Schneider U. 2008. Comorbidity of alcohol and substance dependence
with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Alcohol Alcohol. May-Jun;43(3):300-4.)
What does make it into many parents' hands is research indicating that if children go
"untreated", which corresponds with "unmedicated" they will "self-medicate" or end up as
juvenile delinquents. Sadly many of these parents are not aware that many of this biased
and unproven research (one such is the Beiderman study) infiltrating our schools are
actually being distributed by pharmaceutical companies, such as Novartis. This in itself is
another red flag and conflict of interest surrounding our children's health.
Beiderman’s longitudinal study concluded that unmedicated subjects with ADHD were at
asignificantly increased risk for any SUD at follow-upcompared with non-ADHD control subjects
(adjustedOR: 6.3 [1.8 –21.6]). Subjects with ADHD medicated at baseline were at a significantly
reduced risk for a SUD atfollow-up relative to untreated subjects with ADHD (adjusted OR: 0.15
[0.04–0.6]).
Conspiracy Theory!
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National Alliance against Mandated Mental
Health Screening and Psychiatric Drugging of
Children: http://ritalindeath.com/states/florida.htm
“We have all been working together to inform
State, and Federal Government on the fact
that psychiatric brain disorders have no
scientific validity, the Dopamine theory and
others are nothing more than wishful thinking
on the part of the psychiatric industry, there
is no proof of any organic brain abnormality
based on sound science.”
Biofeedback
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ADHD and Biofeedback – this site
recommends a holistic approach including a
combination of medication/therapy and 40 or
more EEG neurofeedback sessions (average 2
visits/week) – site does not acknowledge the
experimental nature of biofeedback in ADHD:
http://www.biofeedback1.com/add1.html
More biofeedback
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EEG Spectrum International: an educational
and research institute. Includes a disclaimer;
“The material to be presented in this page
and all subsidiary pages at this site includes
many results which have been obtained in a
clinical setting, and they do not yet have
grounding in research under more controlled
conditions. They must therefore be regarded
as preliminary and experimental.”
http://www.eegspectrum.com/
Provider Websites
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James Lehman, MSW
“A guaranteed simple way to stop your child’s
impulsive, out of control behavior RIGHT
NOW!”
http://www.thetotaltransformation.com/?utm
_medium=cpc&utm_source=msna&utm_cam
paign=ttadhd&dsource=msna&utm_term=AD
HD&utm_content=mkwid|p6UdkLz2k|pcrid|4
3665030
MD website – Dr. Saunders
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“How You Can Banish Hyperactivity, Cure Inattention
And End The ADHD Nightmare For Good. . . Safely,
Naturally And Without The Use Of Harmful ADHD
Drugs...”
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Downloadable manual – reduced from $39.95 to
$19.95!
http://www.treatadhdnaturally.com/
PhD Web Site
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“The Myth of ADHD”
Dr. Armstrong, PhD
Website:
http://www.thomasarmstrong.com/bio.
htm
Theory of multiple intelligences and
awakening the inner genius
Help My Parents Find Accurate
Information!
MD’s Web sites – Dr. Amen
Dr. Amen is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and
Human Behavior at the University of California, Irvine School of
Medicine
http://www.amenclinics.com/clinics/information
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Treats a wide variety of conditions including
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ADHD/ADD
Anxiety and Depression
Brain Trauma
Substance Abuse
Alzheimer’s and Memory Loss
Marital Problems
Aggression
Autism
based upon Spect Scan results: Cost of evaluation $3,375.00
Spect pictures
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Healthy brain
Imaging Studies and ADHD
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Currently there are no accepted uses for imaging in diagnosing
ADHD other than ruling out identifiable medical or neurologic
conditions that may mimic ADHD.
A diagnositic imaging test may some day reduce under and over
diagnosis of ADHD and improve treatment.
Identification of the neural substrates underlying ADHD
subtypes can be approached empirically using brain imaging,
but the issue is complex. Data need to be viewed within a
developmental context to determine if ADHD identified in youth
is the same as that seen in adults, and consideration needs to
be made for overlap with comorbid conditions.
Imaging Studies
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Questions:
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1. How well does the test identify the condition of interest
(ADHD)?
2. How well does the test distinguish the condition from
other similar disorders?
3. Is the test feasible and cost-effective?
4. Sensitivity and specificity
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What are the true positives the test identifies (as compared
with the gold standard)?
What is the proportion of true negatives correctly identified?
(Bush, G. 2008. Neuroimaging of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Can New
Imaging Findings Be Integrated in Clinical Practice? Child and Adolescent Psychiatric
Clinics of North America, 17(2), 385-404.)
MD and PhD Collaborative Site
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Addvance
Patricia O. Quinn, MD and Kathleen Nadeau,
PhD – “Internationally recognized authorities
on ADD (ADHD) and authors of many books
for children, teens, and adults. “
Site addresses the varied needs of all people
with ADD (ADHD) across the lifespan –
coaching suggestions. Simple, easy to read.
http://www.addvance.com/
On-line magazine
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ADDitude
ADHD Medication Strategies: Avoiding
Side Effects of ADD Drugs |
ADDitude - Attention Deficit Information
and Resources
Warehouse
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A.D.D. Warehouse
http://www.addwarehouse.com/shopsit
e_sc/store/html/articles.html
Books and videos for sale
Printable free handouts – easy to find
Links to other sites
Trusted Sites
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American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen
/home/children/parents/behavior/118.ht
ml
Web MD: “Better Information, Better
Health”
http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/
National Organizations and
Medical Sources
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National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attentio
n-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/complete-index.shtml
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Includes in depth information, research and science news.
Medline-Plus: A service of the U.S. National Library of
Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
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Includes information in Spanish.
Information from the basics of ADHD to research, legislative
efforts, alternative treatments and sections specifically for children,
teenagers, parents.
MedlinePlus: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Disorder
Association
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The world’s leading adult ADHD
organization
A national organization whose role is to
educate and advocate for the needs of
individuals with ADHD
http://www.add.org/
Since I work here…
Teens Health from Nemours: ADHD
http://kidshealth.org/teen/school_jobs/school
/adhd.html
 Parent’s site from Nemours:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/learning
/adhd.html
Kids Health from Nemours: ADHD
http://kidshealth.org/kid/feel_better/things/rit
alin.html
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American Psychiatric
Association
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Fact sheet on common childhood
disorders, including ADHD
Brief descriptions of depression, ADHD,
and conduct disorder
http://www.healthyminds.org/factsheet
s/LTF-CommonChildhood.pdf
Duke University affiliated
Scientist
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Up-to-date information on ADD
symptoms and treatments, from David
Rabiner, Ph.D.
Helpful for clinicians, parents and
educators – information regarding the
latest studies and most efficacious
treatments
http://www.helpforadd.com/
National Organizations and
Medical Sources
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Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
http://www.chadd.org/
The nation's leading non-profit organization serving individuals with AD/HD and
their families.
Provides support and information to families with children with ADD and ADHD,
and assists parents and others interested in starting support groups. It holds an
annual conference and publishes both a magazine and quarterly newsletter.
Includes Spanish language resources.
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National Resource Center on ADHD (a program of CHADD): Clearinghouse for
science-based information about all aspects of attention-deficit/hyperactivity
disorder (AD/HD). Funded through a cooperative agreement with the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention.
http://www.help4adhd.org/
NAMI
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The nations voice on mental illness
http://www.nami.org/
Article from their newsletter addressing
Facts and Fiction regarding AHDH
http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentG
roups/Youth/Beginnings-Summer03.pdf
American Academy of
Pediatrics
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Dedicated to the health of all children
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Parent page
Tool kits (for clinicians)
Info. Re. the safety of medications –last updated
2006.
American Academy of Pediatrics Children’s
Health Topics: ADHD
http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/ADHD.cfm
Child Development Institute
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CDI was founded by Dr. Robert Myers, PhD –
University of California
“ADHD information for parents based on current
research with practical suggestions to help kids be
the winners they are meant to be. “
ADHD news updated daily, developmental,
parenting and psychological information
scientifically based.
http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/ADHD/
index.shtml
NYU Child Study Center
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Signs and symptoms, diagnosis,
treatment, real life stories, helpful
hints/pdf downloads
http://www.aboutourkids.org/families/di
sorders_treatments/az_disorder_guide/
attentiondeficithyperactivity_disorder
Helpful and trustworthy
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Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/adhd
/ds00275
One of the nation's premier medical
facilities defines and explains ADHD
symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and
coping strategies
Websites
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Internet Mental Health (includes self-diagnosing Computerized psychiatric diagnostic assessment,
Computerized cognitive assessment - $59.00 for 2 months
or $89.00 for 12 months!)
 No funding for site from corporate sponsors
 Accurate information, good lay-person’s article –
”Life in Overdrive” from Time.
 Link to Statistical help for clinicians (and PhD
students)
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http://www.mentalhealth.com/
Pharmaceutical sites
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Concerta web site:
http://www.concerta.net/concerta/home.html?utm_campaign=
Overlap%20%20Unbranded&utm_source=msn&utm_medium=cpc&utm_con
tent=ADHD%20General&utm_term=adhd
Medication Guide
For Healthcare Professionals
For Children & Teens
Adult Home
Could it be ADHD?
Diagnosed with ADHD?
Understanding ADHD in Adults
Treatment with CONCERTA
Pharmaceuticals
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Vyvanse
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Coupons
Research information
Information for providers
http://www.medscape.com/infosite/vyvans
public
More pharmaceuticals
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Daytrana
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ADHD educational material
Links to other websites
Provider information
http://www.daytrana.com/hcp/
Other Websites with helpful
information
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ADHD General Information
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Google Directory (1 page, includes fact sheets and
behavioral interventions): ADD & ADHD
Wikipedia : Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Yahoo Directory (2 pages – very manageable search):
Attention deficit disorder
US Department of Health and Human Services healthfinder® : Attention deficit disorder
ADHD Pictures
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Brain imaging (in ADHD) – information regarding research
and pictures. Bruce Roseman, White Plains, New York
Neurobiology of ADHD – easy to visualize pictures and a link
for kids to learn more about the brain. New Zealand ADHD
support group, Tauranga, NZ
Other helpful websites
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ADHD Symptoms
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
symptoms
Nancy Reid, HealthWise / Yahoo health
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) :
Symptoms
Aetna InteliHealth / Harvard Medical School
http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/hardin/MD/adhd.html
Hardin MD – updated frequently at the University of
Iowa – links to other sites, general information
including medications and controversies
That’s All Folks!