A new report released today suggests that more and more teens are abusing stimulant medications like Ritalin and Adderall.  Depending upon which news outlet you are listening to, the angle and agenda is going to be slightly different.

I’ve seen reports from Reuters (article here) that focus on the substantial increase in calls to Poison Control centers across the country.

The Associated Press (article here) seems to be focusing on drug abuse, and a report from CBS News (article here) begins with a comparison of the abuse of marijuana to ADHD stimulant medications.

Caution: Here’s What The Media And Scientific Reports Leave Out

I’ll be honest with you.  I glanced over these articles quickly.  I saw what I needed to, and immediately had to weigh on this issue for my readers.  Out of the three reports, I am very pleased that an expert for CBS talked about the increase abuse being related to an increased awareness of ADHD and ADHD stimulant medications.

I am NOT suggesting this is okay, or stops the issue dead in it’s tracks,  BUT, a report like this can be quickly misinterpreted and take on a life of it’s own.  I know as a parent I would be scared by rising numbers.  And it doesn’t help that ADHD medications are already one of the most controversial, hot-button issues related to attention deficit hyperacitivity disorder.

For the record, I am NOT here to weigh in on the use of medications…or even the abuse of these medications.  What I am here to do is make sure you know all the facts.

#1 – These reports concern me becuase people are likely to see the large number or percent of increase over time.  What often gets down-played is that we really didn’t talk a lot about ADHD in 1988 like we do now (and is subsequently reported in the 2005 numbers of calls to poison control).

#2 – There also doesn’t seem to be much focus on the evidence that supports less drug abuse by those teens or children who are appropriately treated for ADHD.

I’ve held interviews on this very topic, and the consensus is that someone who is properly treated for ADHD, is less likely to abuse drugs.

#3 - I am also a little frightened about this topic because it is during the teen years when kids tend to start experimenting with drugs.  With ADHD stimulant medications now being more popular than ever, I can understand why their abuse is on the rise.

Not too mention, I can fully understand the passing around of these stimulant medications as kids prepare for college exams.

I do NOT condone or support this type of behavior.  But let’s recognize what is going on here.  Whether we like or not, kids will look for any competitive edge to help them around exam time…  I know this was a hot topic when I was at college studying for exams.

The Implications:

The implications from a report like this are likely to create widespread panic, and add more fuel to an already raging debate over the use of medication to treat ADHD.  Heck, it’s likely to spark fires about whether or not ADHD even exists.

Let’s accept reality for what it is…  Kids are going to try and experiment with drugs.  We are placing more and more pressure on teens and students to perform – with expectations getting higher and higher in a very competitive and volatile workforce.

Substance abuse of any kind is concerning.  It’s troubling.  I’ve lived it…  I’ve been affected by it…  And I’ve supported families fighting substance abuse.

Let’s leave the hype of ADHD drug abuse out of the mix, and report the facts about WHO specifically is abusing these drugs.

ADHD continues to be misunderstood by so many people – particularly the media at large and anyone who has an opinion and a way to express it.  Just Google “ADHD” and you’ll find results linking back to credible sources and then of course blogs and other websites where any opinion is welcome, addressed, and shared…  Most of them (if NOT all) seem to have a very strong opinion…  And everyone with an opinion believes they know best when it comes to ADHD.

The timing of this post is rather ironic because my wife and I were just out walking this morning — talking about how everyone feels like they have the right to their opinion….  People believe this, even without any expert training or personal experience.  Nothing could be more true for ADD or ADHD.

Because there is so much popularity around this term — everyone thinks they know what ADHD is.  The problem is, most people don’t know.

Case In Point:

I’ll let this article speak for itself.

Apparently Bill Maher got into a conversation about medications in America, and his guest, Arianna Huffington, took that opportunity to comment on ADHD and how it is over-diagnosed.

You all likely know this is one of the most hot-button, controversial topics when it comes to ADHD.

Bottom line, there is a lot to it.  No matter what you believe, ADHD is very real.  The details of it, and your beliefs, are an entirely different story…important, but different nonetheless.

Bottom Line:

The reason I wanted to share this with you today is that it is yet another example of how everyone and their mother (and television guests) have an opinion about ADHD.

I want to take this moment to caution you and remind you to be very careful about who you listen to, what advice you take, and the action you put into place as a result.

Please…please…please be very careful about who you listen to and what you allow them to have you think about ADHD and it’s impact on your life.

On Tuesday night, I had the great privilege of speaking to a group of parents and professionals on “Parenting Children of ADHD.” I say it was a great privilege, because any time someone makes a sacrifice of their own precious time – to hear what I can share with them – I know I am very fortunate to be welcomed into the lives and homes of listeners around the world.

It was also a privilege because I have already gotten some excellent feedback from participants in the teleclass.  Feedback is always incredibly helpful.

The Topic: What No One Else Is Telling You About ADHD & Your Child

Am I being controversial?

Not really. A title is just a title, and I reviewed information that often gets overlooked or rushed-through. It is also information that is critical to know and be aware of when facing any new challenge (like being diagnosed with ADHD).

It is my firm belief that one cannot find success if you do not have a strong foundation to support your efforts.

A solid foundation is the essence of what we ALL need in order to build up a structure that we can support when times get difficult.

ADHD changes lives, and it can create many challenges for people.  However, if you are armed with the right resources and tools to manage these challenges, you can find success!

Does this sound familiar?

You need to call customer service, be it an emergency – the only time you have available – or you just want to get this over and done with, resolved once and for all… Is that too much to ask for?

I don’t think so – instead of reaching a human, you get a digital operator who talks you through a series of questions. I don’t know about you, but this drives me crazy!  Not only do I need to listen to this “machine,” but they also tend to pick up the most subtle noises…

 So yep – you bet, when one of my kids needs my attention or just feels like screaming – the machine picks that up and screws up my entire 15 minutes on hold.  Arrrggghhhhhh!!!

Then I came across this article. I nearly fell out of my chair…

Someone or some company has put together a “cheat sheet” on how you can bypass this silly system.

Okay, I know – Get to the point already Rory!

Finding success in overcoming symtpoms of ADHD can be a lot like this process.  If you don’t know what to do – it can be frustrating.  But imagine if you had a cheat sheet…

 Imagine if there was some person or some way to have the answers right in front of you.  Instead of constantly being unorganized, or easily distracted, what would it be like if your child could focus?  Or what if your child learned specific strategies to completing homework and doing better on tests?

On top of “treatment” for ADHD, we need to arm our children with skills and strategies that will apply to their challenegs, regardless of where they are.

Too old or too good? You be the judge…

This afternoon I saw the trailer for the latest Indiana Jones movie. When I first heard about this film being released – I had a few less than positive reactions:

• Give it a rest already…
• Isn’t he too old?
• Too little, too late?
• Could they ruin this classic character?

But as I watched the trailer for this new film – I was taken back to the days of my own childhood…  I was taken back to the days when I was captivated, no, spellbound by Indiana Jones.  And there is no difference now.  The movie looks incredible – and like it could possibly even respectfully contend with the first three films.

Fan or not – I want you to consider what we can learn:

My initial reaction was that of disappointment and frustration that Hollywood would take advantage of the public – and risk ruining an incredible, almost iconic movie character.

But that is not the reaction I have today.  In fact – I saw an opportunity for a lesson.

Lesson learned: Hollywood is simply doing what works.  They have taken a film, loved by the public, and they are giving us (the public) more.  Whereas, first I was frustrated, I know see that Hollywood is using a strategy that applies to ADHD.

1. Try something.
2. See if it works. 
3. Check your results.
4. Do it over, and over, and over…

Just a short post to announce the final edit of “The ADHD Parents Movie.”  If you know a parent or family where a child struggles with ADHD, then this movie is a must watch.

Check it out here:
http://theadhdparentsmovie.com.

I’m probably a little biased, but I can’t help but share this with all of you.

“Your thoughts create your reality.”
~Author Unknown

No matter how many times I hear this, it just might be the most important factor in finding success.  Whether success to you means:

• A clean room
• Better grades at school
• No more temper tantrums
• 5 minutes of peace
• Sleeping in on Saturday morning
• Seeing your child laugh
• Not crying
• Not hiding

Success means many things to many people.  So when I speak of success – I mean in the most general sense possible.  I refer to success in a way that allows you to define it any way that you so choose.

Success to me, in terms of supporting parents of children with ADHD, is when a mother or father finds a little extra joy in helping their child.  That’s success!  Success is when a mother says to me, “You’ve helped us so much.”  A lot of times, I never find out just what happens.

But enough about me…

This post started out with a focus on “beliefs.”  What you or anyone else in your child’s life believes about ADHD is really going to dictate how they respond to that child.

It’s a known fact, yet it gets overlooked every single day:

• We respond to people based on what we think of them.

If a teacher identified a student as being gifted – she and other teachers respond to that child a certain way.  If a mentor thinks a child is special, he treats the child that way.

Think about other areas of life where this happens.

• What do you think about salesman?  Car salesman in general?

Now, how do those beliefs help you or hurt you when you go to buy a car.  It doesn’t even matter if it is true – because in your mind, you have already decided.

The same happens for a child struggling with ADHD.

This morning I woke up to rumblings from other noted bloggers and news feeds, addressing once again, the debate of whether or not ADHD is real.

You’ve heard it before – and you are likely to hear it over and over again.

Skeptics, non-believers, conspiracy theorists, and a few professionals have said:

“ADHD is a disorder created by the pharmaceutical companies to sell drugs and make billions.”

First off – let’s give this statement some credit. It’s a great idea, and probably well thought out. But let’s also be real, ADHD is heavily researched and highly studied. In the last 15 years, research in this particular field has exploded. And while I can understand people wanting to believe or say that ADHD is not real – just simply is NOT true.

Moving past this debate – ADHD is here to stay. So whether the skeptics care or not, ADHD is a disorder that has moved far beyond the medical and mental health communities and are deeply rooted in popular, mainstream society.

Other questions raised under this headline, include:

• Is ADHD overly prescribed?
• Are we over-medicating people?
• Is ADHD under-prescribed?
• Does everyone have a little ADHD?

Interesting questions, all with their own “facts” and all with their own opinions.

The answer: Depending upon who you ask, you will get different answers.
But perhaps what is most important is what you think the answers are, and how that relates to your child’s ADHD. Beliefs are everything, and have all the power to impact our success and understanding.

While it is important to be grounded in fact and reality, it is also important to recognize your own beliefs and how that shapes your child’s ADHD.

It appears that the list of “other problems” that mimic symptoms of ADHD just got another addition. According to this recent article, sleep apnea can be another problem where your child will exhibit the characteristic symptoms of attention deficit disorder:

• Difficulty focusing
• Increased irritability
• Fidgety
• Uncontrollable emotional outbursts

Doesthis sound familiar?

Well, according to this article and ongoing research related to sleep disorders, your child may demonstrate the very same symptoms of ADHD when he or she is not getting a good night’s rest.

There has long been controversy over the causes of ADHD. And there remains controversy over the causes of ADHD. But we often overlook, and we often do not provide enough education and support, to teach that the most common symptoms of ADHD are not exclusive to ADHD.

Well, here goes another “video” message. I am really enjoying this new technology and being able to connect with you via different mediums.

Anyway – Today I wanted to talk to you just very briefly about emotional and physical exhaustion.

After focusing my energy and resources on the “big game,” I crashed this morning and did not have enough energy to focus on what I needed to do at home and at work. I was too “burnt out” from exerting and spending too much energy focused on the big game.

Check out the video message – I think the message speaks for itself.

As always, you are encouraged to post comments and questions below. You are also more than welcome to contact me directly.

See you soon!

Rory F. Stern, PsyD