Adult ADHD Support Anglophone Belgium

Sleep and ADHD

2012-01-26T06:23:00.000-08:00

the problems
1) Going to bed
• Getting a second wind, i.e. feeling drowsy than waking up again, when everyone else is going to bed
• Feeling you need time to unwind / do own thing after everyone else has gone to bed
• Difficulty stopping doing something in order to go to bed: watching TV, reading book, computer etc
2) Getting to sleep
• Resisting sleep. Some adults with ADHD report resenting sleep / fighting it
• Often can’t shut mind off and relax
3) Sleeping
• Restless sleep- may disturb partner, may not feel refreshed
• Scary/ anxious dreams
• Staying asleep frequently waking up during the night and staying awake.
4) Getting up and daytime
• Often eventually fall deeply asleep (about 4pm) and have difficulty waking
• Feeling sleepy or falling asleep in the daytime
• Generally, lack of structure and regular bedtimes / wake times
5) Finally sleep problems may worsen as you get older both because older people (ADHD or not) generally have more sleep problems than younger people but that does not mean you need put up with insufficient sleep especially as it becomes harder to manage on insufficient sleep
Problem solving hints
People with ADHD often feel that standard solutions don’t address their problem- so I have tried to list as many as possible below- find what speaks to you or use a sleep diary to problem solve,
In general –
• Sleep problems can be caused by common health problems; acid reflux, asthma, B12 deficiency (a lot of people have problems absorbing this, especially as they get older).For severe sleep problems whatever the cause -do consult a doctor.
• Beware of high short term expectation. this is the ADHD Achilles heel in achieving change . Don’t try to change too much immediately. Credit yourself for your progress, do not berate yourself for your difficulties Don’t give up when you backslide.. If you have ADHD you will backslide, but that does not mean you are not progressing. You can achieve anything slowly!
The tips-
• Ambient temperature affects sleep - bedroom should not be too warm.
• Problems with circadian rhythm - Light and dark affect sleep rhythms .Get some sunlight / use light box in daytime
• Dim lights in the later part of evening, Avoid TV, computer screens, reading from a backlit device such as an iPad . Here is a link to a free program that moderates computer screen brightness with the time of day
• Meal times affect sleep rhythms. So establish regular meal times and avoid eating a large meal late in the evening (also because digestion process may disturb sleep in addition to circadian rhythm,). NB There is a theory that protein should be eaten in the morning and lunchtime and carbohydrates at evening meal (which supports serotonin production for sleep but mixed scientific evidence that this improves sleep quality). Protein also positively affects alertness levels, so may be useful if you wish to be alerter in daytime.
• Establish a winding down pre sleep routine- what works for you bath, read a book, meditation.
• All of the following can negatively affect sleep if taken in the evening alcohol (may help you fall asleep, but subsequent sleep is broken), caffeine, chocolate, exercise (good to improve sleep, but not the last few hours before bed), heavy meal. (Also as you get older metabolism slows, so foodstuffs and drugs and eating late may begin to impact sleep even if it did not do so previously). Caffeine may affect sleet in some individuals taken as early as 3 pm.
• If you are sleepy go to bed before you get a second wind.
• If that fails and you get a second wind- some find that reading something light, comforting, dry, or technical helps clear their mind and induce sleep. In my case trying to learn something by heart, vocabulary or a presentation for example exhausts me again quickly, but not doing something that demands deep thought such as writing the presentation.
• Relax, if you can’t sleep, it can be better to make relaxation the aim .Accept that some nights you won’t sleep
• Scary dreams-- some good evidence that rethinking the dream story and reframing it as more pleasant can diminish anxiety caused by nightmares over time. E.g. my ADHD grandson was having nightmares about a second big bang accompanied by a sense of loneliness and devastation, a solution is to think of him in a safe and returnable space witnessing one possible, incredible, fantastic, infinitely distant astrophysical event.
• Anxiety and worrying about sleep- keep a notebook by the bed- if you’re awake worrying about something make a note of it so you can deal with it in the morning. (Also useful for writing any good ideas you have going to sleep.)
• Difficulty getting up at your planned time, especially for those working from home. It really helps if you are getting up for something you want to do- an exercise session in the gym, time to watch a breakfast show, a run with a friend.
• Sometimes sleep problems are triggered by stress or illness and continue after the original trigger. Often this is because you have built negative associations with being in bed i.e. with lying awake, tired and worrying. Break the association using sleep restriction, get up as soon as you wake and can’t sleep- aiming to gradually extend the time you spend asleep.
• Needing a little relaxation time after everyone else has gone to bed more than you need sleep? - try to cut the time down spent relaxing- often you stay up after you have successfully wound down, or stay up on nights when you feel you could go to sleep immediately because this alone time has become a habit. Be aware of the minimum unwind time you need. Alternately or additionally , Try exploring the possibility of unwinding earlier (if you have family, partner you need to negotiate this and offer something attractive in return)
• Finally, don’t know where to start? Keep a sleep diary how much you slept, and anything that may have affected sleep: stress. Wine, caffeine, stimulants, dark chocolate, bed time, getting up time, illness.

How to turn ideas into reality

2011-12-08T06:19:00.001-08:00

December 14th 8pm
Discussion topic How to Turn Ideas into Reality: being creative with ADHD

People with ADHD are often good at generating ideas
it could be something mundane like-
if I swap my sock drawer with my bigger underwear drawer - my socks will not leap across the floor every time I open the drawer.
Or a world changing invention: Such as a way to make cars that input atmospheric carbon dioxide and output fixed carbon

Execution of those ideas is another thing!

A couple of links to get you into the mind set-

http://anmolmehta.com/blog/2008/10/01/10-keys-for-turning-ideas-into-reality/

A general New Age sort of approach

http://www.addbusinessowner.com/2010/02/turning-ideas-into-reality-whos-your-opposite.html

Argues that working with someone with opposite strengths can be useful for someone with ADHD

Maintaining Relationships with ADHD

2011-04-08T13:33:00.000-07:00

Here are the dates of the last two meetings before the summer:

Wednesday 11th May: Maintaining Relationships
a member of the group wrote:
'I remember being rather socially inept at school. Though I mostly had some friends. I think that I'm different with people to how most people seem to be with people. I'm not good at maintaining social links. Well, maybe that's not absolutely true. I have had periods of my life where things were going well, where I've been much more social, and have been better in keeping links with people. Periods where things aren't going well, or, where I've lost energy , I don't maintain links. I find it difficult reconnecting with people that I haven't seen for a long time. is that an ADHD trait or not?'
(reproduced with permission)
more details to come

Wednesday 13th June: Topic to be announced

Anxiety,CBT and ADHD

2011-02-24T05:55:00.001-08:00

next meeting adult ADHD group: Wednesday 23rd March 8pm:

Topic:How to Overcome anxiety with CBT(cognitive behavioural therapy)

Dr Elena Massie who is a Cognitive-Behavioural Psychotherapist will lead this session. It is great to welcome Elena back who gave an excellent and very practical problem solving session( using CBT in 2009

Concentration for people with ADHD

2010-09-25T03:14:00.000-07:00

How to concentrate

These notes are not intended to cover issues such as motivation and procrastination which also contribute to concentration difficulties-(they require a separate topic)

Ground Rules

These apply across all changes to behaviour (not just concentration span!)
1) A little at a time. What are your long term goals? Select one or two short term goals - what will help fulfill these goals? Will power is limited, but a trainable resource – don’t try to change too much at once. Scientists have showing that using will power to change one thing depletes it in other areas.

1) Believe you can change, you can.
2) Forgive your failures- they are part of life and of ADHD
3) If your plan is not working, try something else.
4) Think about diet and exercise. Doesnt cause the ADHD, but the better your health the easier it is to handle symptoms
5) Compete with yourself not other people

Get a timer to measure your concentration span

How long can you work at the tasks that you find most difficult before getting distracted?
Try to work a few minutes longer every day before taking a break

Work with your daily fluctuations in concentration. Most people have a distinctive pattern of concentration: Morning is normally better for routine concentration tasks; billing, learning foreign language vocabulary, editing. Afternoon for putting things in perspective understanding difficult foreign grammar, planning an article. If you have patterns in concentration, plan your work to reflect this.

Environment If not confined to an office- where do you work best in your home? make a work station there. Do you work better with the radio/TV on or not? If ‘yes’ try working without-onetime - I am beginning to think we often delude ourselves about this.

An easy way to avoid distraction is to set up different ‘work stations’ for different tasks: financial paperwork; sewing; carpentry: personal correspondence; language study. When your concentration begins to lag move to another workstation.

Working on the Computer. Internet as a source of distraction
Try
1) Turning modem of before working.
2) If you turn it on again, try working somewhere without internet access
If you need internet access to work:
Try using an internet blocking or monitoring programs. John recommended Rescue time. I have found this useful and if anyone wants I can demonstrate how the free version works next week.

Future goals or in the moment? much motivational advice focuses on the future – thinking about the reward for doing this task; promotion, getting your girlfriend back etc. Whilst it’s important to know why you want to do what you want to do, many people with ADHD can overthink the future to produce distracting daydreams about when you are promoted etc.

If this is a problem- make concentration itself the reward! Promise yourself how much better you will feel right now if you are working steadily right. Picture yourself working concentrated, in the flow, enjoying getting the work done. When you catch yourself drifting patiently focus yourself with this mind image again. It’s about conning yourself in to thinking the work itself is immediately pleasurable. It can work!
Eye Movements-- moving your eyes from left to right rapidly can make you more alert and enhance memory. However one study found that this enhanced memory performance in people who are strongly right handed, but harmed performance in people who weren’t! (many people with ADHD are rather mixed handed). Try it and see!

Other people. Use them .Delegate, swap chores. Get together to do stuff: e.g. get a friend to help you paint your kitchen one week, help her do hers the next-I think works best with more physical chores – gardening, tiling etc. However my daughter one spent a productive weekend helping me set up a filing system. Her efficiency was puzzling as all her papers are in an unstable heap in the kitchen!

Topic for meeting on September 29th, 2010

What is ADHD?

2010-06-08T12:51:00.000-07:00

What is ADHD?

link to a short animation about ADHD in children

Non genetic factors that have been proposed as causes of ADHD

2010-02-26T04:48:00.001-08:00

Criticisms of the concept of ADHD as a disorder are often linked to suggestions that ADHD develops as a result of bad parenting or too much television or some other societal factor – What is the evidence for the influence of these factors on ADHD? –
Note: some of the causes here are likely to lead to more profound problems then pure ADHD, or a different cognitive profile. But they are often not distinguished in the diagnostic process and are likely to make up a subgroup of people diagnosed with ADHD .
We will split causes into two groups because causes not affecting the vast majority of children in society today are unlikely to have a significant effect on the incidence of ADHD ( we would not then find so high a genetic effect.)
1. GENETICS
If one parent has ADHD your risk of having ADHD is increased 500%. It is more inheritable then height, any personality factor or any psychiatric disorder and is linked to inheritance of a cluster of genes. For example studies in a number of countries comparing fraternal twins (50% same genes) with identical twins (100% same genes) both being brought up together (so that environment should be similar) Found that if is 0.8 to 0.97.

1. I. INFREQUENT PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ADHD
Because of the high heritability, as already said it is not possible that any of these play a significant causal role in ADHD. Could they perhaps play a tiny role – We will look at the evidence for each…

ADHD IS DUE TO POOR PARENTING OR A LACK OF LOVE WITHIN THE FAMILY

Blaming parents for their kids has always been a satisfying neighbourly activity. (So... I am bitter!). Freud elevated such gossip to intellectual respectability, paving the way for some great twentieth century injustices ‘Schizophrenogenic’ mothers were responsible for their children’s development of schizophrenia (Lidz);’ refrigerator mothers’ for the development of autism (Bettelheim). These theories are now completely discredited.
This school of thought has applied itself to ADHD, but is thankfully now dwindled to the fringes of mental health care in many countries. To be fair, theory has moved with the times, replacing the misogyny of Bettelheim and Lidz with a more PC misanthropy; parents not mothers alone are now held jointly responsible for their children’s’ mental disorders.
Is there any factual basis for a causal link between poor parenting and ADHD?
Bettelheim confused cause and effect, for example many parents of autistic children to avoid eye contact with the child if they know the child will be upset by it. That is the parental lack of eye contact is in response to the children’s autism and not the other way around.
Similar causal relationships between the child’s ADHD and parenting have been demonstrated i.e. CHILDREN’S’ ADHD SYMPTOMS TRIGGER APPARENTLY POORER PARENTING BEHAVIOURS not the other way around e.g., Barkley and Cunningham (1979) found that negative parenting behaviours spontaneously improved after children with ADHD were placed on medication.
Poor parenting must have some consequences for the child?
YES BREAKDOWN IN PARENTAL SKILLS PLAYS A ROLE IN DEVELOPING AGGRESSIVE AND OPPOSITIONAL BEHAVIOURS; likewise early attachment disruption (e.g. foster care placement) appears to be associated with OPPOSITIONAL AND CONDUCT DISORDERS AND AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR RATHER THAN ADHD.
Some studies found weak evidence for ADHD developing with some parenting styles, but failed to control for parental ADHD. (That is if the parenting behaviours are associated with parental ADHD, the child’s ADHD is likely to be hereditary) An example is Carlson, Jacobvitz and Sroufe (1995) who found that intrusive, insensitive mothers were more likely to have insecurely attached kids with inattention and hyperactivity symptoms
Some research suggests that children who showed greater persistence of ADHD symptoms from preschool to early childhood are more likely to have parents with poorer parenting skills. THUS PARENTING SKILLS PLAY LITTLE PART IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ADHD BUT BETTERQUALITY PARENTING MAY BRING BETTER OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN WITH ADHD.
Following from that -Do parents of children with ADHD have to be better parents then parents of other children?
Seems like it: a study of Posner’s found that infants with the DRD4 7 rpt allele (highly associated with the personality trait of sensation seeking and ADHD) developed less sensation seeking behaviour as toddlers when better quality parental interactions were assessed by researchers when the children were infants. The children without the allele developed normally irrespective of ratings of parental quality. None of the parents were assessed as poor IN OTHER WORDS ONE OF THE GENES ASSOCIATED WITH ADHD SEEMS TO HYPERSENSITIVE TO VERY GOOD PARENTING SKILLS.
Are Parents with ADHD especially bad parents for children with ADHD?
No. A lot of attention has focused on factors such as lack of structure and inconsistency in ADHD parents, but it seems there are compensatory factors.
See (Thompson & Sonuga-Barke, 2008) who found THAT PARENTAL RESPONSE TO CHILDREN WITH ADHD ARE MORE AFFECTIONATE AND POSITIVE WHEN THE MOTHER ALSO HAS HIGH ADHD SYMPTOMS (so that maternal ADHD seems to protect against the negative effect of the child’s ADHD on parenting behaviours described above
Conclusion: There is no evidence that poor parenting causes ADHD symptoms. However it is tough for parents of children with ADHD: Research shows that not only is it harder for parents to avoid responding more negatively to children with ADHD, but children with the DRD4 7 rpt allele , weakly associated with ADHD seem to be abnormally positively responsive to greater parenting quality . Disruptive and aggressive behaviour and conduct disorders are somewhat linked to parenting and conflict at home- and it may be that children with ADHD are more vulnerable to these additional problems.
TRAUMA AND ABUSE
Children who have been sexually abused AND develop PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) can exhibit greater activity and impulsivity (children who have been sexually abused and do not develop PTSD tend to show more depressive symptoms). So extreme trauma can (but not in every case) lead to impulsivity and higher levels of activity.
MATERNAL SMOKING IN PREGNANCY
Since 1979 US attorney general has warned that smoking during pregnancy can harm the foetus and retard growth. It has became s associated with a range of child development anomalies, including low birth weight (LBW), reductions in growth, learning and/ or cognitive problems and increased motor One route is
Maternal smoking-in pregnancy can cause LBW in addition to other effects of nicotine toxicity. Studies that have controlled for LBW in order to look at nicotine toxicity may have underestimated problems caused by maternal smoking. The Link to ADHD is not clearly established as many studies have concentrated on the effect on conduct problems rather than ADHD. However prenatal nicotine found to be among the strongest correlates in Massachusetts General Hospital study of pre and prenatal correlates of ADHD. A weakness of this study was that it did not control for maternal ADHD. If parents with ADHD are more likely to smoke then correlation may be only apparent, that is the association id due to genetics rather than smoking However ADHD does not seem to predict smoking, those with comorbid ADHD and CD are most likely to smoke.
This suggests a further study weakness in that researchers did not screen for maternal ADHD and CD, which will make a mother more likely to smoke and separately from the direct effects of smoking more likely to pass both disorders to her child.

Conclusion: Small but robust effect has survived in the most well controlled studies. No real research into the exact nature of the effect of smoking on development. Is it the same as ADHD with a non smoking mother?

‘NATURE DEFICIT DISORDER’.
Several studies have found that outdoor related activities reduced ADHD symptoms e.g. (Kuo & Taylor, 2004)); other research suggests that we all benefit from exposure to nature. Older people live longer if there is a park nearby; all other factors being the same, students do better in a cognitive test if their dorms overlook a garden. Louv extended this argument to suggest that all children suffer from a ‘nature deficit disorder’ (rather a lot!)Causing among other things attentional problems, and thus by extension ADHD. But as far as I know no studies used a group of control children to see if nature also produced positive benefits for children without ADHD. Other research suggests that we all benefit from exposure to nature
Conclusion Lack of exposure to nature is not a trigger for development of ADHD .Increased exposure to nature probably has beneficial effects for children with ADHD (not all children with ADHD, see photo), but we have reason to think this applies to all children.
25. II MORE COMMON ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ADHD
Very common experiences that could affect almost all twin studies, thus not ruled out by strong genetic correlation
DIETARY FACTORS
Dietary factors are usually considered to be more or less ubiquitous in the western world and therefore to lie in the second class of factors. I have followed that convention here, but have some reservations, see my remarks on omega 3.
SUGAR
High sugar intake does not explain ADHD symptoms. (Wolraich, Wilson, & White, 1985). But antibiotic sugar interactions in a small number of children are under investigation
FOOD ADDITIVES
Feingold theory that allergic reactions to chemicals in food could affect behaviour. Early studies did not bear this out-. But more recent studies have suggested a subset of children may be at slight risk, the design of some of these studies has been criticized.
OTHER FOOD ALLERGIES OR INTOLERANCES
As yet very limited evidence of other dietary intolerances in a sub group of people with ADHD that my worsen ADHD symptoms; gluten, dairy, citrus fruits.

OMEGA 3 FATTY ACID DEFEICIENCIES
The Evidence is generally considered to show that dietary shortage of omega 3 ubiquitous in many parts of western world.Theoretical considerations suggest some children may be genetically less good at conversion of precursor molecules therefore genetically more susceptible to effects of modern diet
Dietary fatty acids play a preventive role against a number of disorders such as cardiovascular disease, and since they help form the neuronal membrane they may affect mood and behaviour. Theoretical case is good. Speculation therefore that a DFA deficiency is involved in schizophrenia, LDs and ADHD
I have been rather sceptical about this for a number of reasons the ‘Durham’ studies were much publicised in Brussels but we were mislead about the quality of the evidence. Also there does not seem to be much variation in ADHD rates with variation in national diets e.g. the Cretan diet is said to be the healthiest diet in the world, a so ‘super Mediterranean’ diet. Lots of olive oil (30% daily calories), fish, low red meat, low sugar, lots of vegetables, especially green ones, low alcohol. Consequently low rates of heart disease, of some cancers, of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s etc- yet the Cretan ADHD rate seems to be at least as high as anywhere else in Europe. - 8.8 % in boys, 4.4 % for girls (Skounti, Mpitzaraki, Vamvoukas, & Galanakis, 2006)
Evidence: Some early studies found children with ADHD had lower serum free fatty acid levels. (Bekaroglu, Aslan, Gedik, & Deger, 1996) Studies into supplementation of diet of children with ADHD have had mixed results; some even finding a negative effect. Other studies have found that supplementation with a full array of fatty acids did lead to significant improvements in ADHD symptoms. (Richardson & Puri, 2002)A study comparing diet of adolescents with and without ADHD found that despite the ADHD kids consuming similar levels of DHAs, blood levels of the omega 3s were much lower. (Colter, Cutler, & Meckling, 2008) Supporting suggestions of differences in metabolic handling of fatty acids in ADHD. Similar results had previously been obtained in Taiwan.
Lower levels of fatty acids are also found in adults with ADHD, but were not found to be related to symptom severity.
Summary: There is evidence of lower blood levels of fatty acids in people with ADHD compared with normals eating a similar diet. This suggests a problem with metabolism for least some people with ADHD. Evidence of the benefits of dietary supplementation in righting this problem, has been very mixed but is growing.
IRON DEFECIENCY
Research by Dr Konofal in France has found low levels of Iron in the blood of many children with ADHD, with the lowest blood levels being linked to most marked ADHD symptoms. Again (as in the case of omega 3) there was nothing abnormal about the children’s diet. This suggests dietary supplementation could help a subgroup of children with ADHD.

Takes me back, Mum used to take me to the doctors complaining about my low activity level in the fifties and sixties. He would say my iron was a bit low; start iron supplementation and then again the following year because Iron was still a bit low and so on. If anything I became more inactive possibly because I was stuck to the fridge, in a magnetic sort of way.

CAN ADHD BE CAUSED BY TOO MUCH TELEVISION?
Studies show that effects of media on children are governed more by the content of programmes watched, rather than by number hours of TV watching. In fact hours of educational TV watching is linked positively to school achievement. Hours of watching violent TV and video programmes is linked to aggression (not ADHD) with by far the most effect carried by children with other signs of vulnerability for developing aggressive behaviour. Many children are able to watch violent TV with no effects on aggressive behaviour. These facts together suggest a genotype environment interaction.
A few studies however have suggested a link between TV and attention (Christakis, Zimmerman, DiGuiseppe, & McCarty, 2004) Linked the No of hours spent watching TV between 1 to 3 years to attention problems at 7 years.3 hrs TV a day between 1 and 3 years old leading to a 30% increased risk- Compared with kids watching no TV.But study had some big weaknesses- did not control for maternal ADHD or attentional problems already developed at 1-3 years. Latter especially, is in my experience very likely to increase the parental temptation to encourage the child to watch more TV.
One study did find a clear link between type of TV watched and temporary attentional symptoms in 4 to 5 year old normal children. The children watched 30 minutes TV, one group watching Power Rangers, which was fast paced and believed to require frequent attentional shifts, the others an educational program . The children were watched at free play afterwards and the group who had watched fast television showed more activity changes.
Conclusion: whilst there is a clear link between watching violent TV and aggressive behaviour for some more vulnerable children (with and without ADHD). The link between TV watching and core ADHD symptoms is as yet unclear. There may be small effects linked to the pacing and content of the programme.
Note: A factor that increases the chance of having ADHD by 30% is a very small affect. Say the chance of one person taken at random in the general population having ADHD in the general population is 5 %( or 1 in 20) then if you have some factor that increases your risk by 30%. Your chance of having ADHD is now increased to 6.5%.
LOW BIRTH WEIGHT (LBW)

Increases the chance of a whole lot of developmental risk factors including ADHD. LBW h as a lot of causes – prematurely birth., growth problems in the womb Further Advances in post natal care since the sixties onward have increased the survival rates of children with low birth rate (1500g >2500g and moderately low birth rate) And now children with birth weights less than 1500 grams can survive. (Very low birth rate)
Since 1980 rates of cerebral palsy and other disabilities stayed constant among children with LBW (about 1 in 12) whilst survival rates increased. Total rate of disabilities in developing countries therefore increased. In addition may be other neurological problems such as spatial, motor and verbal deficits, behavioural problems and hyperactivity
Low birth weight increases risk of ADHD. 16% of children with extremely low birth weight(less than a thousand grams) have ADHD compared with 5 % of controls but may have been largely explained by low birth weight developmental delay.
In conclusion very low birthrate may lead to a doubling or in combination with other risk factors of the chance of developing ADHD. Through this is often combined with lowered IQ and general, neuorocognitive problems the risk for ADHD does seem to be specific
PRENATAL ALCOHOL EXPOSURE
Heavy drinking in pregnancy may lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Although FAS leads to severe cognitive and behavioural problems association with ADHD is not clear. Because even category 1 FAS which includes physical abnormalities is often not diagnosed (5 categories of severity), it’s very possible that some cases of FAS are misdiagnosed as ADHD.

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS-
POPS
POPs are persistent organic pollutants including DDT, PCBs, dioxins very many having been released into the environment in the twentieth century with little knowledge of their effects on the nervous system. All are lipophilic (stored in human fat) and persistent in the environment.
PCBs have been of particular concern; despite now being banned they are ubiquitous in the environment; not biodegradable found in whale blubber, the arctic seal and human placenta... not biodegradable and have caused cognitive problems in the children of woman exposed to high levels in industrial accidents (among other things).
The big question is what does lower grade background exposure such as the 2 to 10 ppb do to human populations? Known to affect cognitive development of the foetus, theoretically thought likely to interact with hormone and dopamine systems. A number of studies have found that higher background levels of PCBs in children’s tissue links to increased motor and cognitive problems and executive level functioning problems, with breast feeding showing some protective effects. (Vreugdenhil, Mulder, & Emmen, 2004) PCP exposure does not correlate with hyperactivity but to problems with executive functioning
ORGANOPHOSPHURUS PESTICIDES
HEAVY METALS
High levels of Pre and post natal heavy metal exposure is known to - lead to multiple motor sensory and cognitive impairments that is clearly different from ADHD.
LEAD
What about lower levels of heavy metals such as lead, can they lead to ADHD like behaviours?
We have increasingly more info about the dangers of low levels of lead.
The WHO safe level was lowered from 25 Mg/dcl WHO to 10mcg/ dcl in 1991 Recent call to lower safe threshold to 5 mcg/dcl. (Chiodio, Jacobson, & Jacobson, 2004) Found an association with attention problems at levels as low as this. Average blood lead level kids in the US is 2-3mcg/dcl Can interfere with synapse formation and affect impulse control among other things.
Therefore quite low level exposures to lead (1 to 10mcg) correlate with lowered IQ and attention problems and could account for a percentage of children diagnosed with ADHD.
MERCURY
‘Acceptable’ levels of mercury like lead have dropped as research has shown more about the risks.Neurodevelopmental effects of mercury most notable on motor and visuospatial problems rather than attention but US national Academy of sciences estimated that 60,000 children at risk of affects of mercury exposure prenatally per year
MANGANESE

Replaced lead in petrol- but little known about its effects

FINALLY …OTHER WAYS TO LOOK AT ADHD
The prophet Kryon has said that Indigo children (‘who are often misdiagnosed with ADHD’) represent a leap in human evolution and are here to show humanity the way to a higher vibratory plane.
Whilst I could kiss Kryon for his positive a view of us, the prophet presents no evidence ... and such views are potentially harmful to children with ADHD

you might also be interested in

ADHD- A social construct?

REFERENCES
Chiodio, L., Jacobson, S., & Jacobson, J. (2004). Neurodevolopmental effects of postnatal lead exposures at very low lead levels. Neurotoxology and Teratology , 359-364.
Christakis, D., Zimmerman, F., DiGuiseppe, D., & McCarty, C. (2004). Early television exposure and subsequent attentional problems in children. Pediatrics. , 917-918.
Dankearts, M., & Sonuga-Barke, E. e. (2010). The quality of life in children withaAttention defecit/ hyperactivity disorder; a systematic review. European Journal of Child & Adolescant Psychiatry , 83-105.
Kuo, F. E., & Taylor, A. (2004). A potential natural treatment for attention defecit/hyperactity disorder: Evidence from a national study. American Journal of Public Health , 1580-1586.
Richardson, A., & Puri, B. K. (2002). A randomized double-blind, placebo controlled study of the effects of supplementation with highly unsaturated fatty acids on ADHD-related symptoms in children with specific learning disabilities. Progress in Neuro-pyschopharmacology and Biological psychiatry , 2234-239.
Skounti, M. P., Mpitzaraki, K., Vamvoukas, M., & Galanakis, E. (2006). Attention-defecit / hyperactivity disorder in schoolchildren in Crete. Acta Paedeatrica , 658-663.
Thompson, M. J., & Sonuga-Barke, E. (2008). Do maternal attention defecit/hyperactivity symptoms excaberate or ameliorate the negative effects of child attention-defecit /hyperactivity disorder symptoms on parenting? . Development and Pyschopathology , 121-137.

ADHD - A Social construct? A look at some criticisms of ADHD as a disorder.

2010-02-26T04:46:00.000-08:00

This is a difficult and emotive subject. We are used to the very status of ADHD as a disorder being challenged in the media in such a lazy way that we develop a knee jerk reaction to these questions. Often reporting does not distinguish fact from opinion and confuses a balanced debate with giving equal space on the one hand to mainstream scientific or clinical personnel and patients groups representatives and on the other side an individual with some kind of agenda-
As Russell Barkley said of the critics:

‘Many of them approach it with political agendas such as the Church of Scientology and its Citizens Commission on Human Rights. They don’t care whether this is a real disorder or not, because they deny that there are any psychiatric disorders, period. That’s their political agenda.

‘
So let’s look at the current criteria for a mental disorder to decide if ADHD meets those criteria:
1. . CLINICAL CRITERIA FOR A DISORDER
Currently, the working definition for a disorder in clinical medicine is based on Wakefield’s definition of ‘harmful dysfunction’. Or as the DSM-V puts it - a disorder should be such that:
‘

The consequences of which is clinically significant distress (e.g., a painful symptom) or disability (i.e., impairment in one or more important areas of functioning)

’
This is a link to the criteria for a mental disorder as proposed for the DSM-V in 2013. (The DSM is the American manual of mental disorders, it is very influential, being more through then the only near equivalent the ICD-7 published by the world health organisation.).Thus to meet medical criteria for a disorder, ADHD must be shown to be harmful to the individual with ADHD, it must cause impairment in some major life activities e.g. relationships, work, education
1. i. Evidence for Impairment caused by ADHD
Extremely convincing evidence of impairment exists and is overwhelmingly accepted by scientists. This includes statistically increased chance of accidents, school failure, career underachievement, relationship problems, delinquency, addictions, depression, and anxiety and so on. See for example this recent paper on quality of life outcomes for children with ADHD (Dankearts & Sonuga-Barke, 2010),36 studies were reviewed and determined that ADHD had significant effects on the quality of life of children with ADHD and that quality of life outcomes were significantly improved by treatment.
1. ii other criteria that should also be met (in addition to impairment):
Diagnostic validity on the basis of various diagnostic validators (e.g., prognostic significance, psychobiological disruption, response to treatment) (DSM-V)
Good evidence that diagnostic procedures consistently identifies people in need of help (if diagnostic procedures are followed properly) that the syndrome is cohesive ,that is symptoms co-occur regularly and are distinct from other disorders. Evidence shows that treatment is effective, for example Biederman (2009) followed a group of children with ADHD for ten years, some treated with medication and some not. He found that the treated children were significantly less likely to develop comorbid disorders such as depression and conduct disorders.
iii Presence of other meaningful external associations
(Such a occurring in families well above chance levels consistent biological finding about ADHD that argue good clinical validity)
Conclusion: ADHD easily meets the clinical criteria for a disorder.
2. ETIOLOGICAL CRITERIA FOR A DISORDER
Etiological refers to causes, this traditional criteria refers to the extent to which the causes of the disorder and the nature of the impaired function is known. This criterion is difficult for ADHD to meet, for most other mental disorders including schizophrenia and even for disorders in other branches of medicine. Causes can often not be precisely known e.g. lung cancer in a smoker cannot be wholly attributed to smoking, but other factors such as genetic susceptibility, diet and occupation may play a part.
We do know that the etiology of ADHD is biologically based and Multifactorial (- complex with many causes).
3. THE SYMPTOMATIC CRITERIA FOR ADHD (BUT EVERYBODY HAS THIS!)
Multifactorial mental disorders are defined behaviourally and behavioural criteria are used as part of the diagnostic process Link to Criteria for adult ADHD based on the DSM-IV and developed by WHO
Such criteria are frequently criticized:’ doesn’t everyone have this symptoms sometimes’? This misunderstands how ADHD is diagnosed. Picking out one or two symptoms irrespective of frequency is misleading. For example to diagnosis an adult 4 criteria from the first section should be met very frequently (depending on the criteria). Almost all normal adults will meet one or two; diagnosis depends on a bunch of symptoms co occurring frequently. But that is not sufficient for a physician to give a diagnosis of ADHD, they must occur in different settings, have started in childhood, be causing impairment in major life activities and other disorders must be ruled out.

4. DOES ADHD SIMPLY REPRESENT AN EXTREME OF PERSONALITY FACTORS?
Traits are predictors of personality and can also predict mental disorders. The pathways of a child's development build on early temperamental precursors.
Research into Big 3 personality traits and ADHD.
Has found that Symptoms of inattention and disorganization are weakly related to low conscientiousness. Extraversion related weakly to hyperactivity and impulsivity (this relationship clearer for men than women).No strong correlations for ADHD as such.
Big five personality traits
Less clear correlations between personality traits and ADHD Neuroticism is related to all mental disorders.
Conclusion: there is a weak correlation with some personality traits and markers for different subtypes of ADHD

See ‘Causes of ADHD’ for an evaluation of factors such as television or parenting often cited by critics as significant causes of ADHD

Neurofeedback for ADHD and free will

2009-11-11T14:13:00.000-08:00

Monday January 11th

Topic Neurofeedback therapy and the nature of free will

Talk and demonstration

Demonstration

Some of the questions we can examine are

-What is neurofeedback (also called EEG- biofeedback)?

-Does it work?

We can also discus some research into ADHD using techniques underlying neurofeedback such as EEG and QEEG such as:

-What is different about the brain waves of people with ADHD and why does it matter?

- What do these techniques tell us about Free will in both people with ADHD, and people without ADHD?

Speaker: Dr Werner Van den Bergh. (Author) of ‘Neurofeedback and State regulation in ADHD.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD. Speaker Elena Massey

2009-10-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

The next meeting of the adult ADHD group will be on

21st October, 8pm

Topic :Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Elena Massie, a Mental Health Professional will come to talk and answer questions on Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapy and Coaching in relation to ADHD adult sufferers.

Mulilingual ADHD Awareness Conference with Dr. Kewley and others

2009-08-31T04:17:00.000-07:00

ADHD /AS / Dyslexia
Family Resources Brussels asbl
Supporting children, adolescents, families, educators, etc.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Co-Sponsors:
Centrum ZitStil (Flemish), TDA/H Belgique (French) & Adult Anglophone AD/HD Support

Location: St. Antony’s Hall, 23-25 Oudstrijderslaan, 1950 Kraainem (see Directions at back)

Programme:
09:00: Welcome Address & Chairs: Dr. Joanne Norris (English), Machteld van Ostaede (Dutch) & Pascale de Coster (French)
09:15: Dr. Kewley (Child Psychiatrist, author): AD/HD and Comorbidities (incl. Giftedness)
with guest Pauline Latham: Managing AD/HD from a Parent’s Perspective
10:45: Refreshment Break
11:00: Stephanie de Schaetzen: TDA/H en difficultés scolaires et dans l'accompagnement des parents d'enfant TDA/H.
12:00 Akiko Matsumoto (Reading Specialist): Addressing Dyslexia in the Learning Process in Main Hall
Kathleen Moons (Psychologist): AD/HD in the Workplace (Dutch; translation into English provided) in Room A
13:00: Lunch
13:30: Dr. Xavier Schlogel: Trouble Déficitaire de l’Attention avec ou sans Hyperactivité: le point de vue du neuropédiatre
Dianne Zaccheo: Asperger’s Syndrome in Room A
14:30 Dr. Buck Weaver (Neuropsychologist): Getting What You Need When You Want It: Self-Advocacy and Accommodation
15:30: Refreshment Break
15:45: Griet Vercaeren: Implementing Care Coaches for Families with AD/HD
Bhu Ventakasan (Sensory Integration OCT): How Sensory Integration Therapy helps Children with AD/HD in Room A
16:45: Panel Discussion (Dr. Schlogel, Griet Vercaeren, Akiko Matzumoto, Dianne Zaccheo, Dr. Buck Weaver & Bhu Ventakasan)
18:00: End

Booths:
Centrum ZitStil: books, information, support in Dutch
TDA/H Belgique: books, information, support in French
ADHD/AS/Dyslexia Family Resources: books, information, support in English
Adult Anglophone AD/HD Support: information, support in English
Patienten Treff und Hilfe: books, information, support in German
Waterstones Books: the latest books about AD/HD, Dyslexia, Asperger’s Syndrome, learning disabilities, etc.
ADHD-Europe: surveys, information, resources from across Europe in English, French, Dutch and German

Supervised Activities: Painting, drawing, games, storytelling, DVDs, etc.

Crèche: available on the premises
Entrance Fee: 10 Euro, payable into our bank account: 001-5695038-50
BBQ food available throughout the day and refreshments at a small cost

Registration: Susan Purcell: adhdregister@gmail.com; All other information: Joanne Norris: adhd.edu@gmail.com;

ADHD/AS/Dyslexia Family Resources is a non-profit organization legally founded in Belgium (Registered No. 0897.937.710).
We depend on your support to accomplish our goals; gifts, donations, etc. are therefore welcome.

AD/HD awareness and activity Day ▪European AD/HD Awareness Week 2009

2009-07-10T06:57:00.000-07:00

ADHD /AS / Dyslexia
Family Resources Brussels asbl
Supporting children, adolescents, families, educators, etc.
adhdregister@gmail.com

for programme update click here

date :September 26th 2009

Co-sponsored by:
Centrum ZitStil (Flemish), TDA/H Belgique (French) & Adult Anglophone AD/HD Support

Location: St. Antony’s Hall, 23-25 Oudstrijderslaan, 1950 Kraainem (see Directions at back)

Programme:
09:00: Dr. Joanne Norris (President AFRB): Welcome Address
09:10: Dr. Kewley (Child Psychiatrist, author): AD/HD and Comorbidities (incl. Giftedness)
with guest Pauline Latham: Managing AD/HD from a Parent’s Perspective
10:25: Refreshment Break
10:40: Stephanie de Schaetzen: TDA/H en difficultés scolaires et dans l'accompagnement des parents d'enfant TDA/H.
11:40: Refreshment Break
11:50: Akiko Matzumoto (Reading Specialist): Addressing Dyslexia in the Learning Process
12:50: Lunch
13:50: Dr. Xavier Schlogel: Trouble Déficitaire de l'Attention avec ou sans Hyperactivité : le point de vue du neuropédiatre.
15:05: Refreshment Break
15:15: Dianne Zaccheo: Asperger’s Syndrome, AD/HD and the Role of Coaching in a Multimodal Treatment Plan
16:15: Refreshment Break
16:25: Griet Vercaeren: Implementing Care Coaches for Families with AD/HD
17:25: Panel Discussion (Dr Kewley, Dr. Schlogel, Griet Vercaeren, Akiko Matzumoto, Dianne Zaccheo, & Pauline Latham
18:00: End

Booths:
Centrum ZitStil: books, information, support in Dutch
TDA/H Belgique: books, information, support in French
ADHD/AS/Dyslexia Family Resources: books, information, support in English
Adult Anglophone AD/HD Support: information, support in English
Waterstones Books: the latest books about AD/HD, Dyslexia, Asperger’s Syndrome, learning disabilities, etc.

Supervised Activities: Painting, drawing, games, storytelling, DVDs, etc.

Creche: available on the premises

Entrance: Free of charge
BBQ food available throughout the day and refreshments at a small cost

What does ADHD mean to you?

2009-06-04T05:48:00.000-07:00

Reminder for the next meeting( last before the summer) of the adult group on Wednesday June 10th. 8pm

Topic: What does ADHD mean to you?

How it affects us in everyday life positively and negatively
An informal discussion

for more information e-mail:Stephaniebrussels@yahoo.com

ADHD-Europe-Diagnosis and Treatment of ADHD in Europe;differences, problems and Progess by Stephanie Clark

2009-06-04T05:42:00.000-07:00

I have some copies of the ADHD Europe booklet, see the previous posting for more information.
‘’Diagnosis and Treatment of ADHD in Europe; Differences, Problems and Progress’

Available at 5 euros each.
this is a survey of 19 European countries, which deals with (among many other issues) the problems of migrants in finding treatment and diagnosis, and particularly the international community in Belgium.

EUROPEAN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FAIL THE AD/HD TEST Press release ADHD-Europe.

2009-05-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

Mental health care professionals, including psychologists and psychiatrists, frequently have little or no specialized training in treating Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), the most common lifelong mental health problem.

In a newly published survey, Diagnosis &Treatment of AD/HD in Europe: Differences, Problems and Progress, ADHD-Europe examines provision for the treatment and diagnosis of AD/HD in 19 European countries.

Despite some improvements, the survey found provision for AD/HD diagnosis and treatment in crisis. As demand for diagnostic assessment increases, European mental health professionals still receive little or no specialized training in the proper diagnosis and treatment of AD/HD, resulting in insufficient diagnostic services, long waiting times (children can wait for years), inadequate and inappropriate treatment availability for children and less for adults.

A spokeswoman for TDA/H Belgique, Wallonia, Belgium said:

Sometimes it is truly an uphill battle. Some health professionals still know very little about this disorder. Doctors, including psychiatrists and neurologists, look for psychological and/or educational causes.

AD/HD is not caused by poor parenting, changes in the pace of modern society or too much television; it is a neurodevelopmental disorder with core symptoms of inattention and impulsivity, with or without hyperactivity. The causes are complex, but around 80 % of the risk factor is genetic, with approximately 5-6 % of children and 3-5 % of adults being thought to meet the DSM-IV TR diagnostic criteria. In addition to impairments resulting from these symptoms, sufferers and their families may also be affected by social stigma. Treatment offers children a release from the misery and isolation brought about by their behavioural symptoms, as well as improvements in family life and educational achievement. Untreated AD/HD can lead to pervasive lifetime impairment, but the outlook can be much improved with proper treatment.

ADHD-Europe aisbl is a European non-profit umbrella organization which received full legal recognition in Belgium in April 2009. At present, ADHD-Europe represents 27 National and Regional organizations concerned with AD/HD from 19 countries who have worked together since 2005 for the improvement of the situation of those affected by AD/HD.

The survey will be available on May 21, 2009 from ADHD-Europe aisbl, Avenskouter 13, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.

ADHD-Europe

www.adhdeurope.eu

info@adhdeurope.eu

Rita Bollaert

Coordinator

ritabollaert@adhdeurope.eu

Upcoming meetings

2009-01-19T12:52:00.000-08:00

Here are some dates for upcoming meetings of the adult ADHD support group

February 25th: 8pm Topic Strategies for Reducing Distractions

Ways to modify the environment to reduce distractibility

March 25th 8pm Topic Introduction to Adaptive thinking

Topic aims to:

-In crease awareness of interfering thoughts that can cause stress and interfere with completing work
-Develop strategies for keeping these thoughts in check

Meeting 14th January

2009-01-09T11:26:00.000-08:00

Don't forget the meeting this coming Wednesday (14th January) at 8pm.

Topic: Problem Solving and Managing Overwhelming Tasks

We will look at:

1/ Selecting an action plan

2/ Breaking down an overwhelming task into maneagable steps

NB We are trying something different- the meeting will be based around an exercise from Mastering your Adult ADHD workbook.

Happy New Year

Time Management

2008-11-28T12:08:00.001-08:00

Talk notes by Maureen based on
The secrets of those who have more time then others by John Ellis

How many of you need more time? Does anyone wish that they have more time in their daily lives to get everything done? Today our worst enemy is lack of time, especially in urban and industrialised societies. We experience the urgency of things in our rapidly changing environment and mobile workplace. Modern gadgets have allowed us to communicate more rapidly and improved social connections. It is, therefore, important to organise our lives in a practical way in order to react rapidly to important decisions which affect our lives. Time does not change but the use of time varies from individual to individual. The first priority is to have a positive attitude towards time and see it as our friend. Create an inspirational and passionate vision. And spend at least 50% of our time on these activities Instead of drowning in an ocean of information, we must become selective in using this information and take as little time as possible in finding information.

I would like to share with you the "Secrets of those who have more time than others."

I will tell you about time and life-management; setting priorities and objectives, planning and time-management at work How to fulfil a number of objectives in a limited time.

Time Management:

The first thing is attitude - make a friend of time – it is not your enemy.

1. Consider your objectives as non-negotiable goals

2. Fix a deadline to realise your objectives

3. Be realistic and foresee unforeseen events

4. Be aware of your work style

5. Know your environment or workplace

6. Plan

Evaluate precisely the time required to carry out a given task taking into account unforeseen circumstances and delays.

Setting Priorities and Objectives:

Classify your tasks into four groups and make a list of the most important:

1. Important and Urgent

2. Less Important but Urgent

3. Less Urgent but Important

4. Less Urgent and Less Important

How can we create more Time?

By eliminating time thieves:

- TV and Radio

- Telephone

- Waiting in queues

- Traffic-jams

- Avoid excess

- Managements of e-mails

Create FAQs, brief replies use the telephone, block spasm,

Planning:

Time Management at Work:

Work faster

1. Do not accept more than you can manage

2. Organise your documents

3. Move

4. Sleep sufficiently

5. Use tools which help you to gain time

6. Eat a light breakfast

7. Delegate: cleaning, shopping, cooking, repairs, gardening, preparation , writing, creation of a website,

Conclusion

I have spoken to you about time and life-management; managing your life; setting priorities and objectives; planning and time-management at work Time management is not difficult to learn. The first priority is to manage our attitude towards time, to see it as a friend and organise our lives to be effective at each moment.

I hope these tools will help you to manage your time and enjoy more free time

Links

Time Management Wikipedia

ADHD, and PSYCHOSTIMULANTS and ADDICTION

2008-11-24T12:52:00.000-08:00

By Werner Van den Bergh, neuro-psychiatrist in Leuven

click here to read this article in the original Flemish

A major reason why many people, including some scientists, hesitate to prescribe psycho-stimulants is the fear of possible addiction, especially following prolonged use. On the other hand, quite a few doctors often prescribe these medications but with inadequate up to date knowledge of new research, so that they cannot make the best possible defence against there critics. This article reviews some surprising and counterintuitive research, and is intended not just for lay people but also many professionals.

Addictions to alcohol, nicotine, amphetamines (speed) and cocaine occur in people with ADHD twice as often in the general population. This may be partly genetically explained. A gene produces the protein that forms the dopamine-2 receptor on the "postsynaptic" neuron in the striatum of the midbrain (postsynaptic refers to the neuron terminal after the synaptic cleft or gap between the two neurons). This receptor receives dopamine from the presynaptic neuron. The gene exists in two forms: A1 and an A2 type. The A1 type occurs in 20% of the general population, but in 50% of people with ADHD and in 87% of cocaine addicts. It is known that not everyone who smokes cigarettes or drinks alcohol becomes addicted; moreover that only 25% of cocaine users become addicted. Genetic factors could therefore play a role. Moreover, the impulsiveness of young people with ADHD and their feelings of awkwardness about themselves often lead to experimentation with drugs, which they experience as a form of self medication. People with ADHD often think more clearly and become calmer after taking amphetamines rather then feeling the’ high’ experienced by people without ADHD.

Schematic diagram of a synapse, showing, at the top of the diagram, the terminal of the presynaptic neuron where dopamine (DA) is released into the neighbourhood of the postsynaptic receptor D2 at the bottom of the diagram.

Dopamine is competitively taken up by the DAT transporter in the presynaptic neuron. Ritalin, amphetamine and cocaine block the presynaptic DAT-transporter so that more dopamine remains available in the synaptic gap to stimulate the post synaptic neuron.

It is a paradox that ADHD is often treated successfully with Ritalin or amphetamine, without addiction developing, despite people with ADHD being at a greater general risk of addiction. There are even studies that demonstrate that children with ADHD who have been treated for some years with Ritalin have a lower risk of ever developing any addiction then children with ADHD who were not treated with Ritalin. The information flow in neuronal circuits is achieved by electrical potentials that spread along the axons to the presynapse at the terminal where it is carried by neurotransmitters such as dopamine.
Dopamine then binds to a receptor on the postsynaptic terminal of the next neuron in the circuit .This triggers the ‘ion channels ‘in the post synaptic membrane to open, temporarily allowing electrically positively charged calcium ions to flow within the neuron. The change in charge leads to the generation of a new electrical action potential responsible for further postsynaptic information flow.

It is remarkable that Ritalin has much the same effect on neurons as cocaine: it blocks the dopamine receptor on the presynaptic nerve cells that normally re-uptakes the dopamine. Indeed, it been shown that a large group of people with ADHD had too many presynaptic dopamine receptors, thus too little dopamine was available in the cleft to excite the postsynaptic neurons.

Ritalin normalizes this so that the ADHD symptoms diminish. Not only improving focus, but boring tasks are better prioritized (e.g. revision) and impulsiveness is reduced.

Cross sectional image using Single Photon Emission Tomography (SPECT) of the brain of a person with ADHD. A radio nucleotide is introduced into the bloodstream, which binds to presynaptic dopamine receptors in the striatum.

The image on the left shows a greatly increased signal in someone with ADHD (yellow in colour) in the striatum of both hemispheres. On the right, imaged sometime after the administration of Ritalin. The colour is faded: this demonstrates that Ritalin blocks the presynaptic dopamine receptors and thereby normalises dopamine transmission to levels comparable to people without ADHD.

Why is it that someone with ADHD, who normally runs an elevated risk
of addiction, is helped by Ritalin or amphetamine without becoming addicted to the medication? And why, then, are there problems with cocaine addiction? The answers are many:

1) In ADHD the amount of dopamine available in the synaptic cleft is
NORMALIZED (whereas as in people without ADHD Ritalin increases dopamine abnormally).
2) Cocaine is usually inhaled or injected giving a very quick dopamine increase (peak effect after 5 minutes) and a "high" feeling. If Ritalin is inhaled or injected the same "high" feeling is obtained .In both, the "high" feeling lasts about 20 minutes. If
Ritalin is taken by mouth the peak concentration in the brain lasts about 60
minutes, without any "high”.
3) The peak concentration of dopamine after taking a Ritalin pill occurs after15-20 minutes, whereas for cocaine it is 2-4 minutes. With Ritalin the increased amount of available dopamine in the brains falls to half after 90 minutes, with cocaine it takes just 20 minutes. The rapid reduction after cocaine ingestion motivates the user to take another dose, this is not the case with Ritalin the amount of dopamine remains optimal for a long time. Moreover Ritalin releases the dopamine in a "tonic" way, that is, evenly over time, place, simulating the natural release of dopamine , leading to normalisation If an artificially regulated dosage of cocaine is given so that the dopamine stays saturated then there is no is no new "high".

4) In a therapeutic context, Ritalin is administered using a strict schedule, and is not tied to pleasure seeking. Rather, it is mainly used for boring tasks, allowing a more meaningful experience, closer to that of people without ADHD. Cocaine is used in circumstances of pleasure which in itself is more naturally associated with dopamine release.
5) Cocaine also acts on the serotonin system, which is not the case with Ritalin or amphetamine.
6) "Speed" in illicit use is taken in unmeasured dose but the estimated dose is 10 times higher than for therapeutic use in ADHD. Moreover, the drug user often injects speed rather then administers by mouth.
7) There are indications that Ritalin maybe neuroprotective (at the postsynaptic neuron) against excitoneurotoxicity a. Also, there are indications that it will protect against deterioration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease. Nicotine is also neuroprotective against Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer's disease, but, of course the disadvantages of chronic nicotine use outweigh these potential benefits.

Furthermore, there remains the delicate problem of how someone with ADHD who is addicted to cocaine can best be treated. In this area there is still much research to be done, but there are already some publications showing that in some cases it may be possible to replace cocaine with Ritalin.

LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF RILATINE AND AMPHETAMINES

It is often rightly pointed out that there are no scientific studies on the long-term effects of the therapeutic use of these medications to treat ADHD. Yet we know that almost half of children with ADHD outgrow ADHD and the need for medication.

Traditionally, there was a presumption that the lessening of ADHD symptoms was due to natural maturation so that there was no further need for amphetamine or Ritalin. But recently scientists have begun to entertain the possibility that these drugs produce long-term positive permanent change in the brain, brought about by neuroplasticity, which in recent years has become a hot topic in neuroscience.

1) NEUROPLASTICITY THAT LEADS TO NORMALISATION
continuing use of medication will not only provide better signal transfer in neuronal circuits, but also activate genes in postsynaptic neurons, stimulating the creation of proteins that are the building blocks of new postsynaptic dopamine receptors. Possibly, these proteins also create a decrease in presynaptic dopamine receptors. This would effectively mean NORMALISATION; we could even speak of HEALING. Therefore, it is now recommended to cease medication every 2-3 years temporarily to see if further treatment is needed. LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF RILATINE and amphetamines

2) NEURO plasticity THAT LEADS TO DEPRESSION
Researchers using young rats treated with intravenous Ritalin found that as adults the rats exhibited symptoms of depression, ambient incentives usually experienced as pleasant (such as sugar water) seemed to give them no satisfaction and stressful or conflicted situations produced despairing behaviour. This has led to the view that the neuronal plasticity exhibited here can lead to unfavourable outcomes such as DEPRESSION. If this is extrapolated to humans, it means that after years of

Ritalin use depression could develop. This has not yet been demonstrated by researchers Moreover, there are two important points to make. First, the rats were administered with Ritalin intravenously which is quite different to oral ingestion. Secondly, the researchers used healthy rats. In theory, one can imagine that for people without ADHD this hypothesis of resulting long term depression may have some validity., but that in ADHD a normalization through neuronal plasticity occurs:. Conceivably by this hypothesis in healthy people long term use of Ritalin may lead to the occurrence of a neuroplasticity though over shooting. If that is true great importance must be attached to correct diagnosis of ADHD prior to beginning a long-term treatment with Ritalin or amphetamine.

.
It is inadmissible to let the decision to begin long term medication depend on the symptomatic effects of trial doses. Medication will, in the short term have positive effects in people without ADHD. It must be emphasized that an ADHD diagnosis cannot be concluded from a positive reaction to a few administrations of Ritalin.

3) NEUROPLASTICITY THAT LEADS TO ADDICTION

Only with non-therapeutic use of these medications, where high doses are taken, often intravenously, and in the context of pleasure seeking does addiction arise. Often only when a genetic disposition also contributes to the addiction. In the latter case, the chronic overabundance of dopamine would trigger even more postsynaptic protein synthesis and the production of more postsynaptic receptors. Research shows that this occurs not only in the striatum (nucleus accumbens among others) but also occurs in the prefrontal cerebral cortex (orbito frontal cerebral cortex, located above the orbital, i.e. the eye socket) to which it is connected. It has demonstrated that the cocaine addict shows over activity in this area during cocaine intake or during acute rehabilitation.

Imaging using Positron Emission Spectroscopy (PET) of the brain (cross section) of a cocaine addict. Left Image, after administration of a placebo: low activity in the orbito frontal cerebral cortex. Right after intravenous administration of Ritalin (methylphenidate) there is over activation in these areas

After months of rehabilitation, the activity in this area is too low as well as in the nucleus accumbens. This leads to less activity in the prefrontal cortex in response to natural rewards, and the possibility that the drug of addiction may no longer be experienced as a reward. This also leads o the prefrontal cerebral cortex overreacting to the signalling of drug availability which induces over activity in the nucleus accumbens.

4) Rare problem of HABITUATION to long term therapeutic use of Ritalin or amphetamine in cases of ADHD
About 2-5% of patients report that after a few months (or sometimes more than one year) Ritalin no longer has a positive effect. This can probably also be explained by a form of neuronal plasticity achieving a different balance than the ones described previously. In these cases it is recommended to switch to another medication e.g. amphetamine or a noradrenergic antidepressant (desipramine, imipramine), Efexor or Strattera (also has a noradrenergic effect). It may also be necessary to switch medication a few times a year employing a rotation scheme.

translated from the Flemish by Stephanie Clark

Our Favourite Adhd Related Quotes

2008-11-02T08:01:00.001-08:00

Favourite ADHD-ish Quotes

‘Karma is the hand dealt, and dharma is what the player does with it”.

Mahatma Gandhi was fond of bridge .He used the game to explain the difference between karma (predetermined fate) and dharma (man’s action)

For me-he means don’t compare yourself with other people .Play what you have as well as you can .Strive to beat you own best performance. Comparisons are irrelevant -we are all playing different deals.

‘It is possible that genius tends actually to prevent a man from acquiring habits of voluntary attention , and that moderate intellectual endowments are the soil in which we may best expect, here as elsewhere , the virtues of the will, strictly so called to thrive’

William James ‘Principles of Psychology’

‘Guess why I like that one?’

Contributed by Stephanie

"To thy own self be true." Shakespeare Contributed by Maureen

"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man."

George Bernard Shaw. Contributed by Ann.

"Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused"

. More of an old Irish saying actually. .

‘Well, often when I look at what I'm doing with my life, and the difficulties I have getting things done, I can smile. I used to get very annoyed at myself, so I hope that this is progress, though sometimes I worry that I could get a little too happy laughing at myself’

Contributed by john.

Do you know why you have a neck???? So you don’t forget your head somewhere!!

Anonymous contributed by Elizabeth ‘Don’t know how appropriate it is but you must get the voice correct !!!’’

We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them. - Albert Einstein

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou

Do not dwell in the past; do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. – Buddha

The only people who don’t make mistakes are the ones who aren’t doing anything.—Anonymous

Perfectionism spells paralysis. - Churchill

A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.-

Mark twain

To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.
--Thomas Edison

Never wrestle with a pig; you both get dirty, and the pig likes it—Anonymous

‘What doesn’t kill us only makes us stranger’

Trevor Goodchild (Aeon Flux)

The following are from Marcus Aurelius:

You will find rest from vain fancies if you perform every act in life as though it were your last.

I shall meet today inquisitive, ungrateful, violent, treacherous, envious, uncharitable men. All these things have come upon them through ignorance of real good and ill.

(Say this before a difficult meeting and it put things into perspective!)

Living calls for the art of the wrestler, not the dancer. Staying on your feet is all; there is no need for pretty steps.

Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones.

(Hedging his bets?)

Members True Stories of living with ADHD

2008-11-02T08:00:00.001-08:00

A happy, happy Day

It's not all bad...

Black Devil Granny and the Ashtrays of Treason

A hyperactive 8 year old in the London of 1902. Long!

Notes on managing ADHD in the Extended family

When Mothers Lick

Running, with Aeoroplane Noises

What is ADHD?

2008-10-14T15:41:00.001-07:00

click to view Article in the original Flemish

Attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common in school children (2 to 5%). It is marked by concentration difficulties and can be accompanied by hyperactivity and impulsiveness. The cause lies in changes in brain functioning.

In the past, it was believed that the disorder disappeared in adulthood, but since the 1970’s science publications have described the persistence of adhd into adulthood in 30 to 50% of children. That means that 1 to 3% of adults suffer ADHD.

Adult ADHD

In adulthood the most common symptoms are impaired concentration, day dreaming, forgetfulness and frequent changes in activity. In adults, hyperactivity and restlessness are rarer; however ADHD is often associated with other problems such as boredom, chronic conflicts and social adjustment difficulties, leading to problems at work and home. Furthermore, alcohol or drug abuse, anxiety and depression are frequent complaints.

More and more often practitioners are confronted with patients’ questions about the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Professionals in the adult psychiatric sector may struggle to respond, professional training and traditional thinking often ill prepares them for this problem. A brief overview of the subject is of topical interest.

A little known pathology

The diagnosis of ADHD (attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder) has been generally recognized for many years in child psychiatry, and, according to the DSM-IV affects 2-5% of all children. The diagnostic term ADHD is of American origin and includes the non-hyperactive subtype, in contrast to Europe’s much more restrictive concept of hyper-kinetic syndrome in the ICD-10. In 30-50% of children with ADHD the origin is genetic. If ADHD persists into adulthood, the genetic contribution is greater; an adult with ADHD has an 84% chance that at least one of his children will have ADHD. It is known that 30 to 50 % of the children continue to have adhd related problems in adulthood.
However, in the adult psychiatric health sector a lack of familiarity with this disorder persists. Several factors may explain this:

1 In adults motor hyperactivity decreases and attention and organisational difficulties come to the fore, so one thinks less of it

2 In adults ADHD is often associated with mood instability and emotional reactivity, often interpreted as manifestations of a personality disorder.

3 Under the restrictive criteria of the ICD-10 diagnosis of hyper-kinetic syndrome cannot be made if there is a comorbidity such as depression

4 In the DSM-IV, ADHD is listed in the chapter about childhood disturbances; consequently adult psychiatry is less familiar with ADHD.

5 Child psychiatrists and adult psychiatrists have little or no contact, either in training or in practice, so that children reaching adulthood with ADHD are not automatically referred to adult services.

6 It is easier for people to accept and understand a disorder of self control in children then in adults.

Diagnosis

As with children, a patient history is the cornerstone of diagnosis. It is necessary to establish if the difficulties existed since childhood. The clinician should be aware of the possibility of ADHD and take a focused history; care should be taken to avoid colouring the childhood history with a priori psychodynamic or system theoretical perspectives. In adults it may be difficult to obtain an accurate retrospective view of childhood functioning. Additionally, adult life may be complicated by many factors, differential diagnoses, co morbidities, so that getting a clear perspective on adult problems is not always easy.

The diagnostic criteria listed in the DSM_IV are also applicable in adulthood. Several authors have suggested that the minimum criteria for adults should be four or five of the nine symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity (instead of six as stipulated in the DSM-IV for children) and four of five of the nine symptoms of inattention, because the severity of symptoms in adults is less marked.

The Utah criteria for ADHD in adults are the best validated (although drawn up solely for the hyperactive subtype):

· The symptoms must be present from childhood onwards.

· There should be clear mild difficulties with attention and motor unrest.

· At least two of the following five criteria should be met: mood swings, organizational problems, irascibility, emotional reactivity, impulsiveness.

Further, an EEG study of the cognitive evoked brain potential can be useful for an objective neuropsychological examination of the attentional and frontal lobe functions. The specificity and sensitivity of these tests have their limitations. However, against the background of these test results ,the patient can better understand and accept that there exist objective reasons for his difficulties, especially as the personal history data obtained is often questionable and subjective.

Differential diagnosis and comorbidity

1) Depression and Dysthimia (depressive neurosis): depression is present in 20-30% of patients with ADHD (in the general population it is 15%). The differential diagnosis can be difficult: Dysthymia can also express with chronic attention difficulties, however negative self-perception with an inability to experience pleasure are clearly central.

2) Addictions occur in 10-40% of patients with ADHD.

3) Borderline, antisocial and histrionic personality disorder: the differential diagnosis can be difficult. In borderline personality disorder a more markedly contorted personality exists , coupled with feelings of emptiness, more manipulative behaviour, suicidal behaviour , self mutilation, abandonment fears with attachment problems, and identity disorders. The impulsiveness in borderline personality disorder is more driven and often self-destructive (whilst the impulsiveness of ADHD is short-lived and more thoughtless). One needs to take in account the possibility of the combination of the 2 disorders with a more targeted patient history.

Treatment

1. Psycho-education: the provision and explanation of the diagnosis is in itself therapeutic. Often the patient has had many years of personal troubles and (troubles adapting to their environment) without understanding the reasons. Often the patient has had years of psychotherapy without success, often only resulting in further disappointments and misunderstandings However, the diagnosis should not be used as an excuse for every continuing problem: correct diagnosis should lead to measures for finding solutions. Any comorbidities must be explained, where a diagnosis of adhd does not cover all the problems. It is important that the practitioner not only knows the symptom lists, but is familiar with the current explanatory neuropsychological models- such as Barkley’s, in order to consider the broader picture. Also, the practitioner must be familiar with the impact of ADHD problems in the entire daily life, working life and partner relationships.

2. Medication: Although traditionally doctors in Europe are reluctant to prescribe psycho-stimulants (especially Ritalin, but also some stimulant antidepressants), in the United States it might be seen as a serious medical error not to offer medication. The recommended course is to offer a months trial (Ritalin 3 times a day, every 4 hours, at constructive dosages). In 25-78% of cases there is a positive result, although still often residual problems persist. This result is reflected in all areas: not just attention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness, but also self control over mood swings, motivation and emotional over reactivity and organizing functions. If this medication is clearly indicated and properly prescribed, under supervision, there is no reason to fear for addiction.

3. Psychotherapy, coaching: Coaching and organization skill learning is important , one should, however, be aware that a finished plan, practical tips and good intentions often still lead to failures because often patients with ADHD know, by definition,’ what they should do, but do not do what they know’. Psychotherapy is only useful if there are difficulties; handling past failures, or adapting to new patterns of functioning under medication, or difficulties with comorbidities or relationships. But one should be careful of explaining ADHD symptoms in a psychodynamic or system theoretical manner.

4. Contact with Fellow-Sufferers: Regional Support Groups for adults with ADHD in Flanders started an organization ("Aandacht"), with its own website (www.adhd-volwassenen.be). The mutual recognition and validation is frequently a revelation and support for many participants. The exchange of experiences, tips and information, and the experience of seeking solutions jointly often has a major significance for group members and their surroundings.

Dr. W. Van den Bergh (Leuven)
De Agenda Psychiatrie Nr. 19, Mei 2001, p. 8-9

Thank you to Dr Van Den Bergh for permission to translate this article.

Stephanie Clark. With help from Anne.

Nice Guidelines for treatment and diagnosis of ADHD in the UK-Nice-er then I thought but the press liesI

2008-10-10T07:03:00.000-07:00

Nice Guidelines for treatment and diagnosis of ADHD in the UK

I’ve been grumbling about the nice guidelines, fact is, I read about them in the press and learned that Nice says:

-That the ‘controversial chemical cosh ‘Ritalin (with often deadly side effects!)Is ‘severely overprescribed ‘

‘Should only be given to the ‘unruliest’ children,’

That discipline eliminates the need for drugs

That parents of adhd kids must go back to class and learn to be good parents.

Should you care to read them for yourselves, some links:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7630926.stm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/womanshour/02/2008_39_fri.shtml( contributed by John)

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-st...en-940308.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/ar...-children.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/news...ents-told.html

This week I bothered to read the nice guidelines and couldn’t find any of the points above.

The guidelines are a real step forward for ADHD treatment and diagnosis in Britain.

Click for a link to the full guidelines-

These Guidelines are important internationally because Nice is regarded as a centre of excellence for evaluating cost effective medical treatments- other health services will be watching!.

Some Key Points-

-For the first time in the UK guidelines and recommendations are made for the treatment of adult ADHD

‘Drug treatment for adults with adhd is the first line treatment but should always form part of a comprehensive treatment programme that addresses psychological, behavioural and occupational needs.’

(-Research shows that the multimodal treatment of medication, therapy parental and teacher guidance ensures the best outcome for a youngster- and nice have tried to follow this model in a cost effective way)

-Nice recommends a fuller range of treatments be offered to parents including parent education progammes- for pre school children this should be the first line of treatment

-Nice recommends networking between services( a keystone to good adhd support):

‘that NHS Trusts should ensure that specialist adhd teams for children, young people and adults jointly develop age appropriate training programmes for the diagnosis and management of adhd, for mental health, paediatric, social care, education, forensic and primary care providers who have contact with people with adhd.’

-Children with severe problems should be offered drug treatment without delay, as previously recommended in Einaq guidelines:

‘In school age children and young people with severe adhd, drug treatment should also be offered as the first line of treatment. Families should also be offered a group-based training/education programme.

-A full programme of treatment should be offered:
‘Drug treatment for children and young people should always form part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes psychological, behavioural and educational advice and intervention. ‘

Next Meeting ADHD Favourite Quotes and some interesting links

2008-09-26T05:43:00.000-07:00

The next meeting will be on Wednesday October 22^nd.

Topic is Favourite Quotes (ADHD relevent):

Here is mine:

‘Karma is the hand dealt, and dharma is what the player does with it”.

Mahatma Gandhi was fond of bridge .He used the game to explain the difference between karma (predetermined fate) and dharma (man’s action)

Think of a favourite quote with an adhd connection. What does it mean to you ? Send it to me if you can’t come!

Some other Quotes- are at the bottom of this email.

-22nd November . Maureen will talk about time management .

-I’ve attached a final version of my notes on ADHD and Failure at the point of perfomance

Some interesting links-

(Rather random)

1/-Here’s a link from John, to a story about an ADHD college student learning to cope with higher education

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94727139

2/-Here’s a collection of documents from teachers / education authorities on childen with special needs. Both funny and horribly familiar. (Part of a labyrinthine site run by a Special needs attorney. On other pages you can find very good advice for parents - not all specific to US education law)

Here’s my favourite:

from an email written by a teacher to the school psychologist about a child with clearly diagnosed SEVERE ADHD by several qualified medical professionals:

“STUDENT (name changed to protect the innocent) is a strange case. We all feel that his biggest problem is that his mom and dad are looking for any excuse to explain STUDENT’S bad behavior. I do believe that he is somewhat ADHD; however, we have had much more severe cases – (name omitted), for example. STUDENT doesn’t get along with any other student – he picks and complains and antagonizes one and all. I can also say that no one likes him. Not because it is the popular thing to do, but they really don’t like him. His academic levels are low because he has had the crutch of “it’s his disability” used so often that he no longer really tries. He and his parents expect everyone else to do his work and not hold him accountable because it is “his disability”. He won’t start working in class on assignments unless he is specifically told to do so, and he wants to try the excuse “I’m thinking’ when the exercise clearly doesn’t even take any thinking. I don’t know how to counteract a life of parents telling him that there is something majorily (sic) wrong with him. They have tried every test, counseling, medicine that is out there. I can’t imagine how he is to deal with constantly being told that there is something terribly wrong. We have found that if we tell him “that’s it, you act like that or do that again, and you’re outta here,” then he can control his behavior. However, theline (sic) must be drawn in the sand for him to see that he has reached the limit of what we’ll tolerate. The parents and the behavioral plan said we were to do three warnings, but we found that one worked as well as three. We’ll all be interested to get the results of his testing.

Click for More Funnies

Sometimes I think the problem is that everybody knows how to raise an ADHD child until they have one.

More Quotes- to inspire you before next meeting

We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.- Albert Einstein

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.- Maya Angelou

Do not dwell in the past; do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. – Buddha

The only people who don’t make mistakes are the ones who aren’t doing anything.—Anonymous

Perfectionism spells paralysis.- Churchill

A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.-

Mark twain

To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.
--Thomas Edison

Never wrestle with a pig; you both get dirty, and the pig likes it.”-- Anonymous

ADHD and Failure at the Point of Perfomance. Why Don't we just do it?

2008-09-18T03:18:00.000-07:00

Russell Barkley said:

AD/HD does not interfere with knowledge. It is not a skill deficit. It is not a learning disability. AD/HD disrupts the performance of knowledge, not the knowledge itself.

Why is that important? It’s important for this reason: You do not do skill training to help people with AD/HD. Stop treating them as if they’re stupid. Stop treating them as if they don’t know anything. “Oh, you can’t sit still? I’ll teach you. Oh you can’t do time management? I’ll teach you. Oh, you don’t have any friends? We’ll do social skills training. Listen to how we approach this disorder. We view it as a deficit and I can correct it by teaching you the right things to do.”

I made great notes on ADHD and failure at the point of performance. But just didn’t have time to transfer them from my head to paper. This is a rush job before “Lost in Austen ‘starts at 10.

I had two months since the last meeting-Why didn’t I write good topic notes? Why can’t we get things done, even when we know exactly what we need to do?

The Usual Suspects - Distractibility, Temporal myopia (to pinch Russell Barkley’s phrase for time wasting), Inability to resist temptation to do something more fun instead, Overwhelmed by organizing my ideas,

What helps to get thing done?

Being Centered, Clarity about goals and ethics. (I’m an atheist, but group members with a strong religious belief seem to have an advantage in managing their adhd)

Perhaps, the more deeply we embed our principles and goals the easier it becomes to have them in mind in a crisis.

Focusing questions for clarity: Imagine your funeral: what are people saying? Who are your heroes?

See Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People for writing a personal mission statement.

Awareness of Performance. Lifetime Ongoing Evaluation of effectiveness of organisational techniques, medication etc. Is everything still working for you?

A change of work demands e.g. might need a different oganisational method

Persistence. Most people with ADHD are good at this. You get distracted but Refocus again and again .It’s our strength- hopefully one of many!

Beware of Self blame-‘I’ve done nothing all morning again, I’m waste of space’. It distracts from refocusing, it distracts from the task and makes it difficult to think clearly. Forget it; let other people with more attentional resources blame you, they are, after all, often willing to help in this instance :).

Beware of perfectionism. Organization needs to be good enough to get the job done- no more.

Use Visualization techniques (from sports science)

. Effective for a number of uses including refocusing- imagine yourself vividly, concentrated on- e.g. filling in your tax return return. The feel of the pen in your hand, see your accounts open on the table before you, the feel of the chair beneath you, the smell of ink, and you absorbed concentrating. Don’t think what a relief it will be when you’ve finished – you can get caught in a day dream of how good it will feel and what you'll do when it’s finished .Stay in the moment. Your reward is in the moment, the contentment of concentration. When you notice your attention has wandered refocus by refreshing the image of you happily concentrating and get back to work.

Visualiation can also be used to practice something difficult-e.g. staying calm in a difficult interview, or to set reminders to you when pencil and paper reminders are not enough

Habits. Thinking about doing the same thing every day of your life can make life seen pointless. Swallow your angst. Try and grow a habit even, just one to start, and another if you already have some... Read Henry James essay on habits. Habits help us get things done by taking some of the pressure of working memory and self control.

Finally, New Scientist in The Origins of Will Power gave some hints on developing will power based on research by scientists such as Baumeister and Gollwitzer who studied the effect of planning on Will Power.

Here’s a summary of their recommendations:

Choose your battles

Willpower is limited -making a big decision; resisting temptation or controlling emotions all deplete it.

Baumeister found that People persisted with an impossible task longer when asked to resist eating radishes (easy , ( Rapunzel’s mum had eaten them already?) ) then when asked to resist eating fresh baked cookies (hard))

Plan

Writing a clear plan: including details of how, when and where. Makes it much more likely you'll get the job done.

(I ‘d add that Adhders who daydream may be distracted by thinking about the future . Still need to plan but especial care and awareness needed. Good luck !)

Boost energy levels

Exercising willpower depletes blood glucose, just like physical exercise.

(People performed mentally draining problems persisted more when given a sugary soda, then those given a diet drink or water)

Practise

Willpower strengthens with use, like a muscle. Exercising self-control, e.g. keeping an exercise plan over time, can boost your resolve in other areas.

Habits

Set a trigger for new habits, for example going to the gym at 5pm every Tuesday (rather then I’m going to join the gym). Removing the conscious decision makes it easier to get started, and to form a habit.

I know I included habits 2X.Repetition is required for habit formation.

Be Specific

If your goal is specific, (rather than vague or general), you are more likely to succeed.

Positive Goals

Focusing on a positive goal can sometimes be more successful than avoiding a negative one. Aim to win, rather than fear losing.

AD/HD Conference , Sari Solden, Steve Chinn, Cordula Neuhaus and Dr Ellen Littman October 8th

2008-08-28T15:04:00.000-07:00

Don’t miss the special price for early registration!

Recognizing & Reaching Children with Learning Difficulties, AD/HD and Related Conditions across Languages and Cultures

Brussels, Belgium, 8 October, 2008
MAI Conference Centre,
40 Rue Washington, 1050 Brussels

Funded by King Baudouin Foundation

ADHD Resources- Support Group Topic Notes

2008-08-19T08:36:00.001-07:00

PRACTICAL STUFF

Two fantastic talks by Kevin Colyer covering some workplace issues
Communication in the Workplace for People with ADHD

Handling conflict at Work

ADHD- a social construct - a look at some criticisms of the status of ADHD as a disorder

Non Genetic factors proposed to contribute to the development of ADHD

ADHD:Life and Work Impact
For Employers and Employees

ADHD and Failure at the Point of Perfomance

We know what to do, we want to get it done, but we don't do it. Why not?

Action Slips, Lapses and mistakes

A friend of mine once stopped at a garage outside Brussels on the way to visit his parents at Ypres. When he got there , his parents asked where his wife and dog were?
This article is for him..

Concentration for People with ADHD

Time Management
Notes from a talk by Maureen

LISTS

Books we like about ADHD

A list, plus ordering link to Amazon.

Our Favourite Quotes

ADHD and the point of perfomance

2008-08-19T02:59:00.000-07:00

Next Meeting :Wednesday September 24^th 8pm

ADHD and the Point of Perfomance

Russell Barkley said:

AD/HD does not interfere with knowledge. It is not a skill deficit. It is not a learning disability. AD/HD disrupts the performance of knowledge, not the knowledge itself.

Is he right? Why can we read so much about time management or organisation-and not use that knowledge?

Can we change? How?

We’ll look at motivation, habits, techniques and visualisation.

NICE regulations on ADHD Medication and All in the Mind

2008-06-20T14:53:00.000-07:00

John sent a link to this week’s All in the mind, a BBC radio programme, in which children talk about how their ADHD medication helps them. The program coincides with new Nice (National Council for Clinical Excellence in UK) regulations on prescription of ADHD medications for children.

You can listen here-http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/science/allinthemind.shtml.

The relevant section is about ten minutes in.

A blanket, knee jerk ban on ritalin for under fives worries me, for children with serious problems it can help them gain skills within the critical period. Read how my grandson learnt to speak -

A happy,happy Day

Handling Conflict at Work by Kevin Colyer

2008-06-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

Matthew 5:9 (TNIV)

What are your feelings towards conflict at work?
How do you handle dominant people?
When does robust discussion become conflict in a team?
Opposites attack! But so do two very similar people! Conflict can arise everywhere there is difference. Difference is not the same as wrong.

When you are in a conflict what outcome are you looking for?

Some peace?
A resolution to the conflict! But what does that really mean?
Always aim to WIN PEOPLE not issues.
Yet very, very infrequently the issue is greater than personalities.

Tools for resolving conflict:

Resolving a conflict might seem obvious enough a goal but it is not always clear in what way we should resolve it. Here are a few tools people use.

Competing – win!
Collaborating – win/win. This is the hardest one to learn. Few observable role models?
Compromising – middle ground
Avoiding – delay
Accommodating – yield

How to resolve conflicts

Assume positive intent. (ignorance and mistakes rather than malice)
Calm down. Get over the offence. Get it out of your system – DON’T OBSESSIVELY FOCUS ON IT.
If the issue is touching a sensitive personal area of your life, make a note of it and try to deal with it or make some time to work on it later. Try not to take issues from other conflicts into this conflict.
Don't talk about it all around – you could cause factions and make it worse.
Who goes? You go.
1. Go and talk between you – face to face
2. If that doesn't work then you might need a mediator or a higher authority to come in and aid you to resolve the problem.
Passivity vs Assertiveness vs Aggression. You have needs and rights as does the other person. You need to seek to express your needs and rights in a way that respects the other person's rights and needs. You need to allow the other person express themselves likewise.
Seek first to understand then to be understood. The two people arguing problem.
Use I statements. “I feel____ (taking responsibility for one's own feelings) when you_____ (stating the behaviour that is a problem) because____ (what it is about the behaviour or its consequences that one objects to) I’d appreciate it if you would_____ (offering a preferred alternative to the behaviour)

Avoiding Never and Always.
After understanding the problem fully a solution may suggest itself. Synergistic solutions can often appear here! It is gratifying when you can turn antagonism into synergy.
Two ladies and one orange problem.

(2 lady missionaries had been in the field many years. In all that time they had never seen an orange(This must be Sompting ,Sussex?). The day an orange arrived on the boat both ladies wanted it very much. They divided it between them. One missionary squeezed all the juice(about a third of a glass) drank it wistfully --and chucked the peel. The second missionary grated the peel to make her favourite cake, wished there was more peel- and discarded the rest of the orange. )

Phrases that are hard to say but can make a huge difference:

I am sorry.
I was wrong.
Please forgive me.

How to make conflicts much much worse...

Gossip
Backbite
Create factions
Seek Revenge
Sabotage!

You may end up in a worse state! And/or fired!

Conflicts that you can't resolve (despite trying)

Forgive.
Limit involvement/trust.
Part ways.
In a year or so after the feelings have subsided, take some time to reflect on the situation tp learn from it.

Strengths and Weaknesses that ADHD sufferers can bring into conflicts

Strengths

Weaknesses

Recognition that I have areas to work on! If I know what my frequent problem areas are then I can be willing to recognise that they may have made things worse! And be quicker to apologise. (Short temper, lack of attention to details, lack of attention to other's needs etc., blurting out hurtful things, suspicion of authority)
Good sideways thinking can bring excellent solutions to problems
Daring and like challenges. Conflict resolution is a challenge!

Lack of self awareness – this means I really need to listen well when resolving conflict.
Poor self image
Procrastination (Who goes? You go!)
Obsessively focusing on the problem
Suspicion and mistrust of authority. Being oppositional.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A2998551 (Assertiveness and Assertiveness Training)
http://tutorials.freeskills.com/read/category/recent/id/430 (Assertiveness Techniques)
http://www.members.tripod.com/colla/social/growth/assertiveness.htm (Assertiveness)

Is ADHD an advantage for Nomads?

2008-06-19T14:39:00.000-07:00

Here’s a link to a Press Release ‘Is ADHD an advantage in early Tribesman?’

The researchers analysed how body mass and height correlated with alleles of the DRD4 gene in the Kenyan Ariaal, traditionally nomadic tribespeople. They found that the DRD4 7 rpt allele (one of the genes linked to adhd) was associated with better nourished nomads, but that Ariaal with this gene and living a modern lifestyle- were malnourished compared with carriers of other versions of DRD4, evidence that the impact of ADHD can be positive or negative , depending on the environment?

ADHD and absenteism

2008-05-30T03:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a press release on the influence of adhd on absenteism in the workplace in 10 countries.

In belgium the researchers estimated the days lost by adhd workers (3.7% of Belgian workforce) as 16.5 days compared to the norm.

They noted the cost effectiveness of disability accomadations for employees.

post on adhd in the workplace here

Diane Zaccheo tonight

2008-05-19T06:37:00.000-07:00

ADHD Family Resources and ECOC

Dianne Zaccheo, MSW FTC

Expert on AD/HD & Co-Existing Conditions

Founder of the Coaching Centre London

May 19, 2008

19:00

Room 107, 1^st Floor, International Community Centre (ICC)

International School of Brussels (ISB)

Kattenberg 19

1170 Brussels (Watermael-Boitsfort)

In a continuation of Dianne’s very successful workshop on February 27, 2008, she will now bring the participants up-to-date on current thinking about AD/HD and give practical solutions to alleviate the affect of AD/HD on sufferers, parents, siblings, teachers, tutors, teaching assistants, learning support staff, etc. At the end of the evening, those present will go away with a clearer understanding of how this condition affects learning and behaviour in children, adolescents and adults. They will feel more confident in their role having learned some practical solutions and effective strategies to help manage these problems better.

Registration: 18:30 Refreshments will be available before the event!

Contact: Joanne Norris coaching@chello.be (0494/17 74 03), Carolyn Pennisi pennisi@skynet.be (02/675/63 18) or Marie Doyle (ecoc@gmail.com ).

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Entrance Fee: 15 Euros/10 Euros for ECOC members

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2008-05-09T12:27:00.000-07:00

Next meeting is on May 14^th

Alan Huyton from human resources to the cabinet will lead a session on planning and time management

Final meeting before the holidays-Wednesday June 11^th

Kevin will follow up his excellent talk on Communication in the workplace for people with ADHD( click for link to Kevin’s notes on that )with a talk on resolving conflicts at work .

Family group Meeting

The family group and ecoc have a meeting on May 19^t^h when renowned UK coach Dianne Zaccheo will follow up her February workshop .

Some Other News

-Survey Here is a link to a survey intended for people with bipolar disorder; I know some of you have contacts here, so perhaps you will be able to pass it on.

-Petition On Tuesday, Zit stil together with ADHD Belgium presented the petition on cost of medication to the vice premier and minister of health Mme Onkelinkx, she was responsive and interested and accepted the petition from us, so we are waiting to hear about that.

-Members favourite books Here is a link to the book mentioned by Ann at the last meeting on ‘simplifying your life’, currently only available in French, Ann says ‘Not directly linked to ADHD but full of small hints to make your life easier.’

the art of simplicity

Finally,

Our ADHD group bank account was frozen last week under the 1993 Prevention of terrorism act

Hopefully, the problem is now sorted-

Procrastination

2008-04-09T05:23:00.000-07:00

Reminder: next meeting adult ADHD group 16^th April 8pm.

Topic Procrastination.

If you want to prepare , there are two options-

Practical

1/Choose a task you have been putting off

2/Do it or make a start, (which ever is appropriate).

3/Analyse the outcome -Do you know what may have contributed to success or failure in meeting your task objective?

Or some Suggested Reading(click on web links)-

The problem of Procrastination (good introduction) or ADHD adults and Fear: Why we procrastinate. (Eccentric but I liked the author’s insight)

Strategies or adults with ADHD (Practical, 5 easy steps guide)

Some news-

Adult Anglophone ADHD Support Belgium is finally, legal!

Di and I opened a bank account for the group this week and signed our articles- at the next meeting we need to set a date for the AGM

Finally, Our group were among the official founder members of ADHD –Europe, signing the articles in Charleroi last weekend

AD/HD at Work- Solutions for employees and employers

2008-03-14T12:54:00.001-07:00

- notes from talk.July 2007.ECOC

We will consider-

Strategies employees can use to cope with ADHD in the workplace and other support available to them.
Should an employee disclose their AD/HD? Strategies and accommodations employers/Human Resources can use to support individual AD/HDers.
Good practice models for employment and recruitment of people with disabilities, specifically AD/HD

Core symptoms/AD/HD

Inattention
Hyperactivity/impulsivity

Looking at adults

DSM-iv produced with children in mind
Symptoms in adults often manifest differently
Less hyperactivity
Impulsivity more salient-spending habits, internet use, etc
Adults may be able to inhibit impulsivity – but more effort/difficulty then others
Often undiagnosed and untreated.
Develop coping skills that mask the visible impairments

Deficits more apparent in adults include:Working memory,emotional and motivational regulation, organisation, planning, and problem solving
These problems often most obvious in the workplace

A Caution

AD/HD is not a learning disorder.
It’s a disruption in the application of knowledge-at the point of performance of knowledge not its acquisition

Why should employers care?

4.2% workforce fulfilled diagnostic criteria (American study/European epidemiological data consistent)

Clinical Experience Belgium
(Oswald/Stes 2005)
Asked medical professionals about the rate of adult AD/HD in the general population-60% concurred with epidemiological data
But 35% had never diagnosed adult ADHD

-29% knew another professional with experience in the field they could refer patients to

Treatments

Pyschoeducation
Medications
Time management and organisation coach
Career counselling to get the best job fit
Management of co morbid disorders
Support groups

Different levels of awareness in adults

Adults who were diagnosed in childhood or later and had continued treatment/awareness
Adults who have never been diagnosed
Adults who were diagnosed in childhood but poor follow through

Successful Adults

High levels of insight
Channel hyperactivity and restlessness
Volunteer for novel tasks
May display increased deficits in proportion to their successes -amplifies once subtle defects”(Rapport et al., 2001)

Adults with difficulties in the workplace

More difficulty finding and keeping employment
Less insight
Pattern of low self-worth, depression, and poor motivation
Poor communication
Learning barriers
Accommodations are necessary

Adults who adjust their expectations.

Accept lower paid work to minimise stress
Have part time or no paid work
Black economy
Voluntary sector
Exchange economy
Family, hobbies ,communities etc

Problems reported by employers

Turgay et al,Netherlands,2001)

Poor levels of work perfomance
Impaired task completion
Lack of independent skills
Poor relationships with supervisors
WORK CONCERNS
Poor planning/organisation
Can’t sustain attention to routine tasks e.g. paperwork
Procrastinates
Internally restless
fidgety. may be physically overactive
Impulsive decision making
May be unable to work well independently
0ften late for work, meetings , appointments
Changes job impulsively
Less able to follow directions carefully
Poor self discipline
Poor time management
Stressed/ over emotional
Impaired communication skills

Career Choice

Importance of Good Fit to Workplace paramount.
Be aware of abilities and strengths:
Psychological assessments, performance evaluations.
http://www.quintcareers.com
http://www.princetonreview.com
Internships/volunteer positions
-Scope Leadership for disabled Graduates

Option of Entrepreneurship

In many countries high percentage entrepreneurs ADHD.Unfortunately, low level of state support and entrepreneurs vs employment in Belgium

What other sectors?

From the Adult AD/HD report (2005)
1500 people questioned from 14 professional groups in US
People in occupations freer from constraint and office tend to show more behaviours consistent with AD/HD
Typical careers for ADHD adults:
Professional athletes
Tradespeople (plumbers, electricians, carpenters, gardeners).
Entertainers (actors, musicians) construction workers
Healthcare professionals
Elected officials
Less likely to find people with ADHD in structured working environments and high disciplined fields
Teachers, lawyers, law enforcement agents, media professionals
Office, bank, and retail workers

Keys to Success on the job

Modify/redesign job to emphasize strengths and weaknesses
E.g. moving around whilst still getting work done/photocopying
Starting in a job-Build Social Supports- Initiate - Ask questionslook for unwritten rules,establish feedback.

Find a coach or mentor or peer worker/tutor
Tape important meetings/use note taking to concentrate
Notebook organising systems diary PDA
http://www.rememberthemilk.com/
Harder tasks when most alert
Schedule supervisory meetings /reviews more often
Customised employment

Disclosure

Should you disclose your disability to an existing employer?Consider if you need accomadations

Some will view you more negatively, rigidly refuse accommodation-.Other think you can do the job and are willing to make accommodations

Accommodations for employees

Don’t request before you know the job description or Immediately after a mistake is made
You may be viewed as using your Disability as an excuse

Advantages to Employers of Offering Work Accommodations

Retain Valuable Employee
Increased employees productivity/company productivity
Eliminated training costs new employee
Increased employees attendance
Improved morale
Improved safety
For every dollar spent on accommodations got back 10 dollars in benefits
(from US Job accommodation network)

Disability is an issue which directly affects colleagues at work and in their personal lives
Managers who take a leadership position on disability gain both technical skills in change management and job design but also an increased ability to recognise and enable human potential
Disability confidence is one of the best ways to build flexible management skills - an area in which managers report they need support

www.realising-potential.org

Read Your business case for an overview of the facts and areas which may be relevant to your business case
Action
Employers’ Forum on Disability guidance sets standards for UK business on disability
The Disability Standard provides a framework for action which covers every area where disability impacts on the business

More information:http://www.employers-forum.co.uk/www/index.htm

May 2008 press release on study of adhd and absenteeism in 10 countries

Other resources

Communication in the workplace for people with ADHD

Action Slips, lapses and mistakes

dianne Zaccheo

2008-02-21T15:05:00.000-08:00

AD/HD Family Support Belgium

Europe’s Children – Our Concern (ECOC)

Invite you to an evening with:

Dianne Zaccheo, MSW FTC

Founder of the Coaching Centre London

February 27, 2008

19:00

Conference Room “Cervantes”

3^rd Floor, Building A/B (Secondary)

European School III (Ixelles)

Boulevard du Triomphe 135

1050 Brussels

(http://www.ee3.org/index.php?id=74 = map)

Recognizing & Understanding Attention Deficit Disorder (AD/HD): What is it? What Works?

Participants will gain a better understanding of the biological aspects of AD/HD, learn about treatment approaches and behaviour management strategies for home and school, gain a greater understanding of the challenges facing children and adolescents with AD/HD at school, as well as young people when they go away to university, and get an overview of the tools and skills for success that will help them overcome these challenges. Question and answer session after presentation.

English-French translation provided if necessary - and refreshments!

Contact: Joanne Norris coaching@chello.be (0494/17 74 03) or Carolyn Pennisi pennisi@skynet.be (02/675/63 18) for further details.

William James

2008-02-20T16:01:00.000-08:00

quote from William James ‘Principles of Psychology’

A Psychologist with real insight-

Here’s link to his wonderful chapter on habits, the importance of developing them.

The Principles of Psychology: Volume 1

Books and ADHD

2008-02-14T06:55:00.000-08:00

20th February 8pm.

Subject: Books. What’s the book that most helped you with ADHD issues?
What about the book helped you?
I’d appreciate it if you think about this before the meeting- So you’re prepared to tell us about your choice or perhaps to read a very, very short passage from it.

If you want to be lateral and deviate from ADHD self help books- to philosophy or works of fiction- That’s fine but I’ll hold you to strict standards so be prepared to rigorously justify your choice and tell us something that we might find useful in managing our adhd , whether we read the book or not.

Up coming meetings:

The family group meeting on February 27th has a visit from world renowned coach, Di Zachheo. Details later.

Next meeting:Attention:An interview with Michael Posner

2008-01-10T06:46:00.001-08:00

Topic for next week: Attention: An Interview with Michael Posner.

Wednesday, 16th January, 8pm.

Michael Posner, a very famous cognitive psychologist, with a special interest in attention visited Belgium at the end of 2007, where he received an honorary doctorate from the VUB.

He very kindly allowed me and Joanne Norris of the family ADHD group to interview him for the groups.

We talked about his resent research on meditation and attention. But also a range of other topics including the experience of flow, training attention (can it be trained? mainly for children with ADHD) and a tip for maintaining concentration.

Some dates for the first two meetings of next year

2007-12-09T21:44:00.000-08:00

Some dates for next the first two meetings of next year

16^th January: Topic: details soon

20^th February Subject : Books?. What’s the book that most helped you with ADHD issues Why?

Thanks to O. for the topic suggestion

strategies and solutions:Helping Adults Maximise their Potential

2007-11-18T15:50:00.000-08:00

Joanne attended a seminar last month,given by Thomas Browne, details of the programme for his talk here.She was very impressed and has agreed to tell us about the strategies she us why .

An Update of the Presentation and Advanced Seminar given by Thomas Browne, Ph.D. in Tukwila WA on October 13, 2007: Strategies and Solutions: Helping Adults Maximize their Potential.

I'll send out directions and final details the weekend before.

Action Slips, Lapses and Mistakes

2007-10-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

Notes taken from October 24th meeting

‘His mind wanders, but we don’t worry, it’s too weak to get far.’ Reader’s digest

Because to err is human, and we are more human than most I thought Error Slips would be a great topic for the group.

Objective: To understand why errors occur and ask if we can we avoid them happening?

Captain Kirk’s Fatal Error

Research into human errors has been prompted by concern over professional and workplace errors e.g. see this link about therac-25 for the classic story of a series of blunders in the administration of a radiation dose to cancer patients.

The first therac-25 patient to die of radiation sickness was Ray Cox whose sanguine last words were ‘Captain Kirk forgot to put his machine on stun.’

Definitions

Mistakes involve either insufficient knowledge (e.g. announcing ‘Je suis plein ‘at a dinner party without awareness of it’s common meaning) or planning errors (e.g. not allowing sufficient time for a job, in spite of previous experience of the time required)

However, beware of planning an action whilst finishing another- can lead to a blend error where the actions fuse together e.g., I sent an e-mail to a pupil’s mother, signed love Mum

Because I was thinking about the next e-mail to my son as I signed the one I was writing

Lapses involve prospective memory failure -of things you intend to do- sending a birthday card for example.

Errors occur past the planning stage, during the execution of an action.

One common type of error- action slips occurs when we are ‘running on automatic.’

Working memory capacity, the things we can hold in mind at one time-is extremely limited, therefore we do a lot of our everyday actions using a rag bag of automatic routines. Automaticity is not in general a bad thing, once we have learnt a technique it frees our attention so we can-walk, drive, and make a cup of coffee with out overmuch thought

But the lack of conscious input makes this automatic mode prone to interference –

Some types of Action Slips

Plan: Get up, make coffee. Result: Pour orange juice in coffee.

A description error slip, probably because the orange juice has much in common with milk (appearance of carton, used at breakfast)

Plan: Take family to Pirates of Caribbean. Result: Take road to office.

A’ capture’ slip, your drive to the cinema was ‘captured’ by an automatic drive to office routine.

Plan: Forgotten: Result: Why am I in this room? What am I looking for? ‘Loss of activation’ slips when you lose track of what you’re trying to do.

Prevention of errors

Think ahead, to spot the type of tasks that are extremely prone to error; in fact the characteristics of error provoking tasks have been enumerated-

Why I always leave the last page of the original in the photocopier

The foremost scientist in the study of human error is Professor Reason (honestly!) He recently wrote a paper after studying students’ omission errors at a photocopying machine:

Combating Omission errors through task analysis and good reminders J. Reason

Reason correctly predicted that the most frequent photocopying omission error (15 others were classified) would be to leave the last page of the original in the photocopier because it met four error provoking conditions:

1/The closed lid concealed the last sheet2/ the emergence of the last sheet is a false completion signal, 3/ This false completion signal comes at the end of a boring job when you are naturally thinking of the next task, 4/ removing the last page of document is now a functionally isolated act, because up to that point the removal of a document page was cued by the need to put in the next page.

Here’s a full list of some characteristics of error provoking tasks

Error Provoking Tasks

Those carried out when we are distracted, stressed or under pressure.

Those in which strongly habitual actions interfere with our intended action e.g. The capture error above which involved a planned departure from the usual route.

Technology related Mode errors. A whole new kind, often incorporating poor machine design with human error: e.g. Getting the num Lk button stuck on and wondering why y64 are ty*5ng r4bb5sh ? Or trying to take the lid of the food mixer when it’s locked in programme set mode.

When the step is very demanding on working memory.

Steps in which the object is hidden from view(e.g. last page of original document in a photocopier)

Repetitive steps are prone to omission e.g. transferring figures to accounts.

Steps following interruption- you lose your place in the action sequence.

Steps that are isolated- i.e. Are not necessarily cued by the previous steps.(see photocopier again)

Steps that are triggered by weak or ambiguous signals e.g. point of jam set in jam making.

Error Reduction

- Redesign

So you know what tasks are error provoking, how can you prevent errors?

Occasionally it’s possible to redesign your workspace to eliminate an irritating error. ur. E.g. you make tea more often then coffee. When you want coffee you automatically make yourself tea. Using a coffee making machine so that the tasks are separated might help.

Or to redesign a task- could you have taken a route to the cinema that did not involve a part drive on the habitual route to work?

-Use of Reminders

Notes and Post its
Diaries
Lists
Writing on back of hand
Ask for reminder from others
Calendars, timetables
Clocks and alarms
Mental checking- routinely running thru the days tasks mentally on waking or before sleeping
Forming associations- links items, actions to be remembered to places or objects
Visualising- imaging the thing to be remembered or rehearsing the whole action-
Finally not on the Professors list, but I’d add mindfulness training

A little more on Visualisation

I suspect the last 4 techniques , being action/perception oriented ,can be powerful for ADHD ers.

I’ve recently started using visualising, it’s effective for me, and has the further beauty that there are no things to keep track of: no paper, notebooks or gadgets

For example

When I go into Brussels, I change from the 44 at Montgomery on to the Erasmus metro or less often, Tram 90. I’ve sometimes found myself boarding the Erasmus metro when I should be on tram 90(the better rehearsed sequence capturing the action.)

So Now on the way to catch the 44 I flash a brief image( a millisecond only no need to stress it) of myself walking past the ticket machines at Montgomery looking for the 90 /93 sign, I refresh the image briefly every time my journey destination crosses my consciousness. Adding sensory reminders also helps, the Bruxellois smell of the waffle booth, the dismal sound of muzak...

I’ll let you know if I catch the wrong tram again!

Visualisation can be extended to mental rehearsal of a whole action sequence you want to get right such as;-

-the timing of actions in cooking an ambitious meal.

Emotionally demanding scenarios may be usefully rehearsed;

-Working through coping when Uncle John gets drunk at Christmas (picture things getting out of hand, yourself engaged in effective damage limitation without getting upset-)

-a difficult interview with your boss

if you want to read more search on using imagery and visualisation in Sport science.

Lastly,

Characteristics of a Good Reminder- The Five C’s

Conspicuous – to Catch attention
Contiguous -Positioned at location and time of necessary action
Context –Cues when and where the action should be remembered
Content- Sufficient information about task
Count-able to tick off the number of actions as they are performed

Web Link: Why we make mistakes

Finally ,Errorsss6s can never be completely eeliminated!

Statement and Petition from Zit Stil about the cost of medication in Belgium

2007-10-24T05:42:00.000-07:00

To sign the petition click here

For many people with ADHD medication is an important part of their treatment and that’s the reason the cost may not be an obstacle. Those medications momentarily available on the market have a different … The survey the centre recently organised shows that a third needs or chooses medication that is not refundable. From the point of view of those in need of this medication, it is irresponsible that there can’t be a free choice.

We get protests from adolescents (18+) and adults with ADHD who are devastated that they are left in the cold. Exactly at the moment that they start college or at the beginning of their professional career, they have to pay the full price for the medication they need to perform their best.

Minister Demotte could have instigated in the refunding protocol the necessity of multidisciplinary diagnosis. This has not happened. As an advocacy group for all people with ADHD, we expect that access to meication is enabled primarily by the diagnosis. Medical budgets that have to be balanced, need to be controlled at the start of the process (diagnosis) and not at the end (the refunding of needed medication)

Of course it is necessary that a thorough ADHD diagnoses is done by professionals. ‘Ordinary’ paediatrics, who have specialised in the diagnosis ADHD, are not considered for the application of the refunding of medication. This contributes to the waiting lists. Even the subsidised centres have waiting lists up to 9 months. These long waiting lists need to disappear.

The GP has a special place in the treatment and guidance of the ADHD family. He/she follows up the child and the family it lives in. Education and training about this disorder is absolutely needed.

Though it is suggested that a pharmacological treatment is only a part of a bigger treatment plan and that other measures are advised (psychological, educational, social…) nothing is put in writing up to this moment. Also the financial support is a big question mark.

The centre ZitStil ‘knowledge and expertise’ defends the interests of all people suffering from ADHD and their environment. The centre offers information, support, training and help and needs to be sufficiently financially supported to do so.

Sign our petition

All necessary ADHD medication needs to be refunded

Adolescents and adults also have to get their medication refunded
A diagnosis of ADHD needs to be done by a team of specialists
Psychological, educational, social treatment with ADHD also needs financial support

The centre ZitStil ‘knowledge and expertise’ defends the interests of all people with ADHD and their environment and needs to be sufficiently financed to do so.

Books we like about ADHD

2007-10-24T05:18:00.001-07:00

Amazon.co.uk Widgets

Upcoming Events

2007-10-09T04:31:00.001-07:00

Dr Stephen Stes will talk about adult ADHD in FLEMISH on October 22^nd in Antwerp (details attached)

AANDACHT voor volwassenen met ADHD

Regio Antwerpen nodigt u uit voor een infoavond met gastspreker

Thema		ADHD op volwassen leeftijd : wat nu ? zicht op de hersenactiviteit & mogelijke behandelingen
Wanneer		maandag 22 oktober 2008 aanvang 20:00 uur (zaal open om 19u30)
Spreker		Steven Stes, psychiater UPC K.U.Leuven, campus Kortenberg gespecialiseerd in ADHD, diagnostiek en behandeling o.a. opgeleid bij Sandra Kooij, psychiater en in Nederland de expert op het gebied van ADHD bij volwassenen
Waar		Heistraat 390, 2610 Wilrijk zaal Rozenkrans - vergaderlokaal Zit Stil, 2e verdieping inkom: 2,5 €

On 29^th November VUB will hold a symposium in honour of the great cognitive psychologist, Michael Posner. He will speak about the ‘Evolution and Development of Attentional networks’.

It’s free, in English and open to the public.

More information here-

vub Posner symposium

However, it’s about the whole field of attention studies (not necessarily including ADHD) and will be academic, but since I know some of you have psychology related backgrounds, I thought I’d give a heads up!

Because to err is human, and we are more human than most

2007-09-30T05:25:00.000-07:00

Subjects for upcoming meetings

24^th October. Error Slips and Mistakes

‘His mind wanders, but we don’t worry, it’s too weak to get far.’ Reader’s digest

Because to err is human, and we are more human than most I thought Error Slips would be a great topic for the group.

Some Background

Mistakes tend to involve planning errors or insufficient knowledge

Error slips, by contrast, arise when we make an unintended deviation from a good plan and occur, usually, when we are in ‘automatic mode’

Some types of Error Slips

Plan: Get up, make coffee.Result: Pour orange juice in coffee.

A description error slip, probably because the orange juice has much in common with milk (appearance of carton, used at breakfast)

Plan: Take family to Pirates of Caribbean. Result:Take road to office.

A’ capture’ slip, your drive to the cinema was ‘captured’ by an automatic drive to office routine.

Plan: Forgotten:Result:Why am I in this room? What am I looking for? ‘Loss of activation’ slip when you lose track of what you’re trying to do.

Objectives: To identify out errors, see if we can work out circumstances of occurrence and a plan to reduce them

I’ll send more info before the meeting

WebLink : Why we make mistakes

December 5th. Talk by Coach Joanne Norris. Subject to be announced.

Group Blog http://adultadhdbelgium.blogspot.com/

Communication in the Workplace for Adults with ADHD.By Kevin Colyer

2007-09-20T03:09:00.000-07:00

“This week... I upset people by sending out something too hastily and had a lot of communication problems as a result of it!”

The ADHD worker/boss:

Face these known challenges:

dislike and distrust of authoritarianism

procrastination

lack of subtlety (people skills)

low self-image

prone to struggle to concentrate

drive for stimulus

despise drudgery

Have theses areas of strength:

knowledge of their personal challenges

creativity

daring and enjoy challenge

thrive on stress

open to new ideas

How it works at all is a mystery!

How to communicate well

What do I want to say?

Make lots of lists of what you need to communicate

Make notes at meetings to help you improve your short term memory

Make sure what I will say is “clear” - think before you speak.

Write notes before telephone calls and meetings.

Double check what you are going to send out before you send it! Beware haste! Seek out friendly proof readers.

To whom to say it

Who needs to know and who doesn't

Keep broad issues open to many and personal issues 1 to 1

When to say it

Beware procrastination – sometime people really need good warning of things (not everyone likes surprises)

Is it a good time?

Will people be able to concentrate?

Will they need to write it down to not forget it?

Are there other issues around? (Multi-cultural/Multi-lingual/Emotional)

How to say it

Beware impulsivity – especially with people you know (Familiarity breeds Contempt. Impulsivity increases with familiarity)

Introverts like to read – they will read notice boards

Extroverts like to hear about it – they read after asking

You will need both approaches

Don't assume that saying something once means people have got it

Say things with warmth, friendliness

Treat people as you would want to be treated (as an adult)

How do I know they got it?

Listening skills!

Invite feedback (may not always get it instantly – give less impulsive people time (even another meeting)

How do I continually improve?

Don't assume you have arrived

Invite others opinions

Listen to the core truth in all criticism

Debrief yourself and set goals for improvement

Read books and plunder knowledge from others

Improving other areas improves communication

Dealing with procrastination – not communicating in time or not having enough time to properly communicate or think through what needs to be communicated.

The Eisenhower Matrix

"The urgent problems are seldom the important ones." - Dwight D. Eisenhower.

High

Q1 - Potentially crisis management

Driven by deadline and never making real progress

Crisis’s

Deadlines

Phone calls

Other peoples messes

(CAN RESULT IN STRESS)

Q2 - Relationship building and making time to plan and prevent crises

Time for prayer meditation

Time for review and reflection

Planning

Recruiting

Training

(THE RIGHT VISION / STEWARDSHIP)

Low

Q3 - Generally reactive

Being seen to be busy

Other peoples messes

Trivial phone calls

Droppers in/Junk Mail

(SHORT TERM FOCUS)

Q4 - More time concerned with wasting time and trivial things

Computer games

Phone calls

Mucking around/too much chatting

(IRRESPONSIBILITY)

Very URGENT Not URGENT

Delegate and try to surround yourself with people who complement your own. You might need to get people to assist you with details and communication

Slowing down and aiming low – realise the thrill of fire-fighting and the thrill of new projects for the less-stress existence of keeping people well communicated and happier around you.

Conflict

Take time to listen – you may not be right!

Try not to take offence – low-self esteem often means we can take things personally

Pro-actively take time to build high emotional bank balances ready for withdrawals!

Always seek to win people not arguments. Your viewpoint is not always the most important thing to hold onto

Avoid words like “always”, “never”. They are not accurate.

Express your feelings to the other person instead of making accusations. Replace, “You hurt me with your angry outburst” with “I felt hurt when you shouted at me today”. Replace “You are clearly wrong in your position and probably stupid too” with “I feel you have mis-understood the point I was trying to make, can I explain myself more fully”.

Take more time to listen and understand the other person. After that explain your point of view. Finally seek a new way forward together. A “third way” is possible – it is not always compromise.

Submission to authority – We have a problem with it. We are probably at fault so lets make active choices and keep our mouths shut!

Often conflict that arises in a team setting is an important phase for a team to constructively pass through to become a performing team. (Forming, Storming, Norming and Performing stages)

Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue!

ADHD Awareness Day today

2007-09-19T02:18:00.001-07:00

Site Map

2007-09-19T02:10:00.000-07:00

Resources for Adults with ADHD

Support Group Meetings Topic Notes

Notes on a variety of ADHD management topics

Clinical Articles

What is ADHD?
by Dr van den Bergh

ADHD, psychostimulants and addiction
by Dr Van den Bergh

In the Press

Please Pay Attention. Article about ADHD in the Expat Community Reproduced by kind permission of the Bulletin

Press statement-ADHD-Europe

Living with ADHD
Members true Stories

September 19th ADHD Awareness Day

2007-09-14T01:45:00.000-07:00

The family Information Group has asked me to publicise their actions to mark ADHD Awareness day:

AD/HD Information Tables at selected international schools in Tervuren, Waterloo and Brussels. AD/HD Awareness flyers distributed to schools, parents, etc. by the group plus separate emails to the schools irrespective of whether they are represented in the AD/HD Family Support Group asking them to display the flyers and to encourage their teachers to get more information. AD/HD Information tables at Back-to-School Nights in Tervuren, Waterloo & Brussels.

Please e-mail if you want to help

Communication- next meeting

2007-09-12T15:12:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, 19^th September, 8 pm

Topic :Group Communication

When you have ADHD there is greater potential for misunderstandings in group situations-

Sources of distraction multiply, and for those of us with processing problems( especially auditory) paying attention is even harder.

Kevin will talk about communication issues at work.

I’ll bring some ideas on other communication issues.

The 19^th is ADHD Awareness day, so I’ll make a cake- if anyone else wants to bring something, that would be very welcome!

I’ll send out an agenda and directions to the meeting this weekend.

Upcoming Dates for autumn meetings : 24^th October and 5^th December

Declaration on children with 'Dys'abilities before European parliament

2007-08-26T05:07:00.000-07:00

Dear friends from "dys" organisations in Europe!

This is to inform you that Members of the European Parliament have drafted WRITTEN DECLARATION 64/2007 on "dys"crimination and social exclusion affecting children with " dys"abilities.

It can be found in all EU languages on the European parliament website:

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/activities/expert/writtenDecl/wdFastOngoing.do?language=EN

What is WD 64/2007 asking for?

– To draw up a charter for "dys" children,

– To encourage the recognition of "dys"-type problems as a handicap,

– To promote best practices regarding:

– making information accessible,

– taking timely steps to spot, screen, systematically diagnose and treat these disorders at an early stage,

– designing effective pedagogical structures within both the ordinary and the specialist educational environment for young children, adolescents and young adults,

– adapting structures for integrating young people with these disabilities into the world of work,

– to promote and encourage the creation of a European multidisciplinary network on specific learning difficulties, and by this means to collect and study information and promote the coordination of cross-border actions, as well as institutional dialogue.

HOW TO WIN ?

It is requested that half+1 Member (393 members) sign the WD, in order to get this text approved as a resolution. See rule: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/activities/expert/writtenDecl.do?language=EN

Contact your national representative in the European Parliament and ask them to sign WD 64/2007

!!! DEADLINE: 25 October 2007!!!

Am I Normal? Radio Programme

2007-08-08T04:56:00.000-07:00

An interesting investigation of ADHD on BBC Radio 4 aired last night.

It will be repeated on radio 4 at 5.30pm English time today, or you can listen to it any time over the internet at

Am I normal?

(Scroll down to programme 2)

AD/HD News Round-up

2007-07-20T05:37:00.000-07:00

In Brussels today:

A Press Release in which the European ombudsman welcomes' the Commission's efforts to facilitate the integration of people with disabilities', but 'more should be done to sensitise the Commission's staff to the needs of people with disabilities.'

In particular the ombudsman criticises insufficient measures to sensitise the Commission's own staff to the needs of people with disabilities,and the inadequacy of the European Schools funding for children with disabilities.

(As the mother of a child with a disability who had to be withdrawn from a European school, I can only say: YES! S.C)

In Britain this week:

Adult AD/HD is not being treated -

BBC news link

ADHD in Belgium, and in the Expat Community

2007-07-20T05:03:00.000-07:00

Please Pay Attention by Gudrun Lake

This article appeared in The Bulletin on 19/04/07 Reproduced by permission

By any standards, Donnalea Barber’s daughter Katherine is an academic success. Having completed the International Baccalaureate in Brussels, she now studies psychology and music at a bilingual Canadian University. But her achievements are particularly impressive considering she has Attention Deficit Disorder (AD/HD), a learning difficulty which she has overcome thanks to determination, her mother’s tenacity and the support of her school.
Many other children in Belgium are not so fortunate. Their parents say support is hard to find and that schools often fail to get the best out of these children A family cannot manage their child’s problems alone and without frontline support in the classroom, these children may face futures with few opportunities.” says Donnalea Barber, of the AD/HD Family Support Group.
As AD/HD is one of the most commonly diagnosed learning disorders, affecting around 3 to 5% of children, there is likely to be a case in almost every class. But child psychologist Dr Magali Coudeville believes it is under diagnosed in this country. Symptoms typically include an inability to concentrate or sit still, forgetfulness, and disorganisation. It is unconnected to intelligence and can range in severity although it may be accompanied by other learning disorders such as dyslexia and autistic spectrum disorders.

But people with AD/HD are often claimed to have special gifts including a creative, adventurous or entrepreneurial streak. Some groups believe that numerous historical and intellectual heavyweights, including Einstein and Mozart, displayed ADHD-type traits.

Early identification and treatment is crucial in helping a child achieve his or her potential. “Attention is the basis for learning. If you can’t focus, you won’t learn ‘says Kristen Pelletier, Head of Learning Support at the International School of Brussels (ISB). “The key is to find the hook: they can focus well on the things that interest them,” The price of failure can be high. “There is a real risk of teenagers with untreated AD/HD opting to self-medicate with illegal drugs or alcohol,” says certified ADHD coach Joanne Norris.

The disorder is still surrounded by myths: that it is caused by bad parenting and that drugs like Ritalin are being used as a pharmaceutical cosh sedating out of control kids for the convenience of teachers and parents. In fact, AD/HD is a neurobiological disorder, described by Education Leadership magazine as a complex syndrome of impairments in the brain’s cognitive management system affecting the ability to organise and start tasks, with children becoming distracted and unable to sustain focus and motivation .

Experts such as Doctor Christopher Green, author of Understanding AD/HD describes medication with drugs such as Ritalin as the single most effective form of therapy for AD/HD helping a child to focus and listen. He also maintains that when used correctly it is both safe and free from side effects.

AD/HD usually lingers into adulthood and there is a strong genetic link. Stephanie Clark, who runs a support group for adult sufferers in Brussels, is herself affected. Her children and grandchildren have also been diagnosed and she suspects her grandmother, who in 1902 was said to be suffering “Moral Conduct Disorder,” most likely had it too. Clark takes medication and describes her life prior to treatment was like being a fog, when simple tasks like following a conversation or doing housework were a challenge.
Diagnosis is usually carried out by a psychologist or psychiatrist, but for expat children or those learning in a second language, this can be tricky. “The early stages of language learning, especially if the children have recently arrived in the country are in a state of culture shock,” said Pelletier of ISB. Treatment may include medication with Ritalin or a variant, with doses carefully adjusted to suit the child. Coudeville says the medication helps with concentration and attention in the classroom. “The benefits can also be seen over the longer term as children feel more positively about themselves.”
Environmental modifications are also recommended. This can mean more dynamic teaching methods in school including the use of visual aids and very structured classes and tasks. The child’s emotional issues also need to be addressed, such as developing self esteem and promoting a positive body image.
The US and Australia are seen to lead the way, both in diagnosis and treatment, but in Belgium the disorder remains shrouded in ignorance and stigma, according to support groups . Stephanie de Schaetzen of TDA/H Belgique said: “There’s very little known about ADHD in the francophone schools and there is inadequate training for teachers. We’ve made a booklet and distributed it and have had some interest, but we are a small organisation.”
Belgium may have one of the best education systems in the world but Machteld Van Ostaede of Flemish support group Zit Stil, says schools too often fail to get the best out of children with special education .
Maria Dolores Poggi of Europe’s Children Our Concern (ECOC), a voluntary organisation which assists children with learning difficulties, agrees. She believes that despite good intentions, there is not enough training about learning disorders in the state schools. Her group has already held workshops in English for teachers on AD/HD and plans to hold its first workshops in French in May. In the meantime, it is often down to psychologists like Coudeville to go to schools to explain her patients’ needs and discuss teaching practices.
AD/HD support groups say the international schools in Brussels lead the way in assisting pupils with the disorder, singling out the International School of Brussels (ISB) singled out by them as the flagship for Special Education Needs (SEN) provision. Kristen Pelletier, Head of Learning Support, says around 12% of their pupils have a learning disability, many of whom involve attention issues.
Belgium support groups stress the importance of picking a school suited to a child’s individual needs. Some parents find that a big school does not neccessarily mean best. Helen (name changed) removed her 16 year-old son with AD/HD from a large international school in favour of one with much smaller class sizes. Although the large school had a good SEN program, the sprawling campus proved too much of a distraction for her son who was prone to wander off.

Belgian support groups recommend parents become their children’s advocates. “They must become experts because this is the only way that they can be sure that their child gets all the necessary support,” said coach Joanne Norris.

As well as developing an excellent rapport with schools, Donnalea Barber says children may need extra academic tutoring. She worked hard to support her daughter’s learning, from inviting experts from abroad to give talks to teachers at school, to sometimes just sitting with her child as she did her homework.
But for some parents, like single mother Marie, the burdens are hard to bear. “It’s a strain,” she says, “I live for my kids but we have conflict; my son doesn’t want me interfering. I’m on call 365 days, if I’m not there, it will not happen.”

Brussels Support Groups

English Speaking Adult Adhd Support Group
Stephanie Clark
Tel: 02 3059030

Association "Hyperactivité et troubles associés - TDA/H Belgique"
Tel: 0484 177 708
Website: www.tdah.be/

AD/HD Family Support Group Brussels (English speaking)

Tel: Donnalea: 02 653 42 00 (evenings)
Email: simon.barber@skynet.be

Zit Stil, (Dutch-Speaking)
03 8303025

Community Help Service CHS runs a mental health centre in Brussels with a professional team of psychologists, psychotherapists and psychiatrists. Tel: 02 647 67 80

Next meeting after the summer- September 19th

2007-07-11T12:04:00.000-07:00

Communication /Handling group relationships e.g. At the Office, with friends etc what can go wrong and what to do about it.

Other Stuff

This article addreses the question ‘Why is so hard to implement self help behavioural change schemes?’ and suggests some strategies

Not for everybody, really V. geeky but -Interesting, very theoretical speculative article by a blogger /self help book author .Any one who has tried to make sense of that nasty split at the point of performance between what your conscious decisions and that other place your attention subsequently sneakily slides to may find this useful.

(Note: Not framed in terms of AD/HD, however the author admits elsewhere to continuing problems with procrastination and disorganisation)

The article is The Multiple Self at Dirt Simple.Org

June 27th Meeting .Coping with poor Working memory

2007-05-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

The next meeting of the adult AD/HD group will be on Wednesday June 27^th.

Topic :Strategies to cope with poor short term and working memory

An experiment to try between now and next meeting-

Can working memory be improved?

Some recent research suggests working memory can be improved workout for working memory and consequently attention also (but small sample size/ linked to the sale of an expensive computer programme) However,two free sites that offer working memory exercises are here-

memory gym

memory game

Let's try them over the next month- and evaluate the results!

ADULT ADHD talk at ECOC

2007-05-15T05:12:00.000-07:00

“AD/HD in ADULTHOOD”

Tuesday 19 June, 2007 18h00, ECOC

Scotland House – 6, Rond - Point Schuman, 1040 Brussels – Eighth Floor

Stephanie Clark has co ordinated the Adult AD/HD support group in the English speaking international community of Brussels for nearly 10 years.

This workshop draws on that experience and is aimed at those affected by adult AD/HD: adults, their families and their employers.

The workshop will take a very brief look at the neurobiological nature of AD/HD, the associated deficits in executive functions and how that impacts adult life focusing especially on the work environment.

About 4% of the workforce exhibits AD/HD symptoms great enough to impair work performance.

The degree of those symptoms exhibited varies and affects adults across the range of abilities: some adults are successful but may experience severe and stressful deficits in areas such as organisation- others will need extensive support to hold a job.

We will consider:

Strategies employees can use to cope with ADHD in the workplace and other support available to them.
Should an employee disclose their AD/HD?
Strategies and accommodations employers/Human Resources can use to support individual AD/HDers.
Good practice models for employment and recruitment of people with disabilities, specifically AD/HD

for notes on this talk click here

ADHD Belgium Family Education Day

2007-05-15T05:10:00.000-07:00

Click for full programme for the AD/HD Family Infomation Day
Why do we need AD/HD Belgium? Click for letter to the ambassador

Full programme for launch of AD/HD Belgium and Family Infomation Day

2007-05-15T03:54:00.002-07:00

Click for poster

Location ULB, Salle Dupréel, Campus Solbosch (Institute of Sociology), Building S, Avenue Jeanne, 44, 1050 Brussels.

Click for links to:

Map and directions by car and directions for public transport

This day marks the launch of cooperation between four Belgian communities to improve awareness of AD/HD issues across Belgium.

Entry is free.We are very grateful to the Prins Filip fond for a donation to cover costs.

Registration is advised.

We open at 9.30

Theoughout the day-

Refreshments, supervised play for children, opportunities to chat with professionals, speakers and support group leaders, DVDs, infomation stands(in all languages), an AD/HD bookstall from Waterstones...

Presentation timetable (Please note the language of the presentations)

9.30 Welcome. Introduction to AD/HD Belgium. All languages.

9.45 – 10.30 : AD/HD symptoms /diagnosis/ treatment.

Language French

Dr. Isabelle Massat. AD/HD Unit.Erasmus Hospital

10.35 – 11.20 : Managing behavioural problems using limits and rewards

Language :German

Irene Decae: leader: Rat und Tref

11.25 – 12.10 : Behavioural therapy – insights for managing ADHD at home

language:Dutch Rita Bollaert: formerly of zit stil

12.15 – 13.00

Language: English Creating a structured environment: A balanced and positive approach

Joanne Norris: Coach

13.05 - 13.50 Managing behavioural problems using limits and rewards

Language :German

Irene Decae: leader: Rat und Tref

13.55 - 14.40 AD/HD symptoms /diagnosis/ treatment.

Language:French

Dr. Isabelle Massat. AD/HD Unit.Erasmus Hospital

14.45 – 15.30 Creating a structured environment: A balanced and positive approach

Language: English Joanne Norris: Coach

15.35 – 16.20 Behavioural therapy – insights for managing ADHD at home

language:Dutch Rita Bollaert: formerly of zit stil

Partners in this event:

TDA/H (French AD/HD Support group): www.TDAH.be

Zitstil (Flemish AD/HD Support group) www.zistil.be

Rat und Tref(the German speaking support group) Irenedecae@skynet.be

AD/HD Family Support group (English-speaking) Simonbarber@skynet.be

AD/HD Adult Support Group (English-speaking) Stephanie.Clark@pandora.be

Why AD/HD Belgium? Click for letter to the ambassador

Why do we need AD/HD Belgium?Letter Inviting the Ambassador

2007-05-15T03:54:00.001-07:00

Our partners in AD/HD Belgium have invited politicians and experts to the launch of AD/HD Belgium- Here is the adult group's letter to the British Ambassador-

Ambassador Kinchen

13th May 2007

Dear Ambassador,

I’m writing as a member of the Adult ADHD Support group, who together with the AD/HD Family Support Group work within the English speaking international population of Belgium. We have members from almost 20 countries, including many British people. This international population is often isolated from health services by language and unfamilarity with local information networks, so we are pleased to be working together across cultures to build AD/HD Belgium, together with Centrum ZitStil (Flemish support group), TDA/H Belgique (French support group) and Patienten Rat & Treff (German-speaking group).

We hope each of us will benefit from this exchange and through this synergy will become stronger. We hope to continue to working together to better the lives and of people with AD/HD, and to raise awareness across Belgium

Despite being the most common mental health condition AD/HD continues to be misunderstood. AD/HD is known to affect 3-5% of school-aged children , in the majority of cases persisting into adulthood , research shows wide disparities both across Europe, and within Belgium in regard to assessment, referral rates, diagnosis, treatment and management for AD/HD. These differences are reflected by lack of knowledge among the professional community, limited access to medication, few resources and insufficient support for children and adults in both school and the workplace

The launch of AD/HD Belgium will be marked by an AD/HD family education day on June 2nd, 2007 at ULB, Salle Dupréel, Campus Solbosch, Institut de sociologie, Avenue Jeanne 44, 1050 Brussels. There will be information and presentations in Flemish, French, English and German:

• Symptoms / Diagnosis / Treatment of ADHD

• Behavioural therapy insights for managing ADHD at home

• Managing behavioural problems using limits and rewards

• Providing balance and a positive environment

We unite in inviting you to our event .We welcome your presence, and the boost that would give to our work within the expatriate community and across Belgium.

Yours sincerely,

Coordinator

Anglophone Adult AD/HD Support

link to full programme for the family infomation day

Launch of AD/HD Belgium

2007-05-12T12:52:00.000-07:00

Launch of AD/HD Belgium and Family Education Day

02 June 2007 -- 09:30 - 17:00

ULB, Salle Dupréel, Campus Solbosch (Institut de sociologie), Building S, Avenue Jeanne - 44, 1050 Brussels.

Family Education Day with information and presentations in Flemish, French, English and German.

Topics will cover four important areas of concern for families who live with AD/HD and/or related conditions:

• Symptoms / Diagnosis / Treatment of ADHD

• Behavioural therapy - insights for managing ADHD at home

• Managing behavioural problems using limits and rewards

• Providing balance and a positive environment

Free Registration. Books about AD/HD and related conditions for sale in each of the different languages. Refreshments & lunch available.

Further details: Donnalea Barber (simon.barber@skynet.be), Joanne Norris (coaching@chello.be) or Stephanie Clark (stephanie.clark@pandora.be).

Spirituality and AD/HD

2007-05-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

The next meeting of the Adult AD/HD support group will be on the 16^th May at 8pm.

Topic notes below. Email for details and location: Stephanie.Clark@pandora.be

Questions and Notes for meeting on AD/HD and Spirituality

What is spirituality?

Something to do with-

-seeking a path through life. a sense of purpose.

-Values

- transcending everyday life/stress connecting with self nature, beauty even scientific wonder.

Why connect AD/HD and spirituality?

-Subjective observation many AD/HD-ers (especially in this group) interested in Spirituality.

- Arguably, There exists a popular perceived connection between AD/HDers and spirituality, witness-:

-Thom Hartmann’s story of Old Souls

- Indigo child movement which gives Adhd-ers a very positive image as prophets of the New Age. So very unfortunate, therefore, that it is quite mad. You can click on this link here to see more sceptic Indigo

-Can we use spirituality to help cope with AD/HD?

to strengthen motivation and discipline weaknesses, perhaps:

To enable us to follow a course of behavioural therapy, coaching or self coaching/ To stick to a mundane programme of organisation/ To curb impulsive behaviours

-Do you have any spiritual practices that help you?

K. A missionary with ADHD, will speak briefly from his perspective .

And S will talk about a spiritual approach to the treatment of Stress-AD/HD

- the mindfulness programme of cognitive behavioural therapy at Middelheim hospital in Antwerp. It incorporates Dharmic concepts of mindfulness (staying present, focussing on the present task) with meditation to combat stress and depression. Other countries have developed the technique specifically for ADHD cognitive behavioural therapy.

A little more on the mindfulness course from S:

It was given in Dutch by a heavy-accented though extremely competent, even
brilliant Canadian lady who is a neurologist, Dr. Barbara Pickut.

Info on the course http://www.levenindemaalstroom.be was first designed in the USA by Jon Kabat-Zinn, if that rings a bell...> I found the course very valuable and it had positive effects on my ADD issues almost right from the start.

And that even though I thought the exercises seemed too basic, "standard"
exercises. In fact, when done in the right spirit, they can be a fantastic
clutch for ADD and other people, I believe. It takes some will though.
Always that chicken-and-the-egg question... You need to get around to do the
exercises that make you better at getting around to do things. But not an
irremediably insurmountable obstacle, not even for me.

Notes on Managing ADHD in the extended family

2007-05-11T17:11:00.000-07:00

Notes on managing ADHD in an extended family, garnered from this week.(reprinted from August 2005)

1/When playing boardgames like: Puerto Rico or Amon Re-Don't allow siblings to sit together, or, more crucially, parent and child if both have ADHD and either one is under 30.
2/Don't try to adjudicate in subsequent arguments. If there are cries of 'Mum's licking me'-Don't try and sort out who started it. The back history alone will be longer then a history of Flemings and Walloons. Just announce firmly that the next troublemaker will go to bed.
3/ Take a parrot to the playground with you. It might seem like overload but is distraction. Other park users will queue for audience with parrot, not to complain about your descendents.

Running, with aeroplane noises

2007-05-11T16:47:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed my youngest Grandson's school report:

'C. is very enthusiastic about sport. However, no matter how he tries , he just can't run without making aeroplane noises.'

A Happy, Happy Day

2007-05-11T01:54:00.000-07:00

At three, my youngest grandson was effectively mute except for a few catch phrases, uttered apparently without context . On a bad day he mostly screamed.

Speech therapy didn't help, they began to teach him sign language , until a Ritalin prescription at four got him speaking in sentences,that ,and daughterly patience.But literacy progress remained slow, almost no headway in reading and writing.It's wonderful to see the strides he has made in the last year, in the last six months. That he can take turns with other children, with good grace too.

Yesterday he played a complex game with us and won. Ok he had help. But he was taking turns, not squabbling( unlike some of the other players), sat still(within reasonable parameters). He wrote his score, under instruction( '20' that's a two and a zero). Some achievement for a kid, with no binocular vision (uncorrectable because his brain couldn't redadjust when lenses were tried.)

He finished the evening watching 'Lost' reruns , swaddled tightly, as autistic spectrum children favour, in any loose bed coverings and furniture upholstery. Face as bright with enthusiasm and intelligence as I have ever seen it.
Fell suddenly asleep. When we awoke him fearing the bad temper that would normally arise from his failure to cope with sudden change-

he said: "This has been a happy, happy day." and went to bed.

Adult ADHD Support Anglophone Belgium

Sleep and ADHD

How to turn ideas into reality

Maintaining Relationships with ADHD

Anxiety,CBT and ADHD

Concentration for people with ADHD

What is ADHD?

Non genetic factors that have been proposed as causes of ADHD

ADHD - A Social construct? A look at some criticisms of ADHD as a disorder.

Neurofeedback for ADHD and free will

Cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD. Speaker Elena Massey

Mulilingual ADHD Awareness Conference with Dr. Kewley and others

AD/HD awareness and activity Day ▪European AD/HD Awareness Week 2009

What does ADHD mean to you?

ADHD-Europe-Diagnosis and Treatment of ADHD in Europe;differences, problems and Progess by Stephanie Clark

EUROPEAN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FAIL THE AD/HD TEST Press release ADHD-Europe.

Upcoming meetings

Meeting 14th January

Time Management

ADHD, and PSYCHOSTIMULANTS and ADDICTION

Our Favourite Adhd Related Quotes

Members True Stories of living with ADHD

What is ADHD?

Nice Guidelines for treatment and diagnosis of ADHD in the UK-Nice-er then I thought but the press liesI

Next Meeting ADHD Favourite Quotes and some interesting links

ADHD and Failure at the Point of Perfomance. Why Don't we just do it?

AD/HD Conference , Sari Solden, Steve Chinn, Cordula Neuhaus and Dr Ellen Littman October 8th

ADHD Resources- Support Group Topic Notes

ADHD and the point of perfomance

NICE regulations on ADHD Medication and All in the Mind

Handling Conflict at Work by Kevin Colyer

When you are in a conflict what outcome are you looking for?

Tools for resolving conflict:

How to resolve conflicts

Phrases that are hard to say but can make a huge difference:

How to make conflicts much much worse...

Conflicts that you can't resolve (despite trying)

Strengths and Weaknesses that ADHD sufferers can bring into conflicts

Is ADHD an advantage for Nomads?

ADHD and absenteism

Diane Zaccheo tonight

Dianne Zaccheo, MSW FTC

Room 107, 1st Floor, International Community Centre (ICC)

Kattenberg 19

1170 Brussels (Watermael-Boitsfort)

Procrastination

AD/HD at Work- Solutions for employees and employers

dianne Zaccheo

Invite you to an evening with:

Dianne Zaccheo, MSW FTC

1050 Brussels

William James

Books and ADHD

Next meeting:Attention:An interview with Michael Posner

Some dates for the first two meetings of next year

strategies and solutions:Helping Adults Maximise their Potential

Action Slips, Lapses and Mistakes

Statement and Petition from Zit Stil about the cost of medication in Belgium

Books we like about ADHD

Upcoming Events

Because to err is human, and we are more human than most

Communication in the Workplace for Adults with ADHD.By Kevin Colyer

How to communicate well

What do I want to say?

Improving other areas improves communication

Conflict

ADHD Awareness Day today

Site Map

September 19th ADHD Awareness Day

Communication- next meeting

Declaration on children with 'Dys'abilities before European parliament

Am I Normal? Radio Programme

AD/HD News Round-up

ADHD in Belgium, and in the Expat Community

Next meeting after the summer- September 19th

June 27th Meeting .Coping with poor Working memory

ADULT ADHD talk at ECOC

“AD/HD in ADULTHOOD”

Tuesday 19 June, 2007 18h00, ECOC

Scotland House – 6, Rond - Point Schuman, 1040 Brussels – Eighth Floor

Room 107, 1^st Floor, International Community Centre (ICC)