Larry's Story- An adult with untreated ADHD

Larry is a fourty-three year old real estate agent who lives alone. He has three children from two different marriages. He has held many different jobs in sales. He briefly attended a community college, but never received a degree. Everyone who meets Larry likes him, but all of his employers perceive him to be irresponsible and careless. Both of his marriages ended due to financial strains and his inconsistent job history. There have been three episodes of depression. In his mid twenties, Larry had difficulties with excessive alcohol use, and briefly lost his drivers license due to a DWI charge. His parents and teachers always thought him to be smart, but accused him of being "lazy". Larry was eventually accurately diagnosed with ADHD. He finally received treatment and readily admits that his life is finally stable for the first time.
Larry's story is a great example of some of the potential consequences of not treating ADHD. Whenever a medical decision is being made, it is vital to understand the risks of not treating the condition. This is also true for ADHD.

(Adapted from Making the Connection: A Parent's Guide to Medication in ADHD- p 17-19)

Does Sugar cause ADHD?

I meet many parents who wonder whether their children's sugar intake is causing ADHD. Currently, there is no research evidence that this is the case. There are studies that have compared kids on sugar and off of sugar. These studies show that there is no link between sugar in kids and attention or behavior problems. However, parents need to exercise common sense and good judgment. There are many legitimate reasons to limit your children's sugar intake such as good nutrition. Unfortuantely limiting sugar intake does not result in an amelioration of ADHD symptoms.

Introduction

The goal of this blog is to discuss and comment on the most current information and research that relates to the treatment of ADD/ADHD. This will include discussing medications as well as non-medications treatment.