These “experts” will tell us that there are no tests for ADHD (what they mean is that there are no blood tests, and therefore no “tests”) and therefore ADHD is not a real medical problem. They are apparently ignorant of the fact that there are no “tests” for pneumonia either (at least no blood tests), so I guess it’s not a real problem either.

The talk show “experts” will also be critical of the fact that most medications used for ADHD are stimulants – “just like cocaine” is the most common phrase used. And they will discuss their opinion that stimulants should not be used to treat hyperactivity, and that it just makes kids “zombies.”

I am so tired of hearing spokesmen from the Church of Scientology, and their Citizen’s Committee for Human Rights, posing as “experts” on ADHD.

And this is coming from a guy who actually makes money when one of my website visitors wants to try an excellent alternative to Ritalin – Attend. It is in my best financial interest for these posers to scare everyone away from stimulants for ADHD. The problem is that stimulants like Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine, are valuable tools in the treatment of ADHD. They aren’t the only tools, but they are valuable tools.

Now a study from the University of Wisconsin- Madison is helping us to understand more clearly how stimulant medications work in the treatment of ADHD.

The researchers confirm what we have been saying for years, that stimulant medications used for ADHD target the prefrontal cortex, increasing blood flow and increasing the production of two neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine. The researchers found these changes with even low doses of the stimulants. Dopamine is thought to play a role in memory, while norepinephrine has been linked with arousal and attentiveness.

The complete study is in the Journal of Biological Psychiatry.

Read more about the Neurology of ADHD

Read more about the Different Types of ADHD

The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD include Ritalin (Methylphenidate), Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine), ADDerall, and Cylert (Sodium Pemoline). Ritalin is the most commonly used stimulant. About 90% of all patients who decide to use stimulants for their ADHD will at some point use Ritalin. It is the most predictable of the stimulants.

ADDerall is the new "up and coming" medication, as it lasts about six hours per dose, and is less "harsh" than Ritalin. Patients like it because it is "smoother" than Ritalin, as it goes into the system slower and leaves the system more gradually. Since it lasts longer than Ritalin, children can take a dose in the morning and not have to take another dose until after school, if at all. Lots of kids like not having to go to the office to get their medicine during lunch time.

We never recommend Cylert. Never. Pulled from use entirely in Canada, it may cause liver damage in children or adults. Besides, it is just not that effective for most people. The nutraceutical "Attend" is more effective using amino acids and essential fatty acids. If it's between Cylert and anything else, take the anything else.

We are not opposed to the use of stimulant medications like ritalin or adderall, provided that the physician knows what he or she is doing. We would prefer that parents try other interventions first, however, such as diet and/or nutraceuticals. The alternatives can be very effective as well, and should be considered as a treatment option.

Yes, we have hundreds of medication success stories. Yes, we have some horror stories as well. Remember, any medication, including Ritalin, ADDerall, Dexedrine, and other stimulants used for treating attention deficit disorders, can have bad side effects. That's why you must use a good doctor. For great information on medications used for Attention Deficit Disorder please visit the ADHD Information Library at http://www.newideas.net.

ATTEND has over 70 specific ingredients. Clinically tested - by our own Dr. Cowan - in 1996-97, and manufactured by VAXA International. It works or your money back!