Last summer Shire Pharmaceuticals came out with their new version of methylphenidate, called DAYTRANA. It is the first and only transdermal medication approved to treat the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

DAYTRANA is methylphenidate (generic name for Ritalin) in a patch, which makes it a very convenient delivery system (one a day dosing).

The response from parents has been mixed.

Parents, and patients, like the convenience of a patch. And they also like the fact that children don’t have to swallow a pill. But the patch can cause side-effects. Skin rashes, sleeplessness, stomach aches and motion sickness are commonly cited. Some parents also complain that they have to fight with their kids to put the patches on, and it leaves a “goo” after taken off.

Imagine a world where your brain is always a bit "foggy," and you do or say things before you really consider whether you should or not. In this world you pay attention to everything, but not enough to the thing you are supposed to pay attention to. In this world everything distracts you, unless you are interested in it. Then you are so focused that you cannot tear yourself away from it.

Imagine the world of ADHD, haunting about 5% of all kids in the US.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a medical condition. It is caused by genetic factors that result in certain neurological differences. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder comes in various forms, and there are five or six different types of ADHD.

In the DSM-IV Diagnostic manual, each of these forms, or "types" of ADHD falls under the diagnostic category of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The main category is then subdivided into ADHD Inattentive Type, or ADHD Impulsive-Hyperactive Type, or ADHD Combined Type. In the recent past, the terms attention deficit disorder "with" or "without" hyperactivity were also commonly used. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder comes in various forms, and truly, no two ADHD kids are exactly alike.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder might affect one, two, or several areas of the brain, resulting in several different "styles" or "profiles" of children (and adults) with ADHD. See http://www.newideas.net/add_types.htm for a good discription of the different types of ADHD.

My son has been using attend sense December 22, 2006, I've notice that he is doing some better but not as well as he needs to in class.

He is still not paying attention well enough to complete his assignments in class. He doesn't take time to read instruction on test to give the correct answers. His comprehension is still not good in reading class.

I've been giving him 2 capsules in the morning and 2 capsules in the evening. I've stopped giving him candy and sweet deserts at home but I think he still gets a sweet desert at school sometimes.

My son weighs 47 pounds and he's in the first grade. The teachers says he may have to repeat the first grade. I need help.

I don't want to give him medication from his doctor because I'm afraid that it may cause long term issues for my son. What can I give my son with the Attend or can I increase the dosage without hurting him?

Hi Mom

Try using our eating recommendations, including the protein drink with a bit of coffee added in the morning, and at lunch time. Try giving 2 capsules in the morning, and 2 in the afternoon (instead of the evening).

Work with him to learn the skills of slowing down and paying attention to the right task. Make him read out loud to you. Help him to improve.

Help him to believe that reading instructions is important. As you already know, few men in the world will read instructions (or ask directions), and his being ADHD just makes this worse as he wants to get right to the work and get it done. He must come to believe in his heart that Fast and Accurate is better than just Fast and Done.

Even if he finally has to use small doses of medication, he must learn these skills.

By the way, 100mg of caffeine (about two cups of coffee, or one medium size at Starbucks) is equivalent to 5mg of Ritalin, which is the dose that would probably work for him. So try the protein shake with the coffee first. It will probably work well along with the Attend.

Also include essential fatty acid supplementation (flax seed oil, fish oils, primrose oil). This is very important as well.

Try these ideas first, along with the Attend. And remember to teach the skills that he needs to be successful. No pill or capsule will give him those skills. They are learned.

I hope this helps.

Doug Cowan