Valentine’s day that passed recently reminds me that there are more profound realities than myself and related busyness. The holiday about love and relationship almost got overlooked, with my over-involvement and preoccupation with what I was doing. Luckily, my wife and something in the news gave a subtle reminder of Valentine’s Day coming. After reflecting on the day’s special significance—love, relationship, and our mutual interdependence—I went into action with roses and a special day together.
Unfortunately, the loveliness of the holiday was diminished by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The dynamics of relationship and choice-making become even more poignant when seeing the tragedy of another war unfolding. I reflected on the relationship between an individual’s emotional and mental functioning and extension to one’s social group, society, or country.
Improper recognition or misdiagnosing of Attention/Focus Problems (AFP) and ADHD (Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder also referred to as ADD) can lead to severe adult problems as:
Severe job compromise or loss
Interference with relationships and family life
Loss of self-esteem
Development of mental and physical health problems
Not getting things done
Discrimination in the workplace
Substance abuse
Disability
Marge* had gone to an ADHD specialist as she was losing her business and marriage. She couldn’t focus or attend to things and felt very scattered. She took a stimulant medication but developed disabling anxiety, panic and depression with suicidal thoughts. She switched her care to a more attentive holistic practitioner. Their work together revealed recent significant trauma. Six months before the onset of her problems, she was assaulted after leaving her place of business. Soon after, she developed severe problems with attention, focus and symptoms of post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). Also, it was found that she had a severe iron deficiency anemia and early signs of thyroid disease. She stopped her stimulant medication, started a PTSD therapy program and started treatment for her other medical issues. Her symptoms rapidly responded to treatment, and now her attention and focus are back to normal. Her business and marriage are now again successful.
* (To protect confidentiality, the above is a composite of many clinical experiences and does not represent an actual person or any prior patients.)
Having attention/focus problems (AFP) and ADHD difficulties can be problematic when an individual finds himself (or herself — gender assumed) in an adverse work or life situation. Examples would be: not being able to relate to others effectively, unable to get work done or meet the demands for performance and productivity. Ill health can develop from being chronically overextended, not getting adequate sleep or from continued stress from the AFP.
There is often discrimination against people with AFP and ADHD in work, academic and social situations; however, attention problems in all forms are common in our population. ADHD, when diagnosed, allows for a workplace or school accommodations under ADA laws (American Disability Act). Many with attention/focus (including ADHD) problems, if minor, would not be considered significantly impaired or disabled, even though they might struggle to remain focused or attentive at times . When in a positive fit with their life situation and operating within their capacity, many with AFP are some of our most creative, talented and productive citizens.
How do you recognize AFP and ADHD?
There are many conditions that can masquerade and significantly contribute to attention/focus problems or the actual condition of ADHD. Information gathering and a holistic consultation can be helpful, especially when there hasn’t been a good response to simple or conventional treatments.
A significant percentage of childhood and adolescent with AFP or ADHD will continue to have symptoms and problems into adulthood. The inattentive type of symptoms seem to be the most prevalent ones in adulthood – as difficulties with organizing, sustaining
attention, distraction, finishing tasks, procrastination, losing things, forgetfulness and making mistakes.
In adults with AFP and ADHD, symptoms as internal restlessness, substance abuse may be common. Less likely symptoms of hyperactivity, difficulties with decision making and poor impulse control could also, though less likely, be present. In Childhood and Adolescent, one would more likely see difficulties with fidgeting, feeling settled, relaxing quietly, talking excessively, intruding into the conversation, blurting out answers, or running & climbing dangerously. See the following links for further information: ADDA,Adult ADD Univ. of Maryland questionnaire and Web MD.
A holistic approach to AFP or ADHD is important especially when:
other safer and more natural approaches may be available
medication are use ahead of careful examination for other causes or contributing factors
marked improvement is possible when other causes or contributing factors are addressed in a person with AFP and ADHD
Contributing factors often overlooked (important to find before considering medication) include:
medication side effects
drug abuse & chemical dependency
medical condition as: thyroid problems, hidden infection, inflammatory diseases, or nutritional deficiencies
mood disorders as bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or past trauma
environmental allergies & sensitivities
family disruption or dysfunction
major losses and worries including financial problems, job loss, marital problems
sleep disturbance
Holistic approaches to AFP and/or ADHD to be considered include:
identifying environmental illness, sensitivities and allergies
improving nutrition with diet with more organic, fresh whole foods, considering supplements as fish oil (omega 3’s), magnesium, zinc, B-vitamins (as B6, folic acid), melatonin, or iron if indicated
Seeking accommodations when needed in educational and organizations settings
behavioral cognitive, family or other holistic therapies, to help modify dysfunctional patterns of interaction or behavior
EEG Biofeedback
It is recommended that if any if these approaches are considered that they be done under the careful supervision of a qualified holistic health-care practitioner.
When I came down with Stage III cancer shortly after and was extremely depressed and anxious about my diagnosis, he prescribed me the right medications to help me. He sent me to a diet/ herbalist/ acupuncturist specializing in cancer. I am a survivor today.
In the fifteen years, we have had the privilege of knowing Dr. Ron Parks, his integrity, knowledge, and humanity have shown in both his professional and personal interactions.
*We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
By using this blog site, viewers acknowledge that they have read, accept and understand the following terms and conditions: This blog site provides information only, not medical or mental health advice. It is the User’s responsibility to direct personal medical or mental health questions to their primary care provider and specialty physicians. This blog site is not intended to do or provide medical advice or consultation. You are advised to seek the advice of your personal physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or problem.
The information and statements contained in this blog site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or to replace the recommendations or advice given to you by your primary or direct care providers. The contents of this website or additional comments are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by professional care givers who have seen you and with whom you have directly worked. Your reliance on any information provided by Dr. Parks, content providers, or comment contributors is solely at your own discretion. You are advised not to disregard medical advice from your primary or direct care providers, or delay seeking medical advice or treatment because of information contained in this website.
This blog site and its materials are the intellectual property of Dr. Parks. Using this material without written permission is prohibited. There is no implied warranty to readers, since health information benefits everyone in their own unique way. Anyone viewing this blog site (ronparksmd.com) agrees to hold harmless and indemnify Dr. Parks regarding any information provided from this website and any ancillary or collateral information contained in the site or to which referenced is made. There are no representations as to accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this blog site and Dr. Parks will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use. The views expressed on this website are those of Dr. Parks or other contributors. Views expressed are not to be inferred to be an endorsement from or by any official government, organization or medical establishment. Management of serious mental or physical health problems should remain under the care and guidance of your primary care physicians, specialist or psychiatrists.
