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printer friendlyAlternative Treatments for ADHD: The Which, What, Why, When, and How
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Editor's Note: The words of the article's author will be in normal print while text of other authors cited will be formatted as a blockquote.
It never fails to amaze me when people call to tell me they think they have ADHD and then, in the next breathe, they tell me they don't want to take medication. Instead, they want me to tell them about the alternative treatments.
In this article I will discuss:
- What "alternative medicine" is and how it relates to biomedicine or conventional medicine.
- Why I believe conventional medicine should be tried first.
- Reasons, both valid and suspect, why those with ADHD explore alternative treatments
- What you should know before pursuing the "alternatives"
- And finally, what some of the alternatives are and what I have heard about their effectiveness.
What is "Alternative Medicine?"
Editors note: Much of the following material is from Five Steps to Selecting the Best Alternative Medicine by Mary and Michael Morton.
Because alternative medicine is many things to many people, there is no one line answer that would define the term simply and clearly to satisfy everyone. This reason alone is why it can be so difficult for some people to get a clear sense of what alternative medicine is-and what it is not. The truth is that one simple definition can't possibly describe all that is now considered "alternative medicine." Given this, what follows are several "answers" to the question, all considered being "right" according to various experts.
Alternative medicine is made up of a rich array of techniques, modalities, and medical systems that are, for the most part, still unfamiliar to the majority of the public. They are, therefore, as a whole, an "alternative" to what most Americans are using when they need health care. Much of what is labeled alternative medicine comes to us from other cultures or from ancient healing traditions. For example, the use of herbs as medicine is an ancient practice found all over the world. Interestingly, some of what is labeled alternative medicine originated in the United States. Chiropractic medicine, naturopathic medicine (as a formal system of medicine) and osteopathic medicine all have their origins in the U.S.
Contrary to popular belief, many alternative medical techniques are used everyday by people from all walks of life. While the words "alternative medicine" may conjure up some pretty exotic images, many of these therapies are more familiar than you think. If you've ever massaged your temples to ease a headache, applied an ice pack to a sprained ankle, or listened to your car radio to de-stress during a traffic jam, you've already practiced some simple natural healing techniques.
The World Health Organization estimates that between 65 and 80 percent of the world's population (about 3 billion people) rely on traditional (read: alternative) medicine as their primary form of health care. They further state that when these traditional treatments are introduced into Western culture, they are seen as complementary or alternative.
"Alternative medicine" is also defined by what it is not. According to Dr. Eisenberg of Harvard Medical School, alternative medicines are "medical interventions not taught widely at U.S. medical schools or generally available at U.S. hospitals." Dr. Wayne Jones, director of the Office of Alternative Medicine (OAM) at the National Institute of Health (NIH) gives the following definition, "Complementary and alternative medicine is defined through a social process as those practices that do not form a part of the dominant system for managing health and disease." These two definitions, though currently accurate, will soon be dated. An increasing number of medical schools are now offering courses in alternative medicine for their students, and some hospitals already have alternative medicine department
There are a number of philosophical and practical differences between alternative and conventional medicine. Probably the most important difference is that alternative medicine is founded on a deep belief in the healing power of nature. Alternative medical providers accept that within us is a natural ability to heal, an inherent recuperative power that is the key to all healing. The alternative practitioner believes his or her job is to support and stimulate this natural health ability inherent in each patient.
Biomedicine or conventional medicine has historically tried to reduce the healing process to a series of physiological, physical and chemical reactions that can be measured and documented by modern science. Conventional medicine places more value on technique and technology than on the inherent healing power of nature. Conventional medicine has historically tried to replace the body's natural healing response by quickly removing symptoms.
Since one of the primary goals of alternative medicine is to stimulate the body's natural healing response and to let nature take its course, improvement can take longer to see. Some people find the slower rate of recovery frustrating if they are accustomed to immediate result from conventional medical treatments.
Many alternative treatments use natural substances such as herbs, botanicals, homeopathics, nutritional supplements and whole foods. There is a general belief among naturopathic doctors that the use of whole or natural products to treat maladies adds more to the healing process than their synthesized counterparts. While many synthesized pharmaceuticals may be more potent and fast acting, they also may come with unpleasant side effects. On the other hand,natural substances are believed to produce fewer side effects. Editor's Note:highlighting of these key words in the Morton's text was done by this newsletter's editor.)
Biomedicine has historically been perceived as more "physician centered," in which the doctor's opinions and beliefs are considered more important than the patient's. High quality, alternative medicine, typically is first and foremost "patient centered." The feelings, beliefs and opinions of the patients are essential elements in the treatment decision making process. High quality alternative medicine is founded on a deep appreciation of the wonder and mystery of being a unique human being. "The return to health is a road which each person must walk according to his or her unique individuality. It is also a road that needs to address one's entire being, taking into account one's mental, emotional, and physical aspects, as well as the structural, biochemical, and energetic components that shape each of us." (Burton Goldberg, Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide)
While I am not opposed to experimenting and trying out alternatives, to find whatever we think might be helpful in our quest to conquer our ADHD, I also think we should not be throwing out the baby with the bath water. Conventional medicine and medication does work! Read the comments of Dr. Bill Dodson, psychiatrist from his presentation at the fall l996 meeting of the Southern Psychiatric Association.
Medication is the cornerstone of therapy.
"While it is true that medication is only the beginning of the treatment of the many facets of ADHD, it must be emphasized that it is the essential one. Without well-regulated medication intervention, all other interventions are doomed to failure. …Neither behavioral nor cognitive therapies have any lasting effect unless the patient was also taking stimulant medication. Stimulant medications are where everyone should start. (Editor's note: unless they have other health reasons for not taking stimulants.) [They should not be] the treatment of last resort, when everything else has failed.
Exhaust the stimulant medications first Although there have been more than 40 medications that have been shown to be some effect on ADHD and ADHD, there are really only two first line medications. These medications are schedule II controlled substances and are referred to as psychostimulants.
- Methylphenidate
- (brand name: Ritalin/Concerta)
- Amphetamine
- (brand names: Dexedrine/Adderall)
There are now over 150 controlled double-blind studies showing the efficacy and safety of the psycho-stimulants even with patients with comorbid eating disorders, chemical dependency and bipolar disorder. There is now, too,a new non-stimulant drug that has been found helpful for ADHD, Strattera. All other medications should be reserved for the exceedingly rare person who cannot be managed with stimulants or with Strattera.
Virtually 100% of patients respond to stimulants class medications
Although most textbooks you read say the response rate is about 70%, continuous performance testing has not clearly demonstrated that the "non-responders" to stimulant medications actually respond to a dose that is lower than the lowest dosage form currently manufactured."
Medications are standardized
Even with generics, you know that certain standards for quality control have been met. The product you purchase will be consistent over time. Medications, when properly pre-scribed by a physician, are usually covered by medical insurance and stimulant medications have proven effective in treating ADHD. So, in spite of all these pluses for stimulant medications in the treatment of ADHD, why are adults with ADHD continually seeking the "alternatives." I have several theories.
First, we like the search. It is stimulating for us to explore, to learn more, to challenge the givens. Sure, traditional medications may be great, but what else is out there? How can I be sure there isn't something else that would help me even more?
We like to be independent, to make their own discoveries, to not be dictated to. Instead of being told by their physician, take this medicine three times a day at such and such a dose, the "alternatives" are more open, more free. Try it for a month, two months, three months and see if it helps. Start at this dose, but modify as you think appropriate.
This more casual approach appeals to us, as it's not so iconoclastic. Taking an "alternative" doesn't feel so life and death. It's not so terrible if we mess up and miss one or more doses. Most of the alternatives involve taking something once a day, unlike the prescription medicines that usually require frequent dosing at particular times of day.
Some adults with ADHD do not like the hassle that goes with obtaining their schedule II medication or they may not be functioning well enough (i.e. meaning being organized) to follow the needed routine—....to obtain a written prescription every thirty days from their physician and deliver it, in person, to the pharmacy. Call-ins of these prescriptions are not allowed.
Some with ADHD may not want the stigma that has become associated with an ADHD diagnosis. They may recognize they have several symptoms of the disorder, but do not want to be diagnosed with this condition. They would like to try some "treatments" on their own.
Others, I believe, who seek alternative treatments without first obtaining a diagnosis and trying medications from a conventional physician, are in denial about having ADHD. They tell themselves, "If I don't have to take medicine for it, then it is not all that bad." These people try to "normalize" an ADHD diagnosis by finding an "alternate" to treat it. Of course, some people cannot afford a proper diagnosis but want to obtain help in what ever way then can. Alternative treatments can be available to them without the expense of proper diagnosis. I consider this approach very foolhardy. Some of your best-spent money will be on a proper diagnosis of your ADHD and trials with stimulant medication.
Others seek the "alternatives" because they are fearful about taking Class II control substances. They may be misinformed about the safety of these medications or they may have a history of substance abuse and are fearful of becoming re-addicted to a medication.
The media, as well as many alternative treatments for ADHD in the marketing of their products, have done a fantastic job, in scaring the public about ADHD and the medicines used to treat this disorder. There is a widespread and faulty perception that ADHD is over-diagnosed and that the psycho-stimulants taken for ADHD are bad, harmful, or even worse, addictive.
In addition, unknowing and uninformed friends, teachers, family etc., heighten these concerns with their all-knowing, judgmental comments on how ADHD doesn't really exist, how they would never put their child on such dangerous drugs, how we are becoming a culture where every problem gets treated with a pill, and how no one wants to take responsibility for their behavior.
To combat such harmful perceptions, we need to educate others and ourselves. Dr. Corydon Clark, psychiatrist says,
A recent public survey on what causes mental illness, (which includes ADHD and ADHD) had the following, startling, responses: (Source: Essential Psycho-pharmacology, Stephen Stahl, MD, Cambridge Univ. Press, l996, pg 100)
- 71% felt it was due to emotional weakness
- 65% caused by bad parenting
- 45% victim's fault, they could control these behaviors if they chose to
- 35% consequent of sinful behavior
- 10% has a biological basis, involves the brain
Such public perceptions are very powerful as they have important political, social and emotional impact. When Ann Landers labels ADHD as "over-diagnosed," despite the fact she does so on the basis of no scientific data whatever, as well as we all know, in direct conflict with nation wide data, she actually has influ-enced more peoples' opinions than all the professors of psychiatry and all specialists in ADHD combined. Ignorance about the science of ADHD has completely eluded people whose public opinions influence most Americans. It is our conjoint duty, as parents, adults with this condition, and professionals who treat this condition, to try to re-shape these erroneous public perceptions and develop a more scientifically competent public understanding.
Because the public perception about ADHD and medications for it have been so widely misrepresented, the American Medical Association (AMA) recently issued the results of a study conducted by their Council on Scientific Affairs in the April 8, l998 issue of "The Journal of the American Medical Association". This study found that (1) ADHD is one of the best researched disorders in medicine. (2) ADHD is not over-diagnosed or widely misdiagnosed in the United States and (3) stimulants used to treat the disorder are not being over- prescribed. The study concludes that the concern about over-diagnosing and over-prescribing seems to have arisen because the medications "are simply being used more broadly, for longer periods, and without interruptions in recent years than was done previously.
Parents of children with ADHD and adults with ADHD suffer when they are misinformed about ADHD and prescription medicines. When I hear "stereotypical" comments about the dangers of the psychostimulants, I encourage the speaker to become better educated. I direct them to the excellent booklet produced by the National Institute for Mental Health on ADHD which can be obtained for downloaded for free from the web site of the National Institute of Mental Health.
For those who worry about becoming addicted to stimulant medication, Dr. Dodson writes, "The psycho-stimulants are not addictive. They are, however, abusable, although this is rare. Well regulated medication renders people with ADHD "normal" and over-dosing produces an unpleasant "zombie-effect." If a patient or family member has concerns about addiction, just remind them how hard it is for them to remember to take their medication on time!"
For those with a history of alcoholism or other drug addiction, who now have an ADHD diagnosis, read Wendy Richardson's book on ADHD and Addictions, Getting the Help You Deserve. (See Bookstore.)
Then there is a group of adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD and have worked long and hard with a conventional physician on their medications, but without good result. Each medicine they try seems to have side effects to such a degree that they cannot or will not tolerate taking the medicine. These adults are desperate for help from whatever source.
Another group is those individuals who rarely seek help from conventional medical practitioners as this kind of medicine opposes their philosophical beliefs. Occasionally, in this group I will see someone who has no trouble seeking medical help for all kinds of ailments, excepting their ADHD. These people, I believe are, in denial about having ADHD, or are improperly informed about the nature of their illness and the helpful role played by stimulant medications.
What you should know before pursuing the alternatives
1. Become a savvy health care consumer. The Mortons in their book Five Steps to Selecting the Best Alternative Medicine suggest you ask yourself the following questions in seeking your medical care. a. What are the best treatments available in the world today for my health care condition/diagnosis? b. Are those treatments proven effective? c. How do I know if the information is reliable?
They stress the importance of being an informed consumer and that you seek information from your doctor and other health care providers; from other patients and friends; libraries, the Internet, medical and health service organization, support group and professional organizations and trade associations. They go on to say that it is important that you get the right information about any modality of alternative medicine so that you are not swayed by blind faith, by faulty information or "a good line."
Evaluate the safety, efficacy and costs of any proposed treatment
The Mortons go on to say, "In the United States, "safe" means a treatment method has been endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Most of the treatments that are labeled as alternative medicine have not received this endorsement, and it's possible they never will. The expenses involved in obtaining FDA approval are high. Because most nutritional or behavioral approaches cannot be patented, there is little likelihood any investment in research on such approaches would produce a financial return. This means many alternative therapies will never be candidates for the formal research process.
Although the US government does not evaluate the efficacy and safety of many alternative treatments, many European countries do. They use a standard of "the doctrine of reasonable certainty" when a substance has a long history of effective use. Similarly, the World Health Organization, in its Guidelines for the Assessment of Herbal Medicines, states that a substance's historical use is a valid way to document safety and efficacy in the absence of scientific evidence to the contrary….....You can reasonably assume that licensed alternative providers use treatments and techniques that are safe when used correctly.
But what guidelines can you use when you want to try a product recommended by a friend, and now readily available at your corner grocery store? Read, question, evaluate, cogitate, determine possible costs/benefits against possible risks, and then take a leap of faith. I suggest that you only try one new thing at a time. Be scientific about it. Start with a small amount, slowly increase dose over several days to you achieve recommended amount, monitor for changes in anything about yourself, both positive and negative. Contrary to popular belief, alternatives can have side effects and alternatives are not always benign.
Further cautions
Editor's Note: Items with an * are adaptations of the article " Ten Ways to Avoid Being Quacked." at www.quackwatch.com).
Stay away from items sold by network marketing. Many of the products they sell, and claim are uniquely theirs, are available from other sources for much less much money.
Be alert to over-stated or exaggerated claims. How could something be so good and still be so little known?
Use caution with products that claim to treat a wide variety of ailments, from ADHD to arthritis and whatever else may ail you.
*Remember that quackery seldom looks outlandish. Its promoters often use scientific terms and quote (or misquote) from scientific references. They use pseudo medical jargon which sounds impressive but really says nothing. Words like "detoxify" your body, "balance" its chemistry, or "correct "weaknesses" of various organs are really gobbledy gook. The authors of such promotional information may have strange initials after their names What does LLPC, CMD stand for? What is their training? What is their background.
Sometimes the authors may have reputable scientific backgrounds but have gotten into marketing so have a vested interest in promoting certain ideas and products. Many times they say there is much research to substantiate their claims, but don't cite the research, or the research appeared in journals that are not highly respected by the professionals in the field, or the research cited is years old and has not been duplicated in recent years. Frequently, they state that research is currently underway and the results will be available in a few years. Sometimes, they say how a certain percentage of their profits are going to a charitable cause. They do all this to sound creditable and worthy.
*Be wary of anecdotes and testimonials. Enthusiasm is not a substitute for scientific evidence. Some are complete fabrications. Testimonials do not give any information on how many tried the product without success, nor how many tried the product and got worse. Many times people spontan-eously improve and then credit the improvement to the alternative treatment.
*Forget about secret cures. If something has been working that well, the knowledge about it would spread. Quacks keep their methods secret to prevent others from demonstrating that they don't work. No one who actually discovered a cure would have reason to keep it secret. If a method works—....especially for a serious disease—....the discovered would gain fame, fortune and personal satisfaction by sharing the discovery with others.
Alternative treatments for ADHD
Diet—Changing what we eat, by eliminating food additives/ sugar/ or particular food items, has long been touted as a cure for ADHD behaviors. While there may be a small number of people with ADHD who are helped by these approaches, because they have allergies to certain substances or are highly impacted by sugar, research has not demonstrated the effectiveness of any dietary changes on ADHD. Similarly, taking megavitamins to improve our nutritional status has not been proven effective as an ADHD treatment.
Of course, eating well (fruits, vegetables and grains with little animal fat) and generally maintaining good health and proper body weight is important to all human beings. Looking your best physically can do lots for self-esteem.
Exercise—Dr. Hallowell is an advocate for exercise. It is good for the mind. It helps us to focus, to de-stress, to work of excess energy, or contrariwise, to energize us when we are in a lull. Exercise produces endorphins so it combats depression and lifts our mood. It can ADHD excitement and fun to our lives in healthy ways. Try skateboarding, roller-blading, sky diving, etc. .
Sex—At an ADHD conference in San Diego, Dr. Hallowell advocated sex three times a week for adults with ADHD. (I'm not sure if that was to be a minimum, (for those who have such distracted lives they never get around to it) or a maximum (for those who also have sexual addictions.) It was a great "keeper" though, to use on those occasions when our partner says, " Not tonight dear. I have a headache" and we can cheerfully reply, "But this is what the Doctor ordered!" Dr. H didn't say what the benefits for ADHD were from thrice weekly sex, but no one questioned him on it.
Consistent, adequate sleep—The amount required can vary with the person, but get the amount that you need to function at your best the next day. People that are sleep deprived make more mistakes, are more irritable, and forgetful. Those with ADHD don't need this!
Socialization and Fun—Again, Dr. Hallowell stresses the importance of staying connected with those we care about. It adds variety to our lives, enhances our lives, and makes us feel better about ourselves when we take time to care about and be with others. The need for fun is self-explanatory.
Reduce Stress in Your Life, Practice Relaxation, Learn Meditation. Anything we can do to make our lives simpler and ourselves calmer and more focused is good.
The more controversial alternative treatments
Although I include my "knowledge" about these treatments, ask yourself, who is the author of this article? Answer: Only an adult with ADHD who was diagnosed five years ago. In some instances, my "knowledge" comes from personal experience; in other instances, from talking with someone who has had a favorable experience with an alternative treatment. Some of my information comes from talking with providers and some of it comes from the Internet. I can't tell you if it is worth anything or if it is even worthy! Take it from here with a grain or two of salt. Listed in order of popularity.
Pycnogenol—Anecdotal reports from several people with ADHD that this has been helpful. Many take only pcynogenol, and no stimulant medication. It has been used in Europe for over 30 years, although I do not know for what problems. Pycnogenol, along with Blue Green Algae and Ginko Bilboa, passes the brain's blood barrier (i.e. it goes into the brain) and is one of the few natural products capable of doing so.
It is sold in health food stores and at Costco. The primary sources are from pine bark and grape seed. It is stated that the grape seed version, while more costly, is more effective. Try both and see if you notice a difference. Dr. Amen will use it on his patients who are reluctant to try stimulants. I read on the internet that one should start with a loading dose for 2-4 weeks of I mg. pycnogenol for each pound you weigh. Then decrease the dose to a maintenance level—the dose at which you feel great and continue to feel alert.
I tried it and found it a great help for a week. Then I started having trouble falling asleep and trouble with frequent urination. As I decreased the dose, the negative side-effects went away, but so did the positive effect of mental alertness and clarity. For a son with ADHD, pcynogenol also proved helpful for about one month when he developed stomach ache, as he had on all stimulant medications
Blue-Green Algae—Often available through network marketing, but also available at health food stores. Shop around for the best price as I think it's all the same, although marketing hype tries to make it sound different. Blue-green algae is a naturally grown in Klamath Lake in Oregon. Spirulina is an algae with many properties of Blue-Green but it is grown in water tubs and it has about 1/6 the potency of Blue Green Algae Try both—compare costs—compare efficacy.
For me both Spirulina and Blue-Green Algae increased my energy level. I no longer needed afternoon naps, had big yawning sessions during the day or had noticeable dips in my energy level during the day. I noticed an increase in my endurance for athletic endeavors.
I continue to take Blue-Green Algae although I had to work with the dose and time of taking it as it can make me wakeful----going to sleep fine but being wide awake at 3 a.m.---and it brings back my hot flashes which are generally well controlled with Premarin. As to what else it is doing to my body, positive or negative, I can't tell you.
Brain wave biofeedback is a technique in which a person is taught to gain control over normally involuntary body functions such as heart rate or blood pressure. When used to treat ADHD, the Adult is trained to increase brain waves that are presumed to be associated with paying attention and to decrease brain waves presumed to be associated with daydreaming.
It has been used as an alternative treatment for ADHD for many years, but has never made much headway as the "establishment" has not recognized it as that useful. Studies that document its effectiveness using appropriate control groups are nonexistent, although Joel Lubar has done studies demonstrating its usefulness in treating ADHD. (visit the web site: www.eegspectrum.com)
Dr. Amen incorporates biofeedback as one of his possible treatments for ADHD. I have read and been told by biofeedback practitioners that it helps some ADHD people wonderfully (over 60%) and they never need medication again. Others receive minimal or no benefit. A big drawback is there is no predicting which group you will fall in. Treatment typically requires 40-60 ½ hour sessions of looking at a computer screen while you "think" your brain waves into different patterns. Each session costs about $50 so total costs run between $3000-6000. How many of us can afford the time and the money this approach would take without knowing if it will make a difference?
In the past five years, another version of biofeedback (or neurofeedback as it is also called) has been developed by Len Ochs in California. His system is a cross between EEG biofeedback and EEG entrainment (photic stimulation) devices. His system is called EEG-Driven Stimulation (EDS) and it is suppose to be helpful with a range of impulse disorders.
The ADHD patient still has his brain waves manipulated to be more like those of a normal person who doesn't have ADHD, but the system is passive. The patient sits quietly with their eyes shut, sessions run only a few minutes several times a week, and the number of sessions required is about 26. Total cost would be less. Again, research is practically non-existent on this system as an effective tool to permentently treat ADHD, but one research project is currently being done in Tacoma.
My son is participating and, although, only partly through with his sessions, we have seen an improvement in his general social awareness and appropriateness. No change in his follow-though or improvement in his procrastination, but we are encou-raged. However, because of the research project, his sessions are only $10 a piece, instead of the usual $50. Can that be swaying our judgment? Hopefully, when the research project is complete, Don Knoblich, the reseacher and an ASW member, will share the results with us.
Gingko Bilboa:It, like pycnogenol and blue-green algae, passes into the brain, and, like them, is a vaso-dialator. It expands the blood cells, and that is why, according to Dr. Ian Nesbit, naturopath in Monroe, WA, it gave me a headache, even at the smallest dose. Dr. Nesbit actually suggests that people with ADHD take all three of these products—psycnogneal, blue-green algae and ginko as they are all good for the brain. Remember to try only one product at a time so you can know what is causing what reaction without also trying to figure out inter-reactions.
Ginseng, Valerian and St. John's Wort have helped some people with some of their ADHD symptoms.
Amino Acids—A social worker with ADHD in Seattle believes that getting her amino acids in balance with the help of a naturopath, has made a huge difference in minimizing her ADHD. She obtained a plasma amino acids report from a clinical lab where they had done a high performance liquid chromatorgraphy (HPLC); They tested all her amino acids. After determining which ones were out of whack, her practitioner prescribed what she needed to correct the problems.
Essential Fatty Acids—I had e-mail from two people asking me about essential fatty acids in the treatment of ADHD. All I know I learned from the Internet. One researcher at an American University says our diet is too heavily weighted with saturated fats (from animals) and that we need a certain balance between the saturated and unsaturated fats for our brains to work well.
The essentail fatty acids(EFA) of Omega 6 and Omega 3 are thought to be particularly helpful. Omega 6 is in flaxseed oil (which I now take as a daily supplement although it is horrible tasting). Omega 3 Poly-unsaturdated fatty acids (PUFA) have been linked to everything from improving schizophrenia symptoms to boosting intelligence. The National Institute of Health recently convened a workshop on these fatty acids, primarily found in fish, and d mental health. Many in Britain have found Evening Primrose Oil helpful for their ADHD, and perhaps its because it is high in Omega 3 EFA.
There are probably other products and treatments not included above that have been helpful to those with ADHD These are the ones most often mentioned. None seem to be helpful to everyone. Will any be helpful to you?
Cynthia Hammer was diagnosed 11 years ago at age 49 with ADHD. Her life improved so much after the diagnosis that she started a support group in Tacoma for adults with ADHD. From that small beginning, ADHD Resources, a non-profit organization, has now grown to a national organization with over 800 members with Cynthia serving as it's part-time director.
