• Fibromyalgia

• AD/HD

• Hormonal Imbalance

• Chronic Pain

• Low Energy

• Sleep Problems

depression, fatigue
variability in symptoms
headaches
hemorrhoids
poor "circulation"
reflux, stomachaches
sleep disturbances
sleep apnea
worse under stress
better with good diet and exercise
defective immune system in many
(autoimmune problems)
can be mild to severe, so
can cause no dysfunction
to severe dysfunction

No specific abnormalities
show up on routine lab tests or X-rays, but
PET scans show decreased circulation to frontal lobes.


4. Autonomic Dysfunction Disorder = the "real ADD" (and FMS)?
Autonomic nervous system (ANS) =
sympathetic nervous system +
parasympathetic nervous system +
enteric nervous system +
endocrine system

Main neurotransmitters:
norepinephrine,
epinephrine (adrenaline),
and dopamine


5. Other conditions which have autonomic dysfunction and, therefore,
similarities to ADD and FMS:
AIDS
Alzheimer’s
chronic fatigue syndrome
irritable bowel syndrome
multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome
myofascial pain syndrome
multiple sclerosis
Parkinson’s disease
post-traumatic stress syndrome
restless legs syndrome
rheumatoid arthritis
systemic lupus erythematosus
other autoimmune disorders
TMJ dysfunction


6. Conditions which improve on stimulants or cortisone:
arthralgias, arthritis, asthma,
respiratory allergies, eczema, bronchitis,
erythema multiforme, "fine bumps",
(arms), itching, muscle aches,
psoriasis, skin rashes, urticaria


7. Possible mechanism of action with stimulants:
In underproducers, they may cause adrenal glands to put out more
cortisol and adrenaline through direct stimulation.

In overproducers, they may cause adrenals to stop overproduction of
cortisol and adrenaline, through a feedback mechanism at the level of the hypothalamus.

The stimulants also seem to increase the availability of
Dopamine and Norepinephrine at the level of the synapses.


8. Stimulants (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall, Metadate, Dexedrine, etc.)
for FMS and ADD?

Why might they be used?
relatively inexpensive -- well worth the expense!
long-term safety profile well established (despite sensational reports by nay-sayers)
work better than narcotics, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, NSAIDs (remains to be proven)
no side effects at the right dose -- [The RIGHT DOSE = the dose which produces optimal benefit with NO side effects.]

Why might they NOT be used?
approved for only ADD and narcolepsy at this time
controlled drug (class II), along with narcotics
fear of investigation by state agents, for doctors who prescribe a lot of them
concern for drug abuse, but not a problem in people who need them
have to be individually handwritten and signed by the doctor--no refills


9. Tests that might show the connection:
(before and after stimulant therapy)

EEG
PET scans
serum cortisol,
neurotransmitters
measures of coordination,
balance, and muscle tension


10. Good ADD resources:
www.add-fibromyalgia.com
www.drjensen.com
www.amenclinic.com

Driven to Distraction,
by Drs. Hallowell and Ratey

Healing ADD,
by Dr. Daniel G. Amen

The Attending Physician,
by Dr. Stephen Copps

Diagnosis and Treatment of Brain Chemical Imbalance,
by Martin T. Jensen, MD


11. Good FMS resources:
www.hometown.aol.com/kathyfms/

www.fmnetnews.com

www.sover.net/~devstar/

www.sounddoctrin.com


The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him;
and he will show them his covenant. Psalm 25:14

For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. Psalm 103:11