Forums > Introductions > Doc Lightning: the HOP Mad Doctor
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HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
Name: Mike
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA (A.K.A. The Best City In The World)
Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, MI, USA
DOB: 8 July 1977
Age: 34
Sex: I'm married, so not very often anymore.
Gender: OH! You meant THAT! I am biologically male and I identify as such.
Occupation: Physician (Pediatrics)
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite Colors: Red and Blue
Toys: Poi, Staff, Flags, Glowsticks, Contact Ball, Eating Torches
Hobbies other than the obvious: Cooking, camping, swimming, sailing, skiing, molecular biology, reading, traveling.
Education: B.S. Biological Sciences, Stanford University 2000
M.S. Biological Sciences, Stanford University 2001
M.D. University of Michigan, 2005
Favorite Book(s): The Mars Trilogy by Kim Stanley Robinson
The Foundation Series by Isaac Asimov
The Revelation Space series by Alastair Reynolds.
Favorite Movies: Baraka, Run Lola Run, The Fifth Element, Snatch, City of God, The Incredibles
Favorite TV shows: I don't really watch TV.
What I want to do when I grow up: At long last, I am DOING it! Yes, I am actually doing my dream job and I'M GETTING PAID WELL TO DO IT!!!
Fun fact: I have had to run from the police. While naked. Twice. And I got away both times.
Boring fact: A 7-day course of oral prednisone at 60mg/day increased esophageal gastric acid contact time in stable adult asthmatics.
Favorite Music Artists/Composers: Trance[]Control, Beethoven, Enigma, Bach, Airbase, Haydn, Astral Projection, Shpongle, Vivaldi, Juno Reactor, Bob Marley, Mozart, Handel.
Favorite beverage: Diet Dr. Pepper
Favorite Incense: Japanese cherry blossom
Number of strange categories I can come up with: infinite
Marmite/Vegemite/Nutella orientation: High Priest of the Holy Church of Nutella.
Ok, so that's me. Now you post something.
EDITED_BY: Doc Lightning (1317185783)
Name: Mike
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA (A.K.A. The Best City In The World)
Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, MI, USA
DOB: 8 July 1977
Age: 34
Sex: I'm married, so not very often anymore.
Gender: OH! You meant THAT! I am biologically male and I identify as such.
Occupation: Physician (Pediatrics)
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite Colors: Red and Blue
Toys: Poi, Staff, Flags, Glowsticks, Contact Ball, Eating Torches
Hobbies other than the obvious: Cooking, camping, swimming, sailing, skiing, molecular biology, reading, traveling.
Education: B.S. Biological Sciences, Stanford University 2000
M.S. Biological Sciences, Stanford University 2001
M.D. University of Michigan, 2005
Favorite Book(s): The Mars Trilogy by Kim Stanley Robinson
The Foundation Series by Isaac Asimov
The Revelation Space series by Alastair Reynolds.
Favorite Movies: Baraka, Run Lola Run, The Fifth Element, Snatch, City of God, The Incredibles
Favorite TV shows: I don't really watch TV.
What I want to do when I grow up: At long last, I am DOING it! Yes, I am actually doing my dream job and I'M GETTING PAID WELL TO DO IT!!!
Fun fact: I have had to run from the police. While naked. Twice. And I got away both times.
Boring fact: A 7-day course of oral prednisone at 60mg/day increased esophageal gastric acid contact time in stable adult asthmatics.
Favorite Music Artists/Composers: Trance[]Control, Beethoven, Enigma, Bach, Airbase, Haydn, Astral Projection, Shpongle, Vivaldi, Juno Reactor, Bob Marley, Mozart, Handel.
Favorite beverage: Diet Dr. Pepper
Favorite Incense: Japanese cherry blossom
Number of strange categories I can come up with: infinite
Marmite/Vegemite/Nutella orientation: High Priest of the Holy Church of Nutella.
Ok, so that's me. Now you post something.
EDITED_BY: Doc Lightning (1317185783)
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
the one and only, just like chesney
295 posts
Location: here
295 posts
Location: here
Posted:
fuff
hello mr mike
fuff
hello mr mike
birds might be able to fly,
but weasels dont get caught in jet engine's
(*) (*) .. for the gnor ;)
2,568 posts
Location: sitting on the step
2,568 posts
Location: sitting on the step
Posted:
'ello pickle
no sex go to pounces thread its almost as good as the real thing
'ello pickle
no sex go to pounces thread its almost as good as the real thing
she who sees from up high smiles
Patrick badger king: *they better hope there's never a jihad on stupidity*
I don't want a title.
940 posts
940 posts
Posted:
Hello! I don't think we've ever directly interacted, but it's been a pleasure reading your posts here and there. I enjoy your sanity.
It's fascinating to me how well-balanced HoP people are. We're firespinning loonies, sure... but we're also doctors, lawyers, teachers, students of all sorts.. it's a wonderful thing.
Hello! I don't think we've ever directly interacted, but it's been a pleasure reading your posts here and there. I enjoy your sanity.
It's fascinating to me how well-balanced HoP people are. We're firespinning loonies, sure... but we're also doctors, lawyers, teachers, students of all sorts.. it's a wonderful thing.
E pluribus unum, baby.
BRONZE Member
Super Gidg!!!!
8,506 posts
Location: Portland Oregon USA
Super Gidg!!!!
8,506 posts
Location: Portland Oregon USA
Posted:
Gidg bounces in on her pogo stick
Boing, Boing, Boing.
Hi Mike; don't think I ever posted in your intro before so here I am!
Gidg bounces in on her pogo stick
Boing, Boing, Boing.
Hi Mike; don't think I ever posted in your intro before so here I am!
Growing old is mandatory; growing up is NOT.
Proud member of the HoP DPS.
Sanity is a highly overrated state of mind.
I'm normal ... it's everyone else that's crazy.
Gidg
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
Allo, Weasel, Narr, Regyt, and Gidg!
But what's this about me being sane? I'm about as sane as the letter Q! Honestly. Sane?
So there's a luuurve fest going over in Pounce's intro? Hmmmm...
*grabbing fuzzy handcuffs and wandering over*
Allo, Weasel, Narr, Regyt, and Gidg!
But what's this about me being sane? I'm about as sane as the letter Q! Honestly. Sane?
So there's a luuurve fest going over in Pounce's intro? Hmmmm...
*grabbing fuzzy handcuffs and wandering over*
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
SILVER Member
All the neurotic makings of America's lesser known sweetheart
9,831 posts
Location: body in Las Vegas, heart all around the world, USA
All the neurotic makings of America's lesser known sweetheart
9,831 posts
Location: body in Las Vegas, heart all around the world, USA
Posted:
yay! people are recruiting more people for my thread. i feel so loved.
oh, **ahem**
'ello! so you want to work with ADHD? goddess bless you, i can't stand those clients nah, they're ok but they give me a headache. does that mean you are going into psychiatry then?
yay! people are recruiting more people for my thread. i feel so loved.
oh, **ahem**
'ello! so you want to work with ADHD? goddess bless you, i can't stand those clients
nah, they're ok but they give me a headache. does that mean you are going into psychiatry then? I was always scared with my mother's obsession with the good scissors. It made me wonder if there were evil scissors lurking in the house somewhere.
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons for you are crunchy and good with ketchup.
**giggles**
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
Not Voodoo medici...I mean Psychiatry.
I was thinking pediatric neurology, but although I believe ADHD is a neurological disorder, I don't think the field of pediatric neurology is ready to start managing ADHD yet.
So either developmental/behavioral peds neuro or adolescent medicine.
Not Voodoo medici...I mean Psychiatry.
I was thinking pediatric neurology, but although I believe ADHD is a neurological disorder, I don't think the field of pediatric neurology is ready to start managing ADHD yet.
So either developmental/behavioral peds neuro or adolescent medicine.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
SILVER Member
All the neurotic makings of America's lesser known sweetheart
9,831 posts
Location: body in Las Vegas, heart all around the world, USA
All the neurotic makings of America's lesser known sweetheart
9,831 posts
Location: body in Las Vegas, heart all around the world, USA
Posted:
funny boy
ya there's definately a neuro component to it and i'd LOVE to see the day when we can manage it there and not send em all to my field and we're definately overdiagnosing them and not exactly helping the situation with out school systems (what non-ADHD 7-year-old kid wants to sit still in their seat, much less the poor kids who do have ADHD)
ok off my soapbox now
funny boy
ya there's definately a neuro component to it and i'd LOVE to see the day when we can manage it there and not send em all to my field
and we're definately overdiagnosing them and not exactly helping the situation with out school systems (what non-ADHD 7-year-old kid wants to sit still in their seat, much less the poor kids who do have ADHD)ok off my soapbox now
I was always scared with my mother's obsession with the good scissors. It made me wonder if there were evil scissors lurking in the house somewhere.
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons for you are crunchy and good with ketchup.
**giggles**
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
We're not overdiagnosing, but we are misdiagnosing.
People need to realize two things.
1) Primary Care Physicians should NOT diagnose ADHD. Specialists need to do that.
2) ADHD must have symptoms persistent in AT LEAST TWO UNRELATED SETTINGS. That means home and school, or sports practice and school or all three (preferably).
Pisses me off when people diagnose ADHD in 15 minutes.
We're not overdiagnosing, but we are misdiagnosing.
People need to realize two things.
1) Primary Care Physicians should NOT diagnose ADHD. Specialists need to do that.
2) ADHD must have symptoms persistent in AT LEAST TWO UNRELATED SETTINGS. That means home and school, or sports practice and school or all three (preferably).
Pisses me off when people diagnose ADHD in 15 minutes.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
SILVER Member
Keeper of the Spitfire
2,317 posts
Location: Calgary Canada
Keeper of the Spitfire
2,317 posts
Location: Calgary Canada
Posted:
Hey Mike, well i've seen a lot of you about lately, so i thought i'd pop in to say hi.
ADHD eh? I've worked with LOTS of kids with that. It really pisses me off awell when some kids, who are just generally being boisterous kids, get a quick diagnosis and whacked on ritalin. Yep, had lots of fun with kids with that one- up abseil towers, 3000ft up mountains, on rivers, etc- can be interesting to say the least!
Feel free to drop into my thread any time you want. Just take a look at the extreme sports there, and a doctor could come in VERY useful! Especially with Pounce in charge of the switches! Hehe. We also have free cake and tea! How can you resist that one?!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It used to seem to me that my life ran on too fast, and i had to take it slowly just to make the good parts last. But when you're born to run its so hard to just slow down.
Hey Mike, well i've seen a lot of you about lately, so i thought i'd pop in to say hi.
ADHD eh? I've worked with LOTS of kids with that. It really pisses me off awell when some kids, who are just generally being boisterous kids, get a quick diagnosis and whacked on ritalin. Yep, had lots of fun with kids with that one- up abseil towers, 3000ft up mountains, on rivers, etc- can be interesting to say the least!
Feel free to drop into my thread any time you want. Just take a look at the extreme sports there, and a doctor could come in VERY useful!
Especially with Pounce in charge of the switches! Hehe. We also have free cake and tea! How can you resist that one?! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It used to seem to me that my life ran on too fast, and i had to take it slowly just to make the good parts last. But when you're born to run its so hard to just slow down.
Lets steal a spaceship and head for the sun, and shoot the stars with a lemonade ray gun.
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
Hey, Mand.
I just want to say that I consider Ritalin to be a great drug. One of the best out there, in fact. IF the patient actually has ADHD.
Ritalin is why I'm in medical school as opposed to changing tires. It saved my life and allowed me to make an honest reach for my dreams. I'm one of the few people in the world who can honestly say that I believe that I have achieved my full potential (or close to it...I could stand to study harder). Ritalin gave me the power to control my tumultous brain and channel the energy into something productive.
BUT it's not for everyone and it isn't the solution to every behavior problem. People need to realize that.
Hey, Mand.
I just want to say that I consider Ritalin to be a great drug. One of the best out there, in fact. IF the patient actually has ADHD.
Ritalin is why I'm in medical school as opposed to changing tires. It saved my life and allowed me to make an honest reach for my dreams. I'm one of the few people in the world who can honestly say that I believe that I have achieved my full potential (or close to it...I could stand to study harder). Ritalin gave me the power to control my tumultous brain and channel the energy into something productive.
BUT it's not for everyone and it isn't the solution to every behavior problem. People need to realize that.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
SILVER Member
Mumma Hen
6,391 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Mumma Hen
6,391 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posted:
I have missed you Dr Mike... how are you? Would you like a little hug and a kiss from a fairy?
I have missed you Dr Mike... how are you? Would you like a little hug and a kiss from a fairy?
TAJ "boat mummy." VALURA "yes sweetie you went on a boat, was daddy there with you?" TAJ "no, but monkey on boat" VALURA "well then sweetie, Daddy WAS there with you"
SILVER Member
All the neurotic makings of America's lesser known sweetheart
9,831 posts
Location: body in Las Vegas, heart all around the world, USA
All the neurotic makings of America's lesser known sweetheart
9,831 posts
Location: body in Las Vegas, heart all around the world, USA
Posted:
i think we're doing both, misdiagnosing and overdiagnosing. people tend to forget that kids are hyper a lot of the time. but instead of dealing with it, we drug them. hell, the majority of america's kids are already overweight because instead of encouraging them to go out and play and get their energy out that way, we let them sit at home playing video games. and you're right, PCPs should not be diagnosing ADHD, or any psychological disorders for that matter (in my opinion. this has become a real headache for psychologists and psychiatrists).
i think we're doing both, misdiagnosing and overdiagnosing. people tend to forget that kids are hyper a lot of the time. but instead of dealing with it, we drug them. hell, the majority of america's kids are already overweight because instead of encouraging them to go out and play and get their energy out that way, we let them sit at home playing video games. and you're right, PCPs should not be diagnosing ADHD, or any psychological disorders for that matter (in my opinion. this has become a real headache for psychologists and psychiatrists).
I was always scared with my mother's obsession with the good scissors. It made me wonder if there were evil scissors lurking in the house somewhere.
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons for you are crunchy and good with ketchup.
**giggles**
SILVER Member
All the neurotic makings of America's lesser known sweetheart
9,831 posts
Location: body in Las Vegas, heart all around the world, USA
All the neurotic makings of America's lesser known sweetheart
9,831 posts
Location: body in Las Vegas, heart all around the world, USA
Posted:
i take offense to that!
**flick**
**flick**
oops 
Quote:
Just take a look at the extreme sports there, and a doctor could come in VERY useful!
i take offense to that!
**flick**
**flick**
oops
I was always scared with my mother's obsession with the good scissors. It made me wonder if there were evil scissors lurking in the house somewhere.
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons for you are crunchy and good with ketchup.
**giggles**
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
5,814 posts
Location: Perth, Australia
Carpal \'Tunnel
5,814 posts
Location: Perth, Australia
Posted:
After 4 years of behavioural programs and countless psychs the little white pill has been the answer to our boys school sanity and mine. It has cut his suspension rate, lifted his neatness in his work and cut his agression and made hima more lovable person.
The programs and psychs helped me not him. But Ritalin has helped him function in the unnatural environment of school.
How long have you been taking Ritalin lightning.
Anytime you want to come try stuff in our house the door is open......
After 4 years of behavioural programs and countless psychs the little white pill has been the answer to our boys school sanity and mine. It has cut his suspension rate, lifted his neatness in his work and cut his agression and made hima more lovable person.
The programs and psychs helped me not him. But Ritalin has helped him function in the unnatural environment of school.
How long have you been taking Ritalin lightning.
Anytime you want to come try stuff in our house the door is open......
Is it the Truth?
Is it Fair to all concerned?
Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?
Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?
Im in a lonely battle with the world with a fish to match the chip on my shoulder. Gnu in Binnu in a cnu
I don't want a title.
940 posts
940 posts
Posted:
Interesting. You're the first person I've ever encountered with anything good to say about Ritalin. Usually I hear the horror stories about it causing sexual disfunction in adolescent males.
Interesting. You're the first person I've ever encountered with anything good to say about Ritalin. Usually I hear the horror stories about it causing sexual disfunction in adolescent males.
E pluribus unum, baby.
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
5,814 posts
Location: Perth, Australia
Carpal \'Tunnel
5,814 posts
Location: Perth, Australia
Posted:
Great. Thats all we need is extra sexual dysfuction. That will go well with the diabetes. At least its a while till we hit teenagehood.
Great. Thats all we need is extra sexual dysfuction. That will go well with the diabetes. At least its a while till we hit teenagehood.
Is it the Truth?
Is it Fair to all concerned?
Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?
Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?
Im in a lonely battle with the world with a fish to match the chip on my shoulder. Gnu in Binnu in a cnu
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
I've never heard of Ritalin causing sexual dysfunction. The new nonstimulant ADHD drug, Strattera, does that sometimes.
Furthermore, *gets tackled by Valura with a big hug and kiss* MMMMPPPFFFFF!!!
Hey sweetie! I missed you too!
Oh, and would everyone please note the change to my intro information? It's a bit subtle, but it's a positive change.
EDITED_BY: Lïghtnïng (1069920823)
I've never heard of Ritalin causing sexual dysfunction. The new nonstimulant ADHD drug, Strattera, does that sometimes.
Furthermore, *gets tackled by Valura with a big hug and kiss* MMMMPPPFFFFF!!!
Hey sweetie! I missed you too!
Oh, and would everyone please note the change to my intro information? It's a bit subtle, but it's a positive change.
EDITED_BY: Lïghtnïng (1069920823)
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
SILVER Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,899 posts
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,899 posts
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Posted:
I totally agree about misdiagnosing ADD/ADHD. I am absolutely sure that if had grown up 10 years later, I'd have been diagnosed with it. In fact, most intellegent people I know could be diagnosed with it if you ask me, the way they do it these days.
I have a younger friend diagnosed with ADD who was on adderall. It wasn't helping her anymore after about 7 or 8 months, so she quit taking it and gave me her left over pills. Now, I must say, these things were great - they make you want to work and work like a fiend, even on stuff you normally don't want to do. They really helped me get my dissertation started for instance. But does the fact that a drug helped me concentrate make me ADD as well? I doubt it. It would be wonderful if I could get that kind of attention on my work whenever I wanted to, but that isn't the way my head works, and it wasn't the way hers worked either.
When it was time to concentrate on something she was interested in, like practicing poi, she could go for hours working on it even though she wasn't on ADD drugs at the time. That doesn't sound like real ADD to me. I can sit and work on a hobby project for a whole day without coming up for air, but on the basis of my school/work habits or the way I behave socially, I'm sure a doctor would give me ritalin.
Anyway, I think 90% of the ADD problem is in the way our education system is structured, not in the heads of the kids being diagnosed with ADD and ADHD. We need to find a way to make education more interesting instead of leading our children to beleive they need persciption drugs to be a functioning member of society. I totally support your crusade Lightning (though I'm coming at it from the other end I think), and hope to hear more about it.
I totally agree about misdiagnosing ADD/ADHD. I am absolutely sure that if had grown up 10 years later, I'd have been diagnosed with it. In fact, most intellegent people I know could be diagnosed with it if you ask me, the way they do it these days.
I have a younger friend diagnosed with ADD who was on adderall. It wasn't helping her anymore after about 7 or 8 months, so she quit taking it and gave me her left over pills. Now, I must say, these things were great - they make you want to work and work like a fiend, even on stuff you normally don't want to do. They really helped me get my dissertation started for instance. But does the fact that a drug helped me concentrate make me ADD as well? I doubt it. It would be wonderful if I could get that kind of attention on my work whenever I wanted to, but that isn't the way my head works, and it wasn't the way hers worked either.
When it was time to concentrate on something she was interested in, like practicing poi, she could go for hours working on it even though she wasn't on ADD drugs at the time. That doesn't sound like real ADD to me. I can sit and work on a hobby project for a whole day without coming up for air, but on the basis of my school/work habits or the way I behave socially, I'm sure a doctor would give me ritalin.
Anyway, I think 90% of the ADD problem is in the way our education system is structured, not in the heads of the kids being diagnosed with ADD and ADHD. We need to find a way to make education more interesting instead of leading our children to beleive they need persciption drugs to be a functioning member of society. I totally support your crusade Lightning (though I'm coming at it from the other end I think), and hope to hear more about it.
-v-
Wiederstand ist Zwecklos!
SILVER Member
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
Posted:
Ive been diagnosed with ADHD and i take Ritalin.
(could you ever have guessed??)
Ive been diagnosed with ADHD and i take Ritalin.
(could you ever have guessed??
) I don't want a title.
940 posts
940 posts
Posted:
I'll definitely agree that the education system is probably at fault. I was always one of those kids with the uber-high test scores and ridiculously low grades, because I simply didn't care enough to do the classwork. My mother wanted me to see a shrink, she thought I had ADD/ADHD. But I resisted vehemently, and nothing came of that.
Now, I'm in law school, and I'm doing just fine, because I'm obsessing over the law the way I usually obsess over my hobbies and projects. (I tend towards being serially obsessive with what I can focus my attention on: obsess-obsess-switch!-obsess-obsess-switch!-etc.)
Point being, I think a lot of kids who are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD would be absolutely fine if they were in a school environment that was actually right for them. For me, it's a place where all I'm really expected to do is read, write, and argue. (Mmm, yelling at professors...
)
The problem is, we would need huge variances in our schools to really have a school that was the right environment in each kid, instead of the standardized schooling we have today. And that takes courage and money that the education system, at least in the States, does not have.
I'll definitely agree that the education system is probably at fault. I was always one of those kids with the uber-high test scores and ridiculously low grades, because I simply didn't care enough to do the classwork. My mother wanted me to see a shrink, she thought I had ADD/ADHD. But I resisted vehemently, and nothing came of that.
Now, I'm in law school, and I'm doing just fine, because I'm obsessing over the law the way I usually obsess over my hobbies and projects. (I tend towards being serially obsessive with what I can focus my attention on: obsess-obsess-switch!-obsess-obsess-switch!-etc.)
Point being, I think a lot of kids who are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD would be absolutely fine if they were in a school environment that was actually right for them. For me, it's a place where all I'm really expected to do is read, write, and argue. (Mmm, yelling at professors...
) The problem is, we would need huge variances in our schools to really have a school that was the right environment in each kid, instead of the standardized schooling we have today. And that takes courage and money that the education system, at least in the States, does not have.
E pluribus unum, baby.
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
It's interesting you say that. One feature that has been noted of ADHD is a phenomenon called "hyperfocus." Because people with ADHD have brains that are chronically understimulated, we seek stimulation in any way we can. Many of us turn to drugs for that. Others turn to high-risk activities. But in general, any activity that turns us on and provides us with stimulation (video games, poi, etc.) can serve. So a lot of people go "But he can't have ADHD. He plays that video game for hours!" And it's actually a classic symptom.
The definition of ADHD is (and this is important) that the patient's behavior is at a level that is inappropriate for age. So if you have a class full of thirty third-graders and only one of those is constantly bouncing off the wall, you've found your culprit.
My crusade isn't to eliminate the diagnosis of ADHD. My crusade is to come up with an objective diagnostic modality (like fMRI or PET scans) and to see if it's not possible to "cure" it by diagnosing it early and treating it. My theory right now (and there is some data to back this up) is that early treatment might normalize brain development. At present, 70% of patients diagnosed with ADHD before age 13 will require meds for life. Perhaps if we can diagnose it in infancy, we can alter brain development so that only, say, 30% of patients will require meds for life.
As for your statement about the educational system, it is true that the educational system is part of the problem, but it doesn't cause ADHD. ADHD has been a part of every society forever. It appears to be dependent on so many genes (and in utero factors) that it's probably a state that has been necessary for human evolution. We're the risk-takers, the clowns, the teachers, the ones who challenge others to move forward.
The Dakota Tribe of American Indians believes in the concept of "Star People." The Star People, they believe, are special gifts sent from the Star Nations to serve as teachers, guardians, guides, and spiritual leaders. They believe that Star People are spiritually in touch with the world in a way that normal people aren't. But when you ask them to point out a Star Man or Star Woman, you find that these people, almost to an individual, are diagnosable with ADHD.
The Dakota come from a line of hunter-gatherers where people are precious and a huge amount of resources is required to raise a single individual. Nobody is expendable, so the Dakota found a way to integrate people with ADHD into their society by taking advantage of our strengths.
On the other hand, our society is full of excess resources and is homogenized so that it works quite well for 95% of the population who think a certain way. If you're part of the other 5% of the population, well, tough sh!t. You're expendable. You don't fit the mold, we'll just let you be marginalized.
So, in a way, ADHD, while it is the same in our society as it is for the Dakota, is a disease in our society and a blessing in theirs. But it exists in both places.
Now here's the kicker: you give Star People some Ritalin and they remain Star People, but they almost weep for joy at the fact that they can start to get stuff done in their lives. So the beauty of the ADHD meds is that they don't rob us of the qualities that make us unique and wonderful. But they give us the power to take control of our own lives.
Quote:
When it was time to concentrate on something she was interested in, like practicing poi, she could go for hours working on it even though she wasn't on ADD drugs at the time. That doesn't sound like real ADD to me. I can sit and work on a hobby project for a whole day without coming up for air, but on the basis of my school/work habits or the way I behave socially, I'm sure a doctor would give me ritalin.
It's interesting you say that. One feature that has been noted of ADHD is a phenomenon called "hyperfocus." Because people with ADHD have brains that are chronically understimulated, we seek stimulation in any way we can. Many of us turn to drugs for that. Others turn to high-risk activities. But in general, any activity that turns us on and provides us with stimulation (video games, poi, etc.) can serve. So a lot of people go "But he can't have ADHD. He plays that video game for hours!" And it's actually a classic symptom.
The definition of ADHD is (and this is important) that the patient's behavior is at a level that is inappropriate for age. So if you have a class full of thirty third-graders and only one of those is constantly bouncing off the wall, you've found your culprit.
Quote:
Anyway, I think 90% of the ADD problem is in the way our education system is structured, not in the heads of the kids being diagnosed with ADD and ADHD. We need to find a way to make education more interesting instead of leading our children to beleive they need persciption drugs to be a functioning member of society. I totally support your crusade Lightning (though I'm coming at it from the other end I think), and hope to hear more about it.
My crusade isn't to eliminate the diagnosis of ADHD. My crusade is to come up with an objective diagnostic modality (like fMRI or PET scans) and to see if it's not possible to "cure" it by diagnosing it early and treating it. My theory right now (and there is some data to back this up) is that early treatment might normalize brain development. At present, 70% of patients diagnosed with ADHD before age 13 will require meds for life. Perhaps if we can diagnose it in infancy, we can alter brain development so that only, say, 30% of patients will require meds for life.
As for your statement about the educational system, it is true that the educational system is part of the problem, but it doesn't cause ADHD. ADHD has been a part of every society forever. It appears to be dependent on so many genes (and in utero factors) that it's probably a state that has been necessary for human evolution. We're the risk-takers, the clowns, the teachers, the ones who challenge others to move forward.
The Dakota Tribe of American Indians believes in the concept of "Star People." The Star People, they believe, are special gifts sent from the Star Nations to serve as teachers, guardians, guides, and spiritual leaders. They believe that Star People are spiritually in touch with the world in a way that normal people aren't. But when you ask them to point out a Star Man or Star Woman, you find that these people, almost to an individual, are diagnosable with ADHD.
The Dakota come from a line of hunter-gatherers where people are precious and a huge amount of resources is required to raise a single individual. Nobody is expendable, so the Dakota found a way to integrate people with ADHD into their society by taking advantage of our strengths.
On the other hand, our society is full of excess resources and is homogenized so that it works quite well for 95% of the population who think a certain way. If you're part of the other 5% of the population, well, tough sh!t. You're expendable. You don't fit the mold, we'll just let you be marginalized.
So, in a way, ADHD, while it is the same in our society as it is for the Dakota, is a disease in our society and a blessing in theirs. But it exists in both places.
Now here's the kicker: you give Star People some Ritalin and they remain Star People, but they almost weep for joy at the fact that they can start to get stuff done in their lives. So the beauty of the ADHD meds is that they don't rob us of the qualities that make us unique and wonderful. But they give us the power to take control of our own lives.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
SILVER Member
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
Posted:
Why dont you just ask me stuff?
(not trying to piss on anyones bonfire but i DO have it..)
come on...ask me [censored]..
make me think...use my brain and stuff...
Why dont you just ask me stuff?
(not trying to piss on anyones bonfire but i DO have it..)
come on...ask me [censored]..
make me think...use my brain and stuff...
HOP Lord of the Pirate Admiralty
1,079 posts
Location: Canterbury, UK
1,079 posts
Location: Canterbury, UK
Posted:
i have that but its better now...
i was addicted to vallium at the age of three...
perhaps thats why im like me now...
oh well
heya mike, hows u?
i have that but its better now...
i was addicted to vallium at the age of three...
perhaps thats why im like me now...oh well
heya mike, hows u?
D.B.
X x X x X
Ship off the starboard! sound general quarters! noise and light discipline! man the cannons! GET ME THE RUM!
Master of the Free Hug Program
SILVER Member
All the neurotic makings of America's lesser known sweetheart
9,831 posts
Location: body in Las Vegas, heart all around the world, USA
All the neurotic makings of America's lesser known sweetheart
9,831 posts
Location: body in Las Vegas, heart all around the world, USA
Posted:
SWEET!!!! so i take it your date went well last night then?
yay!
Quote:
Oh, and would everyone please note the change to my intro information? It's a bit subtle, but it's a positive change.
SWEET!!!! so i take it your date went well last night then?
yay!
I was always scared with my mother's obsession with the good scissors. It made me wonder if there were evil scissors lurking in the house somewhere.
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons for you are crunchy and good with ketchup.
**giggles**
SILVER Member
Keeper of the Spitfire
2,317 posts
Location: Calgary Canada
Keeper of the Spitfire
2,317 posts
Location: Calgary Canada
Posted:
Mike, dont get me wrong here, i wasnt saying that Ritalin is bad- I've seen people with really severe ADHD, and Ritalin works well for them. I was saying i dont like it when people who aren't ADHD are misdiagnosed and put on this stuff.
In my job i work with hundreds of kids every year, and i have seen people who have been properly diagnosed and put on Ritalin (and also my ex girlfriend). I have also seen kids who have been put on it for just being kids and running about a lot.
I think it is a good drug, but is handed out all too easily now.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It used to seem to me that my life ran on too fast, and i had to take it slowly just to make the good parts last. But when you're born to run its so hard to just slow down.
Mike, dont get me wrong here, i wasnt saying that Ritalin is bad- I've seen people with really severe ADHD, and Ritalin works well for them. I was saying i dont like it when people who aren't ADHD are misdiagnosed and put on this stuff.
In my job i work with hundreds of kids every year, and i have seen people who have been properly diagnosed and put on Ritalin (and also my ex girlfriend). I have also seen kids who have been put on it for just being kids and running about a lot.
I think it is a good drug, but is handed out all too easily now.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It used to seem to me that my life ran on too fast, and i had to take it slowly just to make the good parts last. But when you're born to run its so hard to just slow down.
Lets steal a spaceship and head for the sun, and shoot the stars with a lemonade ray gun.
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
Jon has ADHD? Who knew?
So, Jon, there's this theory that ADHD people reproduce at a rate of a generation every 20 years on average and that boring peop...er...non-ADHD people reproduce on average every 25. So eventually, we'll take over the world.
As soon as we can find our friggin' car keys.
Jon has ADHD? Who knew?
So, Jon, there's this theory that ADHD people reproduce at a rate of a generation every 20 years on average and that boring peop...er...non-ADHD people
reproduce on average every 25. So eventually, we'll take over the world. As soon as we can find our friggin' car keys.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
I agree. In my opinion, it is medical malpractice to treat ADHD without a proper diagnosis.
Quote:
In my job i work with hundreds of kids every year, and i have seen people who have been properly diagnosed and put on Ritalin (and also my ex girlfriend). I have also seen kids who have been put on it for just being kids and running about a lot.
I think it is a good drug, but is handed out all too easily now.
I agree. In my opinion, it is medical malpractice to treat ADHD without a proper diagnosis.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
Considering it ended at 10 in the morning.
Quote:
SWEET!!!! so i take it your date went well last night then?
Considering it ended at 10 in the morning.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
SILVER Member
Mumma Hen
6,391 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Mumma Hen
6,391 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posted:
Non-Https Image Link
I think your a medical sharman... have I told you that before? You take into account phyiscal and spirituality and I just LOVE that...I wish I had a dr like you...
Non-Https Image Link
I think your a medical sharman... have I told you that before? You take into account phyiscal and spirituality and I just LOVE that...I wish I had a dr like you...
TAJ "boat mummy." VALURA "yes sweetie you went on a boat, was daddy there with you?" TAJ "no, but monkey on boat" VALURA "well then sweetie, Daddy WAS there with you"
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