RD>    It's always interesting to see that I'm not alone in trying to
RD>combat ignorance within my own profession.  It amazes me sometimes to
RD>hear the remedies and treatments that pop up.  Everything from high-tech
RD>babble to pre-historic witchcraft.  I have worked with children from
RD>families who would rather believe in anything except what the problem
RD>really is.  I believe that education and further research is needed in
RD>alternative methods of treating this disorder.
I've sat and tried to convince a mother of a child with a diagnosis of
bipolar disorder that the reason he has a problem with chemicals is that
this disease includes the three genetic markers for alcoholism as well.
She also is a bipolar and couldn't possibly be an alcoholic as she just
doesn't drink that much.  The denial is strong in folks who won't take
the time to understand what neurotransmitters and other chemicals are
directly affected by heredity.
We know that we have mild neurological problems in families which did
not seek treatment for alcoholism in the children.  Dyslexia is common
as are other reading problems.  ADD and ADHD are simply a form of
genetic mutation in those families......children who are paying the high
price for the superstition and ignorance of their ancestors.
  The "magic pill" is more
RD>and more becoming a way of making the lives of the parents and teachers
RD>more managable, than making the quality of life for the child better.
The schools around here don't tolerate anyone who has a history of
chemical dependency who has presented any behavior problems even AFTER
they have successfully completed treatment.  We have one alternative
school that has a good drug and alcohol counselor, the rest are lucky if
they manage to get a very lousy student now and then.
Our wonderful school system has just been put at 16th in the nation.  It
insists that the children who present chemical dependency problems be
treated by folks who have credentials in mental health.  This is not
working, but they don't have the good sense to attempt to change.  We
have one of the better systems in place for the education and training
of CD counselors.  One school has sent its staff to a local college for
this, Chief Leschi, the Native American school.  It is now drug and
alcohol free.
RD>    I agree that inter-related factors need more study.  I also agree
RD>that there are those in the profession that openly resist any
RD>"different" methods.  [I'ver argued with those who treat alcoholism,
RD>drug addiction or ADHD as a Valium deficiency.]  I personally ascribe to
RD>seeking solutions rather than belabor the problem.
Figure out their own drinking habits and who their not too distant
ancestors were.  As long as they don't go to jail, have a D.W.I., or
beat their wives and children, they cannot possibly be alcoholics.
If you don't believe me, just ask them.
RD>    As new case studies become available, and as soon as I get other
RD>research, I'll make it available.  See you soon.           Rod
Thanks.  There has to be some sanity out there as I just got a flyer for
a conference entitled "Attention Deficit, Depression, & Food" by INR, P.
O. Box 4218, Berkeley CA 94704-0218.   The list of topics reads as:
  Emotions, Behavior, and the Brain: An Overview
  ADD and ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyper
   activity Disorder) in Children and Adults: Diagnosis
  Hyperactivity, Distractibility, and Impulsiveness
  Causes of ADHD: Genetic, Biological, and Enviornmental Factors
  Food and ADHD: The Feingold Diet, Food Additives, Food Allergies, and
   Sugar: Basis for Recommendations
  Ritalin (Methylphenidate): Facts, Fallacies, Use and Abuse
  ADHD and its Relationship to Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Learning
   Disabilities, Conduct Disorders, and Tourette's Syndrome
  Current Pharmacological, Psychological, and Behavioral Treatments for
    Attention Deficit Disorder
  Treatments: at Home and at School
    Food and Emotions: Shedding Light on a Curious Relationship
  Monosodium Glutamate, Migraines, and Monoamines. Food and Well-Being
  Depression: The Food-Mood Link and the Serotonin Solution
  Dieting, Eating Disorders, and Depression: What is the Connection?
  Addiction to Thinness: Society vs. Physiology
  Poor Self-esteem and Food.  Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia, Compulsive
    Eating
  Food Cravings: An Analysis of Origins and Effects
  Carbohydrate Craving vs. Fat Craving: Physiological vs. Psychological
    Correlations
  Pharmacological, Psychological, and Behavior Approaches to Appetite
    Control in Children and Adults
  Looking to the Future
Dr. Laura Pawlak (Ph.D., R. D.) has a masters in nutrition and a
doctorate in biolchemistry.  Dr. Marjorie Freedman M.S., Ph.D.) is also
a nutritionist.
This is coming near me in June and I definitely want to be there when it
does as one of the goals for students is to "design diets to optimize
overall mental health and well-being."
RD>--- ViaMAIL!/WC4 v1.30
 * SLMR 2.1a * Photons have mass? I didn't even know they were Catholic.
                                                                              
      
--- JCQWK
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