Seth-before
Seth-after
(Names have been changed to protect the privacy of our patients.)
A 13-year-old seventh-grader named Seth came to see us in September 2009. He had struggled since fourth grade with problems with attention, focus, and distractibility. He also performed poorly on tests, often because became bored easily and marked any answer in order to finish the test quickly.
Seth tended to daydream and had poor organization and time management. He lacked self-control, had a short temper, and tended to become frustrated and overemotional. Previous trials of stimulant medication and Strattera were helpful, but he could not tolerate the side effects.
His brain SPECT scans showed an intense “Ring of Fire” (diffuse overall increased activity), especially with concentration. This finding is typically associated with difficulty tolerating stimulants.
Seth’s family wanted to try a natural approach. Dr. Annibali, his doctor in our Reston, Virginia, clinic, recommended a multiple vitamin, high-dose fish oil (NeurOmega, 2,000 mg/day of EPA plus DHA), and NeuroLink, a supplement Dr. Amen has found to calm hyperactive brains, a regimen that the family gladly followed. They also improved his diet, reducing high fructose intake.
Seth wanted to use his scans for his school science fair project, so he had a follow-up scan three months later, in December 2009. The scan showed significant improvement-no longer a Ring of Fire with concentration. Moreover, he and his parents reported a significant improvement in all problem areas.
Seth and his family were very pleased.
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Dr. Amen,
Thanks for letting us know about this case. I have forwarded to my sister who has custody of my 14 year old grandson who has similar problems (only more severe!) and I hope she will share it with the counselor they are seeing because the whole family is very stressed out about the situation.
With tremendous appreciation,
Gwen Walker
Would a child of this age who also has trouble falling asleep respond to melatonin or kava?
I’m in my 50’s and that describes me. Things haven’t been easy living like this and that’s putting it mildly. I probably would have had such a diffent life if it weren’t for what I call my private disability. I want to try what you prescribed for the young boy? Is there something I can subsitute for the fish oil? Help………..
Have you done any research on the Neurological scans of children with PANDAS vs children with more traditional onsets of OCD or TS?
Thanks –
Susan Dailey
Dr. Amen,
At age 65 now, and ever since childhood, I continue to have the exact same symptoms as “Seth.” Always I struggled with tests in school including when I reached my 40s – particularly problems with focus, concentration… easily distracted. Still, I managed to get three advanced degrees, ending with GPA of 3.94 (took almost 10 years while working full-time).
For the last four years, it’s been difficult to get jobs, and I’ve had even more difficulty KEEPING jobs… with a “near perfect” record losing the four most recent positions. All four employers said I was not learning jobs quickly enough. Learning has always been a long steep hill for me, although once up-to-speed, I performed quite well. At this stage, however, the learning curve is even more difficult, especially in this economy.
Brain scans are not in the budget, but I do subscribe to your newsletter, have read two of your books, and listen to your public TV CD programs. Also I completed and scored a set of three Amen Clinic diagnostic questionnaires which indicate significant depression + ADD. Only recently did I realize these conditions have existed to varying degrees since childhood, apparently influenced by two alcoholic parents, and I myself quit drinking in 1982, and smoking (twice) in 1984 and 1989.
Ever since a traumatic departure from a six-year job the end of 2005, I have not been able to KEEP new jobs, even though the previous 40+ years I had a fairly stable work history, with many positive references. About 6 months ago I started seeing a mental health counselor who subscribes to the Amen Clinic philosophies (+ EFT – Gary Craig’s Emotional Freedom Technique). For several years I’ve been involved with spiritual pursuits, and last month (after a period of abstinence) I resumed my meditation CD program by Bill Harris of Centerpointe – Holosync. Currently I am also developing a more natural diet and exercise program. It’s slow going – getting more discouraged, feeling as though the rest of my days will be spent striving to improve… not having experienced satisfaction or contentment.
Is it reasonable to think that the same natural supplements “Seth” took would improve my symptoms… adequate to KEEP a job? I would very much appreciate feedback.
Thank you,
Sondra
Anacortes WA
Because I get the “burps” from fish oil I am now taking flax seed oil. I got it at Mothers Market, a health food store. It does taste yucky but just for a minute. I have also seen Omega-3 capsules at Target store near the pharmacy section and the price was great.
Hi Dr. Amen,
Do you know of any Doctors or clinics in Michigan or Northern Ohio with whom you are associated or practice similarly to you and your clinics?
Sincerely,
Anne
Does Dr. Amen have any affiliations that I can go to in Missouri? I live just outside of St. Louis. Some of Seth’s problems seem similar to mine although I have been diagnosed as having severe depression and have been treated with the same combinations of medicine for more than 25 years. Is Seth’s dose of fish oil different than regularly prescribed doses?
I.poE4 gene. I was wondering if there is a blood test or something that one of your patients can take to find out if they are carrying this gene. It seems it would be helpful to know if you are at increased risk. I had also heard Dr. Pensky say that genetic testing was going to be available by now to see if one is at increased risk for addiction. One related to ADD, which we have in our family. I was wondering about the other tests? Do you know if there are such tests available now?