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.