Healing ADD: The Breakthrough Program that Allows You to See and Heal the 7 Types of ADD

by Daniel G. Amen

TYPE 6 (RING OF FIRE) ADD I typically start with supplements for this type, usually a combination of GABA, 5HTP and L-tyrosine. If I prescribe medication I typically start with one of the anticonvulsants listed under Type 4 ADD, and may add a stimulant medication later on. Stimulants by themselves often make this type worse. When used alone, serotonergic medication also seem to make this type worse. If the anticonvulsants do not seem to work, I may very cautiously use one of the novel antipsychotic medications, such as Risperdal. Often the dosages of the anticonvulsants or antipsychotic medications are much smaller than needed for seizure disorders or psychotic illnesses. In selected cases, the antipsychotic medications can be very effective. Some of my teenage patients have been kept out of the hospital or residential treatment centers using these medications. However, one of the problems with these medications is weight gain. I have a number of patients who have gained twenty to thirty pounds in less than a year. The amazing response to the medication is the only reason I persisted with the medication. The anticonvulsant Topamax is known to promote weight loss in some patients and I have used it successfully in some of my Ring of Fire patients. The blood pressure medicines guanfacine and clonidine can also be helpful. These tend to calm overall hyperactivity seen in this