Notes On ADD: CorePsychPodcast

Heads up!

Some of you may not be tuned into my audio site over at CorePsychPodcast, so just to let you know today I sent over an audio MP3 file, downloadable from iTunes, and playable on your machine.

Today, Episode 3: The Wrong Meds – Why they don't work

In previous programs:
Episode 1: Diagnosis – I discussed the diagnosis of ADD and how
we can understand prefrontal cortical function in the office. If we
think biologically, functionally, we are closer to making the
diagnosis. It's all about thinking and acting in time. Kinda like dancing.

Episode 2: Right Meds – How they work. After we make the diagnosis,
let's think more carefully about the use of meds. They do work, but
only if considered correctly on the front end. Titration, dosage, and
selection of meds based upon 1/2 life [duration of effectiveness] are
all important subjects.

and for today:

Episode 3: Wrong Meds – How and why they don't work. Program notes for this episode:

Sections:

1. Metabolic differences lay the foundation for multiple med problems. Think before we act.
2. Specific abilities to metabolize certain meds make a big
   difference: Notes on CYP450 2D6 and “pharmacogenomics” -Yes, a big
   word, but only to highlight very useful facts.
3. Drug interactions: Overlooked yet commonly seen interactions that
   bring blame on the stimulant instead of the offending SSRI
   [specifically Prozac and Paxil]
4. Genetic variations cause differing rates of metabolism and
   establish the “therapeutic window.” Common sense for careful dosage
   scheduling – use of “body weight” as a titration variable is old news.
5. The Basal Ganglion Seesaw: Relationships between common
   neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine seen everyday in the office.
   Important to know diagnosis in the first place to predict these
   interactions. Depression and ADD don't mix well with meds.

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Next Episode: Medical conditions that confuse ADD treatment.