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ADHD

ADHD

Please discuss Attention Deficit Disorder and Tourettes Syndrome and what causes it. 

Thanks, L


Attention Deficit Disorder, also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is a disorder, typically occurring in childhood but can persist throughout life. The key symptom domains of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. ADHD can present in three ways, primarily inattentive, primarily hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both. The central problem underlying ADHD is dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex (inattentive and impulsive symptoms) and motor cortex (hyperactive symptoms).

The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain right behind the forehead. The circuits of the prefrontal cortex are where we plan, organize, prioritize, focus, attend, switch attention, reason, strategize and self-restrain. The prefrontal cortex is our governor, the part of the brain that says no to unhealthy impulses or desires, the part of the brain that causes us to stay on task when we don’t feel like it, the part of the brain that chooses to do homework rather than go out and play.

Recent research is suggesting that the impairments to these brain regions results in altered perception of time such that even a few seconds to a child with ADHD could be perceived as unbearably long. When boys with ADHD were compared to boys of the same age without ADHD on tests measuring time perception, the boys with ADHD showed impairments. However, when the ADHD boys were treated with methylphenidate (Ritalin), a medication increasing dopamine availability in the brain, their test performance was indistinguishable from the non-ADHD boys. Because new, exciting or risky behaviors increase dopamine release in the brain, children with ADHD may be “self-medicating” by their constant behavior choices.

Whenever the prefrontal cortex is impaired our ability to plan, organize, prioritize, reason, make healthy decisions, self-restrain, focus or attend is impaired. But not everything that impairs the prefrontal cortex causes ADHD. Alcohol intoxication impairs prefrontal cortex, higher cortical function and time perception, but this impairment lasts only as long as the intoxication. When sober the prefrontal cortex function is improved. But long term heavy alcohol use can permanently damage the prefrontal cortex and cause impairment similar to what is seen in ADHD.

With this in mind what are some contributing factors to ADHD?

  1. Genetics: Genes are the blueprints that direct our biological machinery and we inherit our genes from our parents. Twin studies document that ADHD does run in families and genetics are a factor in up to 75% of cases. Areas of interest include the genes that code for the dopamine receptors, dopamine reuptake pumps, enzymes that break down dopamine and the dopamine metabolic production pathway. But genes interact with environment which can alter gene expression thereby increasing or decreasing the risk.
    1. Researchers have documented that children with a variance in the gene that codes for the Dopamine-4 receptor have thinner prefrontal cortexes and higher rates of ADHD. However, the brain thinning was not permanent and by the time these same children were adults the brain development was normal and the ADHD symptoms had improved. This means some children will outgrow their ADHD symptoms. (Shaw P, Gornick M, Lerch J, Addington A, Seal J, Greenstein D, Sharp W, Evans A, Giedd JN, Castellanos FX, Rapoport JL. Polymorphisms of the dopamine D4 receptor, clinical outcome and cortical structure in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Archives of General Psychiatry, 2007 Aug; 64(8):921-931).
  2. Environmental factors:
    1. Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption while pregnant has been linked to increased risk of ADHD in children.
    2. Complications of pregnancy and premature birth.
    3. Exposure to high concentrations of lead during childhood can damage brain development and increase risk of ADHD.
    4. Theatrical television watching in children during developmental years has been associated with increased risk of ADHD regardless of the rating of the programming. In other words, watching G rated theatrical programming during the developmental years alters normal brain development increasing the risk of ADHD. This negative effect on the brain was found to be dose dependent, meaning the more hours of television watching the greater the risk of ADHD. Educational television did not show this association.
    5. Emotionally unhealthy childhood environments, abusive environments, removal from parents and other such experiences can alter brain development impairing prefrontal cortex and increasing risk of ADHD.
  3. Traumatic brain injury can increase the risk of ADHD, though the percentage of children with ADHD due to brain injury is small.
  4. Sugar: studies have failed to document a relationship between sugar consumption and ADHD. No credible evidence has documented a link between sucrose and ADHD. All studies done thus far document just the opposite, no link exists. In one study of children whose parents considered them sugar sensitive the children were given the sugar substitute Nutrasweet. All the children were given Nutrasweet but half the mother’s were told their children were given sugar. The mothers who thought their children were given sugar rated them as more hyperactive than the other children and were more critical of their behavior when compared to the mothers who thought their children received Nutrasweet.
  5. Food additives: Recent research in Britain has suggested a potential link between the consumption of artificial food coloring and certain preservatives and hyperactivity. More research is underway to confirm this association.

Untreated ADHD results in children growing up with greater risk of substance use disorders, mood disorders, relationship problems and underachievement. Children with untreated ADHD are at risk of losing confidence in themselves as their easy distractibility undermines their ability to attend and thus learn on pace with children without ADHD. This causes internalization of false self image lowering expectation on self with increasing feelings of worthlessness and low self esteem. Adequate treatment can resolve or prevent this by allowing children with ADHD to attend, focus, organize, plan and therefore accomplish on par with their peers.

If you or your child has ADHD what should you do?

  1. First get an evaluation by a qualified professional. Not everything that looks like ADHD is ADHD. Things to rule out include anemia, sleep disorders, thyroid disorders, substance abuse, hearing and vision impairments, child abuse, poisoning and other psychiatric disorders.
  2. Once ADHD is confirmed discuss with your healthcare provider treatment options which generally include some form of medication. Studies indicate that the core features of ADHD respond best to medication interventions. In fact non-pharmacological interventions show no greater improvement on the core symptoms of ADHD than no treatment at all. Non-pharmacological therapies do show improvement in socialization.
  3. Preventative measures include:
    1. Restricting theatrical television in children.
    2. Avoiding toxic substances (alcohol, tobacco, lead, poisons).
    3. Providing a healthy and nurturing environment.
    4. Providing balanced nutrition with adequate vitamins and minerals and omega 3 fatty acids
    5. Ensure normal sleep wake cycles and no sleep disorders exist
    6. Regular exercise
  4. Therapy can benefit the child in social integration and adaptation.

Tourette Syndrome is an inherited neuropsychiatric disorder which causes motor and vocal tics and can include recurrent expression of foul language. For more on Tourette Syndrome please visit the NIH website on this disorder at https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tourette/tourette.htm

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Testimony 33

I was invited over a friend’s house to see the “God and Your Brain” seminar today. I became [a christian] 36 years ago at the age of 19, but have struggled with the concept of God taking His ‘pound of flesh’ out on His Son to be appeased. Wow. Your seminar has been an incredible revelation and breath of reason and fresh air! I have your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” and it is SO eye opening. Finally, after 36 years enlightenment has come! Praise the Good Lord! What can I say, but that the Real Gospel is truly “Good News!” Thank you for your efforts in giving the Gospel a clear sound!

Paul C.,  Springfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 62

I would like to express my thanks to the C&R team for creating a platform from which people can learn to trust in God and grow. My life is a witness to the effectiveness of this ministry. Without believing the truth about God as you have shown, I don’t know what my life would be like. I had given up on God helping me with certain sins – it was all useless. Given that the scripture is clear and God is so good, how could I have betrayed him so many times? I was a yo-yo christian; spinning up and down. My faith and enthusiasm was driven by discoveries/threats that prophecy is about to be fulfilled. But when I watched your “Healing the Mind” seminar, it was like a light finally went on. I could see God had no plan to hurt me, the danger came from sin, and that He is working to protect me and strengthen me. Thank you for allowing God to use you. The message God gave C&R saved my life!

Antony N. – Hobart, Australia

 

Testimony 5

We listen to your bible studies lessons in our class in Montana. You actually were the main reason I decided to get a laptop, so I can go to your site and listen, read, learn, and print the class notes. I am so grateful to learn the correct view of God and his character. Now, to just have others have an interest in knowing, so I can share it with them. Good thoughts your way.

R. N., MT, USA

 

Testimony 48

I just want to tell you how blessed I have been reading “The Remedy!” It has become a daily part of my devotional relationship with God. In it I have found a God of love and a God that loves me! The bible has come alive for me! It is the first time that I can say that I have felt hope fill my heart as I have read God’s word. This is good news I can share! Thank you, Dr Jennings! Thank you for your heart for others. I can’t put into words how this has set me free! It has strengthened my trust and love for God.

Jason H.

 

Testimony 36

Thank you and may God continue to bless you as you share with others the intricacies of how we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made”. I must share that you have opened a whole new world to me, and I have found tremendous healing through what you have shared in two of your books, “Could It Be This Simple?” and “The God Shaped Brain.” I praise God for what you shared, what I have learned, and how I have grown and healed! My prayer is that My Precious Jesus will be seen by others in the way I live, act, talk, etc. and they may be encouraged to know He is truly a GREAT God of LOVE, desiring that no one should perish! God Bless you in your continued endeavors to present Him as He really is!

Joleen H. GA, USA

 

Testimony 32

The message [of Come And Reason Ministries is] for all Christians (and those who may become Christians) and not just Adventists or any other group. It is difficult to imagine why any [anyone] with intellectual and spiritual honesty could find fault with the way you explained the healing substitution concepts and the truth about God’s character, though I know some will reject and criticize. On behalf of those in our group near Tacoma, WA, thank you and your staff for all of the hard work and for sharing the Gospel in this manner. God’s message of healing love will be carried to the whole world and then Jesus will come – He promised it.

Terry U., Tacoma, WA, USA

 

Testimony 53

I was so blessed by a friend who gave me your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” while I was sitting in church asking God to please help me learn more about Him and help me not to be so confused and scared. That was about 2 years ago. Your books have helped me to love God even more. I’m not confused or scared anymore! I have listened to all of your bible study classes and feel like I know the wonderful people that attend every week. Thank you for all that you’re doing in spreading the true message about God and His law of love. God bless you and your whole class.

Elssy P., Modesto, CA, USA

 

Testimony 35

I am so pleased with the response your message is receiving at my church from the middle-aged to the young adults. I have given out 100 copies of the first two seminars and there are more request every week. One of my [class members] came to me after viewing the series, grateful and impressed with how easy the message was retained. He had been a Seventh-day Adventist in fear all his life, and felt like the scales were removed from his eyes after viewing the seminars. I am so impressed by the change I see in members who have received this message, we are in one accord. However, I am sadden by the negative response of the older people. I am verbally attacked anytime I talk about imposed laws, but I believe my mission is to enlightened everyone I can. I watch your Bible Study Class on YouTube every Friday night and I feel like I am apart of the class. All of you are in one accord and I am so blessed to have found you. I pray that all of you continue to spread this message and I am committed to doing my part.

Clara S., Westfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 56

I cannot thank you enough for opening my understanding to the beautiful truth of God’s Law of Love and how it applies to everything. I have been a Christian for over forty years, but I feel like I am only now seeing with my eyes open. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Tammy Cinzio, Australia

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 72

I am blown away by the truth that you present. God’s Design Law makes so much sense! You have validated my impression that, if God is love, He would not kill those who don’t want to know him. If God gives us choice, then how can He destroy us if our choice is not to follow him. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to the pure love of God seen through Jesus. The love I now have for Jesus is deeper and free from condemnation. My heart has been opened to love others as Jesus loves me. May God continue to bless your God-given insight into His word and your ministry. The truth has set me free!

H. Miller, Centereach, NY

Testimony 18

The Healing the Mind DVD set tarted me on a journey that has changed my relationship with our loving God more significantly than any other study, and brought me to your book and Bible study podcasts, which I now listen to daily, thanks to the availability of archived content on your site and on iTunes.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 67

I was introduced to Come And Reason by a friend of my mother-in-law, who gave me several CD’s of Dr. Jennings. The clarity of the message and recognition that God’s is a God of love was so clear, advancing beyond Dr. Maxwell’s message. However, grappled with Maxwell saying God used emergency measures for the fallen world. Now after several years of being a regular listener of the Come And Reasoning bible study class and attending Jennings’ meetings in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, things are becoming clearer for me. Design law versus imposed law has added so much to my personal understanding of theology. This message has really impacted my work in counseling so many people miserable because they are searching for and trusting human governments to create order and peace or believing in a God who says love Me or I will kill you. I am grateful that I have an alternative view to offer my clients that makes sense. I teach a bible study class on a semi-regular basis and I value the materials that Come And Reason so freely offers to aid me in presenting this vital message. Thank you for continuing to provide advancement in our very limited understanding of a Infinite God that is rational and believable.

Dr. Roger D, Arlington, TX, USA

 

Testimony 22

I have found your Bible study class lectures to be very inspiring and useful as I prepare to teach class every other week. I subscribe to the podcast and download your notes on the weeks I teach. The audio and notes are such a great help in preparing. My own understanding of God’s character has grown as I teach the class. Commendations on the thought-provoking and well-prepared material Come and Reason provides. Personally, I get excited by the tie you make between the spiritual and mental/physical domains.

A.A. Corrales, NM, USA

 

Testimony 40

I was brought up in a different faith and have been petrified my whole life of God. I believed that I would burn in hell for eternity. When I was 12 I started pursuing the things of this world, but for the next 45 years the Spirit was always calling me, as I knew there was a God through nature. I could see the vast sea of stars in the universe and knew there was something bigger out there. Five years ago, through a Revelation seminar, I was blessed to learn about God’s character and government.

Then I found Come and Reason Ministries and have come under some extreme pressure when I speak about the ministry. One time a member sent me an internet article titled “Whats wrong with Tim Jennings?” I asked her what she thought of it and she said “I don’t know, I didn’t read it.”

I have always wanted to find out for myself the truth about God, so I stayed with the Design Law construct and have been liberated to understand the big picture. Once we consider Design Law, all other Bible stories and prophecies seem to fit perfectly. It is truly beautiful to see people grasping how God operates this Universe of Love and the liberation it has provided in their lives. It blows my mind to see how consistent Design law is with what our founders believed. I hear statements like “This makes so much sense.”

Tom W., Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA