3) the BURDEN OF A.D.H.D.
PsyGeNET (Psychiatric disorders Gene association NETwork) is a resource for the exploratory analysis of psychiatric diseases and their associated genes. The current version (see here 'about' PsyGeNET) contains 2,642 associations, between 1,271 genes and 37 psychiatric disease concepts!
"Synaptic plasticity and adaptive behaviors are likely dependent on the capacity of neurons to meet the energy demands for neuronal activity, imposed by daily environmental challenges. In case of excessive pressure, neuronal energy metabolism may get overwhelmed. Then, depressed mood, tiredness, low-energy feelings, and listlessness are the most common symptoms associated with such a mental fatigue."
Evolved Minds shall : concentrate onto a goal, filter distracting stimuli, evaluate the input against a cognitive map, elaborate and evaluate responses, perform planned activities, inhibit all other inappropriate drives. In challenging situations, such "decision-making" may become difficult, and individuals may be tempted to choose impulsively, or to gamble. Any failure of energy metabolism in brain areas subserving these functions likely results in a failure of behavior, often called "symptom", and in mental disorder. As far as the final behavioral output - in conditions of challenging choice - cannot be foreseen a priori and inequivocally, there is room for what we call "Free Will" and the individual is claimed to be morally responsible for any decision. Conversely, if the behavioral output is set a priori - because of potent overwhelming drives like "impulses, compulsions" - with little or no room for cognitive inhibitory control (i.e. what we call "Madness, Crazyness"), the individual cannot be claimed as morally responsible for the actions deriving from such a non-decision !!!
One of the main research focuses of EMMA is the process of (impulsive) decision making and (pathological) gambling, as well as the role of forebrain neurocircuitry in this process.
2a) The use of Rhodiola Rosea to cope with fatigue.
Novel, relevant papers about the efficacy of this alternative medicine: listed here!
Other aspects: the Rhodiola Rosea as a possible future research focus for EMMA.
2.5 million kids in the U.S. are on stimulant medications like Ritalin and Adderall: it's big news when research shows that the incidence of sudden death is 7.4 times higher among them (aged 7 -19).
The hyperactive children killed by these drugs represent just the tip of the iceberg. You can be sure that many more children are being harmed to different degrees and in varying ways without any family or physician awareness. Read a report here.
Note: NEWS before May 2009 stored in our CLINICAL-CARE NEWS ARCHIVE.
EMMA is fully committed to divulge rapidly all novel discoveries in the field of mind and metabolism, with a special regard on ADHD, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Tourette Syndrome.