adult add

I have an adult patient with ADD (not ADHD). Poor mental focus and task application and completion; sluggishness; very sensitive to criticism and to supposed 'sins.'

Intellectual type,a profes-sional..mostly retired now, likes to write scientific and political articles. Some-times he can't seem to get anything done/tasks seem overwhelming, then he goes into feelings of guilt and into depression. When he can push himself to get outside and walk, this helps a lot.. but this takes discipline, which he does not always have. Involvement in other outside activities, such as college courses helps too.


People see him as somewhat nervous, but much of this stems from muscle tightness, especially of the spine (and chiropractic is of great benefit). Very shy historically, but he has broken through much of this, and is now pretty out-going. For some reason, being bothered by management (and maybe some other authority figures too) where he lives bothers him tremendously (which is only partly reality-based). I.e., these people are somewhat Gestapo-like, but his 'buttons' are easily pushed. Sometimes, he is still agoraphobic...like in a crowd. Most of his fear of heights seems to have abated.

He is at his best late at night, but this can be tricky, as he has experienced insomnia lately, if he does not retire around midnight.

From some preliminary examination, seems to me these might help:
Silica; Gelsemium; Kali phosphoricum. Any thoughts, please?

Oh, stimulants like Ritalin work marvelously (dramatic change in mental focus and task completion..and self-confidence!), but side- effects, viz., visual floaters and bone/teeth mineral loss, so he is loath to return to these. Tea helps a bit in the morning, but more caffeine..tea or coffee just makes him hyper..no solution. Years ago, we had him on a homeopathic remedy for some condition, and I seem to remember that the higher dosages worked much better than the lower ones.

This individual, as a child was frequently cold.. especially hands and feet.. but not not so much today. In a bus, e.g., he frequently has to remove clothing, as he perspires readily. History of enuresis as child and lots of colds, lots of muscle tension and nervousness, sometimes tics and stuttering. Some-times these last two appear today, when he is tired or stressed out. Lately frequent very foul-smelling feces, as well as flatulence..and diges-tive enzymes, simethicone and 'Beano' only help a little (a few years ago,they worked great).

Oh, early in life, very insecure, obsessive-compulsive and codependent personality. History of clinical depression and bipolar disorder. Loves sweets and salty foods, but eats little of these today (though does have weakness for potato chips and fries). Does significantly better with regular ingestion of meat/fish protein, and supplements like fish oil and CoEnQ10 (and lots of veggies) seem to help too. Being in a 'safe space' is key for him, and he much values his privacy.

THANKS!! ; )