Has treating your adrenals helped your ADD or ADHD?

[compnet]

Hello everyone.  I've been reading from alternative doctors that underneath ADD (CFS as well) is an adrenal problem.  Has anyone here with either condition treated their adrenals, and if so, what was the outcome, how do you feel and in what ways do you feel better if you do?  Also, what exactly was your adrenal treatment?

Thank you.

[compnet]

What kind of doctor did your adrenal testing?

[allmymarbles]

The test for adrenal function consisted of saliva tests and analysis of a 24 hour urine sample. For me, cortisol rose during the day instead of falling. This is what led to panic attacks. My thyroid was also involved (no surprise), and I had a 24-hour urine sample test for that. Since the adrenal problem was a side effect of an inhaled steroid (for asthma) the first step was to discontinue the steroid and replace it with natural anti-inflammatories. The adrenal problem was treated with a high dosage of vitamin B5, plus Travacor, and natural supplements to support glandular function. To deal with anxiety and panic attacks I was given a very small dose of Xanax (.25 mg), to use only if an attack was impending, to avoid addiction. I was also taking iodine (for the thyroid). It is about eight months since I quit the steroid and have been improving steadily. I almost never have to use the Xanax now. Interestingly enough the natural approach to handling the asthma is more effective than the steroid (which almost killed me, but that is another story).

[compnet]

"The adrenal problem was treated and those symptoms went away. My doctor is an alternative medicine MD. "
What tests determined that was your problem and what was your treatment?  
What other symptoms did you have and how did you feel after treatment?
How long was your treatment?

Thank you.

[allmymarbles]

By the way, my symptoms did not suggest ADD, but there is more than one kind of adrenal problem. And the adrenal problem is not necessarily isolated. Very frequently the thyroid is involved as well. The endocrine glands all seem to affect each other.

[allmymarbles]

That sounds entirely possible. I suffered anxiety and panic attacks because of adrenal fatigue. The adrenal problem was treated and those symptoms went away. My doctor is an alternative medicine MD. On this forum I always suggest to those who write in that they look to see if the cause of their problems is physical (or dietary). There is an unfortunate tendency to first look for help from a psychologist or psychiatrist, assuming it is an emotional problem. In the end it might be that, but it is wise to rule out physical causes first.