ADHD: Adrenal, Copper And Too Many Stimulants 
Many are treated with stimulants for ADHD because they’re so tired, dull, listless and simply can’t think. They can’t get out of bed, they are exhausted through the day, and, of course, they manifest a significantly compromised executive function.
Diagnosis on one level, quite right: EFD, ADD, ADHD. But if the [EFD] Executive Function Disorder is created by a different, unidentified problem than straight ADHD, the meds don’t work no matter how carefully you titrate the dose. Reconsider that challenging Roving Therapeutic Window I’ve mentioned so repeatedly in these CorePsych articles.
ADHD is the symptom, not the problem.
The outcome of missed diagnosis: overdose with stimulants, simply because they don’t effectively treat adrenal compromise with Chronic Fatigue.
It may look like Chronic Fatigue [Chronic Fatigue Syndrome -CFS] associated with ADHD, but could arise from an entirely different element – yes, trace elements imbalances.
Copper Walks Into The Brain
Check out these few remarks on adrenal dysfunction and copper in Why Am I Always So Tired? – by Gittleman, and see if any of this rings a clinical bell:
Copper has antifungal and antibiotic properties, while zinc [copper's balancing companion] has antiviral effects. … those with chronic viral presentations typically have low zinc and high copper, e.g. Epstein Barr, mono, hepatitis. [Slow metabolism, low zinc and copper elevation create significant intractable medical problems with mind consequences] [pg 57-59]
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome [CFS] is connected to copper overload in another way. Numerous studies have suggested a strong link between CFS and adrenal gland dysfunction; some practitioners believe that all individuals who have CFS have weak adrenal function. … adrenal burnout is a common consequence of copper overload. It’s no coincidence that adrenal burnout and CFS are both characterized by a feeling of adrenal exhaustion. [pg 60]
…viral symptoms and associated tired body, mental racing, anxiety, exhaustion, depression, insomnia and skin problems are all associated with copper excess.1
We discover these copper excess issues associated with adrenal fatigue so often associated with chronic refractory, “untreatable” ADHD.
It’s worth considering. You can’t treat targets that you don’t see.
cp
1Prasad, AS, et al, Trace Elements in Human Health and Disease, Vol 1: Zinc and Copper. New York: Academic Press 1976
Interesting. Both my child and I had “Adrenal Insufficiency”. He suffered from “medication adverse reactions” not once were we tested for copper, and I have CFS/Fibro/immune dysfunction. It would seem feasible that my kid could possibly have the same issues. Why must it take so long to find the accurate diagnosis, adequate treatments, and attempts to obtain a Quality of life without seeing so many doctors who choose to use medication as a first line of treatments for what very well are secondary conditions caused by the delayed, or misdiagnoses of the primary conditions? An educated proactive self advocating patient is the only way to maintain Self driven recovery.
The world is only slowly catching up with the science. I just saw someone yesterday that had exposure to 1. copper pipes her whole life, 2 copper IUD for about 10 years, and 3 get this: worked in a copper plant as a supervisor for about 10 years. Results aren’t in, but symptoms argue strongly for Tissue Mineral Analysis.
And you are quite right: It’s my mission, through this citizen journalism to inform the public, they won’t get it though the popular press, and to many wait for the institutional thinkers to come around. There is no harm in testing, only the challenge to understand it.
cp
Interested in learning more about “tissue mineral analysis”. My grandfather worked in a copper plant for many years as well! He suffered with severe migraines.Genetically speaking, wondering if the familial predisposition of neurological conditions, severe migraines, immunologic deficits, autoimmune conditions etc, have somehow been passed on through the “Blood” brain barrier thresholds-having some relativity to “Copper exposure” over extended amounts of time.
Being a possible existing connection that was un-recognized or tested for, perhaps Dna/genetic testing of family members at this point could clarify the cellular structure or any mutations that could indicate sensitivity to such elements as Copper, or others that are found in our pipelines, our soil, our drinking water etc.
Thank you for bringing this forum to the public citizens. Your knowledge and expertise is eye opening for many Dr Parker, You are at the helm of bringing the challenge known as progress with a willingness to inform, inquire and question that which is yet to be understood
Copper toxicity takes, as you might suspect, many forms. Psychosis, hallucinations and depression lead the most obvious presentations, but another pervasive and increasingly appreciated problem is dramatic fatigue with adrenal compromise.
ADHD & many stimulants coupled with too many biochemically produced medications for Treating any Symptoms vs. Finding the Problem leaves far too much room for further compromising already compromised body/brain/blood systems. Immune System, Gastrointestinal, cognitive/executive, so on and so on.
Any unidentified problem other than straight ADHD that goes ‘untreated’ or un-diagnosed, does indeed become manifested, sometimes is exasperated, with worse possible outcomes for whatever that condition may be. Whereas the stimulants or other medications instead cover up the primary condition that’s being inadvertently missed.
These challenges, as you so correctly report, are far more common than currently appreciated… with the result that many spend thousands of dollars on treatments that miss the several marks because the simply aren’t considered… because, of all things, they just aren’t popular. Sounds like the 7th grade.
What could a combination of Copper or other heavy metals, coupled with stimulants or other medications, added with weeks of soot inhalation do to a compromised immune system?