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by Dr Charles Parker on March 10, 2009 · 48 comments

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It's About The Science

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Office: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
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On Selecting a Neuroscience Consultant pdf

About Details
CoreBrain Training
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CorePsych Blog
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Twitter: drcharlesparker
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Leadership and the Mind pdf download for your review.
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Websites Endorsements 

- See this Page for Testimonials and Reviews - a few more listed here:

———-
– Dr. Charles Parker is the leading light now on comprehensive ADHD medical treatment. I encourage you to BUY HIS [ADHD Medication Rules] BOOK AND READ IT.  It will save you (and your child) many missteps, wrong turns, lost years, and worse. If I may say so, he simply cannot tell you all you need to know (or even a fraction of it) here in a post, based on limited information. it’s amazing that Dr. Parker devotes so much time to attempting it.  That’s just another of his qualities that make him so special. But really you must educate yourself. Read what he has written in the book.  Ask your prescribing physician to buy a copy.  Watch his podcasts/videos. Take advantage of all the information he has generously posted here.  This education process must happen from the grass-roots level — with us who know the impact of poor medical treatment helping to educate more physicians. And if you can, pursue the NeuroScience testing with him. It made a HUGE difference in our house.  So many doctors are operating circa 1978. Dr. Parker is operating circa 2050! Make the most of it for yourself and your loved ones.
Gina Pera, Author: Is It You Me or Adult ADD? Winner of Four National Book Awards

———-
– You’ve been afforded the highest compliment a doctor of psychiatric medicine can be given, having been listed amongst the most innovative professionals on my short list @ http://www.petesapper.com/2010/12/ethical-practitoner-index.html I commend you once again on having provided this wonderful resource to patients like myself who simply won’t tolerate mediocrity with the ranks of modern medicine. Please keep the efforts to educate your colleagues and clients coming. It is this brand of leadership which raises the bar, thereby setting a more stringent standard for clinicians the world over.
Pete Sapper, Writer, http://www.petesapper.com

One-Line Bio
Writer, Speaker, Neuroscientist and Psychiatric Consultant – Translating Emerging New Brain and Body Science for Both Public and Professionals.

One Page Bio Advancing Mind Science – One Page Bio and Easy Connections – pdf

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Overview
New scientific evidence changes core psychiatric care, everyday.

For years many considered psychiatry a belief system filled with dreams, abstractions, and little reality. Even today, many assert that ADHD is a character problem, and SPECT brain imaging is modern snake oil. Today brain science has added even more available evidence with laboratory testing from Neurotransmitters, to Immune Dysfunction, to Hormone Imbalances that significantly effect brain function.

But now, let’s travel beyond “belief systems.” New biomarker evidence and laboratory facts do count. Psychiatry has evolved to include the latest research in molecular and cellular biology, and brain physiology – neuroscience. Everyday practice has moved from fantasies and dreams – to include reality.

New questions with new answers increasingly drive treatment interventions. Brain and body “biologic systems” can be measured for their function and specifically treated based upon solid molecular and cellular laboratory evidence.

And on this new path we don’t forget the past. Traditional pharmacologic interventions often remain valid. Advances in biotechnology and neuroscience simply offer more comprehensive treatment strategies with more predictable results.

Bio
Dr Charles Parker, Medical Director of CorePsych, provides both personal consultation and professional training to address the multiplicity of challenges present in psychiatry today. With the abundant changes in the technology of information delivery he is available for time saving virtual consultation and presentations – anywhere.

Publications
1.Deep Recovery, [1992] - about the lessons of difficult relationships and recovery from any repetitive pattern – is available at Amazon and in the office. Please call if Amazon is out.
2. ADHD Medication Rules, [2010] This recent book details the medical challenges often found with diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Please sign up here for some pre-publication savings and updates on the publication date – ADHD Medication Rules: Paying Attention To The Meds For Paying Attention.
3. If you are one of the many people downstream from the multiple problems with ADHD medications, please preview Rules in this Complimentary 23 pg Special Report: Predictable Solutions For ADHD Medications – The 10 Biggest Problems here at this CorePsych Blog Link.
4. Drug Interactions: Trichotillomania: Apparent CYP 2D6 Interaction with Amphetamine and Paroxetine – Parker, N, and Parker, C, Primary Psychiatry
5. CorePsych Blog – Award winning Blogger: Wellsphere, Medpedia, Disease.com, Best ADHD Blogs, Best Brain Blogs, first post: Nov. 23, ’06

Education
-   Culver Military Academies 60G – College Prep
-   Westminster College, Fulton, MO, BS: Biology, Minor: English
-   Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Phila, PA
-   Adult Psychiatry: Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
-   Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Hahnemann Med Center, Phila., PA [Chief Resident]
-   Adult Psychoanalysis: Philadelphia Association for Psychoanalysis
-   Board Certified Adult Psych
-   Life Fellow, American Psychiatric Association
-   Board Certified Addiction Medicine – for 10 years
-   Board Certified Forensic Psychiatry – for 10 years
-   Family and Interpersonal Mediation: Old Dominion University
-   Coaching: Mentor Coach: International Coach Federation Accredited
-   Licensed: Nuclear Regulatory Commission: Management of Radioisotopes – for use in Nuclear Medicine – 2003
-   Member: Society for Neuroscience

Experience Matters
-  Visiting Professor, Psych Dept., Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA Inactive at this time.
-   Active outpatient practice since early 70’s, Partner in Parker, Schlichter and Assoc. in Va Beach, VA
-   Hospital programs: Management and Program Development from ~’78 to ~’92 including Executive Medical Director of Peninsula Hospital, Hampton, VA
-   Management Consultant: Media Buying Firm National meetings: 1. Montauk, NY, 2. Times Square, NYC, and 3. Redgate, NJ, 4. Precast Concrete Manufacturers in Richmond, VA, and 5. Auto Sales & Management in Va Beach.
-   Guest Creativity Consultant: With Dr Edward de Bono at Electronic Data Systems in Dallas [see the blog post].
-   Program Development: Substance Abuse Treatment Centers and Providers, from Sun Valley ID, to Lafayette LA.
-  Lectured: Psychopharmacology nationally for > 14 years to hundreds of medical colleagues identified with special interests in depression, antidepressants, and diagnosis and treatment for ADHD: NYC, to Boston, LA, and Seattle, San Francisco
-  Developed and managed as Chief Psychiatrist: Amen Clinic in Reston, VA near Washington, DC: SPECT brain imaging in clinical practice, began in ’03, finished there in ’07. Same SPECT materials, often different conclusions and recommendations.
-  Continue Active SPECT Image Evaluation Practice: reviewing for second opinions, managing the scan process, thousands of scan review hours, since 2003. Patient Care Coordinator will give more details on that page.
-  Neuroscience Consultant: Spero Retreat, Beverly Hills, CA; Patrick Carnes, PhD IITAP & Gentle Path; LifeBridge Diagnostics, SPECT Imaging, Melbourne, FL.
-  Teleconference coaching and teleseminar presentations from ’98 with clients from Japan, Iceland, Ecuador, Israel, England, Scotland and Alaska
-  Society for Neuroscience
-  American Medical Association, Medical Society of Virginia, Virginia Beach Med Society

Resume: CV Updated May 08

On a personal note
– Eagle Scout, and God and Country Award: Merit badges and years of church service
– Bailed hay and caught chickens in Indiana. It was great fun. [See the post on agrarian guilt.]
– Picked cotton [3 seasons] and shoveled concrete on the roads [3 other yrs] in Missouri. Never again. Cotton picking: close to slave labor. The roads: absolutely teach you chain-gang teamwork [master of the double-shovel].
– Organic gardener and beekeeper for years. Lessons: with the bees: stay natural, remain calm with a big buzz, – and regarding worm composting: meaningless scraps can heal the garden.
-  Attended Culver Military Academy, ‘60G. Trumpet in the Band [wrong specialty], wonderful team, still in contact, mismanaged the zipper note on Sousa marches. My favorite for the cavalry pass in review: Garry Owen.
-  Sold furnace cleanings door to door in metro West Philadelphia. Going into those homes and meeting the families: Unforgettable.
– Read my poetry in Philadelphia clubs with physician colleague Dr Ashley Angert playing backup classical guitar: it was a very different – time applause was snapping the fingers. Peace Brother.
-  Black Belt: Shotokan Karate, Dr Hamada, Hanshi – International Chairperson of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai, Japan [Oldest Japanese Martial Arts Society]. Got hit a few times.
– Published outdoor writer, salt water fly fisherman, Spey fishing enthusiast – it’s like dancing in the woods.

Quite a tour, from Missouri farms to metro psychoanalysis, SPECT imaging, neurotransmitter precursors, and molecular and cellular physiology. In 40 years, we have evolved from questions about sexual fantasies and dreams to very specific interest in bowel movements, PMS, exposure to mold, and biomarkers for neurotransmitters.

From a start with mind – back to include body, with little left behind. Most interesting: how the biological body facts do fit with the mind work and the clinical stories.

Educational Products
DVDs
1. Brain School 101: How New Evidence Changes Psychiatric Practice  1.5 hr available April 2010
2. The Impulsive Brain: 1. ADHD, 2. Bipolar, 3. Brain Injury, 4. Addiction Medicine each part 1.5 hr, available June 2010

CDs
1. ADHD: Beyond Labels into Clinical Assessment of Brain Function
2. Holistic Psychiatry: Comprehensive Changes in Psychiatric Care – including new insights into hormones, immune system issues, and neurotransmitter imbalances effecting brain function. 1 hr

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  • http://www.corepsychblog.com drcharlesparker

    Jessnow,
    Highly likely that the Lexapro only aggravated a pre-existing condition, likely a relative paucity of serotonin [pure speculation - but have seen it many times]. Strongly recommend an IgG and neurotransmitter assessment, and likely adrenal review upon review of more targeted questions.
    cp

  • Jessnow1

    Hi, I am not sure if this is a good place to post this. Over a year and a half ago I went to my general practitioner complaining of chest pains. He suggested that I could be depressed and gave me Lexapro. Within a half hour of taking the pill I was in the E.R. with diarrhea, temperature fluctuations, and a bunch of other symptoms. I was given Xanax by the E.R. and told I was having a bad reaction to the Lexapro.  I took Xanax periodically to help ease some of the symptoms, then realized I was also suffering from inter-dose withdrawal from the Xanax. So I tapered myself from the Xanax over a few weeks period of time as I had only taken about 10 of them overall. Anyways I still to this day (over a year and a half) experience cognitive difficulties, anxiety (which I never had before pills) and other difficulties. I am starting to feel a bit desperate that these unwanted symptoms will never resolve. Unfortunately there is not much positive news out there with other people who are suffering the same symptoms. Some are 3-6 years out and still suffering. I was just wondering what your take on what could have gone wrong could be.

  • http://www.corepsychblog.com drcharlesparker

    Miln252,
    Kids like this need much more attention than one can render on casual Internet speculation. He is complex and, while the meds are those we often see useful, they do need adjustment with someone experienced and on site. Suggest you try an experienced child psychiatrist if you haven’t already.
    cp

  • Anonymous

    Hello,
    I am in TN and desperately seeking help for my 8 year old. He was a shaken baby at 4 months, frontal lobe damage, doctors said it wasted. Brain has water pockets on it. He has severe rages, defiant, impulsive, poor judgement. We are looking for anything to calm him down and live a normal life. They have him on Risperdal 0.5/2 day, Abilify 2 mg, Triledpetal 300mg/2 day. Any recommendation is helpful, we feel we are in this alone.

  • Mary Beth

    Dr. Parker,
    I recently met you when my daughter had her first office consult concerning two of her children. I feel good about the path we are on with them. Thank you.

    We have a family member that has been diagnosed with Pandas Syndrome. She is currently taking antibiotics and Zoloft. She continues to have a difficult time with anxiety. We have looked at lots of information on the internet. I wondered what your opinion is about course of treatment for someone that has Pandas Syndrome. We are having a hard time just waiting for things to get better. Would the tests you run on your clients for their imbalances be beneficial for our family member? Thank you so much for your recommendations.

    I also sent an e-mail to you…It came back saying there was a delay. I’m sure your e-mail is jammed…thought I would try this avenue. Thanks for your help. Mary Beth

    • http://www.CorePsychBlog.com Dr Charles Parker

      Mary Beth,
      The neurotransmitter imbalances will be revealed with the NS testing – honestly do think the IgG will be helpful as well. Further while you are looking read about strep and biofilm, as when you come in I will have more to tell you in that regard.
      cp

  • Anthony

    Hello Dr. Parker. First time visitor. I have been on ADHD meds for about 1 1/2 years now. I finally got up the nerve to go talk to someone about my lack of focus. I always struggled with school, but finally received my B.S. degree and have a decent career. I know my ADHD has held me back as far as focus and work motivation. I fight to keep going through each day. That was until I found the drug I have always needed. My Dr. prescribed Vyvanse to me at 30MG to start. I eventually went to 50MG morning and 30 MG afternoon. I am 6ft 1in 280lbs, 31 years old. I ended up leaving this Dr do to commute and the feeling she was not listening to me. I asked her if I could go higher than 80MG a day and she refused. I then went to a new Psychiatrist who I am still with now. She will not go past 70MG. I even brought my caremark RX history to show her the previous Dr Prescribing me 80MG a day so she would not think I was lying. When I did this, I tried telling her that 70MG is getting me maybe 6 hours of focus. My day is long and I need the other half of the day to come home and help my wife with our children. AND, I feel so much normal on Vyvanse. I am pleasent now, motivated, and I finish all of my work. But after that 6 hours, I am in my usual out there mood. So, eventually the new Dr prescribed me Adderal (30MG) 2 times a day to see if the time release would work longer for me. Vyvanse was much smoother so I went back to 70MG Vyvanse. I asked her if I could do 70 AM and 70 early afternoon. She resisted. By the way, my RX plan already told me they allow duel therapy overide and will prescribe twice the amount if needed. I even called caremark to ask them if I could do this. My thouhgt was to take something else later in the day if she was so against more than 70MG Vyvanse. She did not even ponder the idea of a seperate ADHD med. She said just Vyvanse and it should not be mixed with other Amphetamines. I then did some research and found out that one 70MG vyvanse has less of the active drug than the two Adderals. This just does not make sense to me. I finally find a great med, and now I am back to square one. I have great medical benefits and want to get the most from it. My blood pressure and blood work is always great (I go to my Med Dr in between). Honestly, this Dr barely listens to me. She writes a few notes down and tells me what I should take before I even explain how I have been felling. How do I handle this?? Will another Dr go beyond the max recommended dose? Is there something else ?

    • http://www.CorePsychBlog.com Dr Charles Parker

      Anthony,
      Yours is a problem we often see as so many wish to stay only in the min guidelines on Vyvanse – even when it is safer according to actual testing! My thought would be to dig in and get someone who is experienced with ADHD rather than those who are simply following guidelines and appear to have little experience with titration. You would likely do well with 80 mg in the AM and if you work long hours could divide that dosage into one in the AM and one about 11 AM, covering more of the evening hours.

      I do thing you also likely have a metabolic background noise, as I always see challenges with those going up into higher doses. Key question: What is your Transit Time? [- don't have to answer here ;-) ]
      cp

      • Anthony

        I never tried to time the transit time but will do so ASAP. Very interesting.

  • Theresa

    Dear Dr. Parker,
    It’s been a few months since I last posted to your site, though I do check frequently for updates. I still am very interested in the info you said would be coming up in presentations and a new website. (http://www.corepsychblog.com/2010/11/adhd-and-glutamate-neurotransmitters/)

    I think I’m finally starting to do better, more globally rather than just the improvements here and there. It’s been 5 1/2 months since I first went to see someone. After 2 1/2 months with one practitioner, I took a chance and found a different dr. I am so glad that I did. He is sooo much better – he goes slow, it seems like he gives me more time when I have an appointment, he gave me his # if I have a problem and he returns the call that day or the next (although he told me I could also call and leave a message to give him info but say he doesn’t need to call me back), the office staff is more professional.

    We’ve settled on something for now that seems to be working better. I’m on less amphetamine overall than I had been before. Which even though it covered more hours and I could do things, I was also far more obsessive and worrying constantly – which although I had before, I don’t think it was to that degree. After another tweak, he decided to go down on this before changing anything else. That’s what I mean by going slow :) It’s good; better anyway. Not perfect – but none of us is!

    So now I’m on a total 50mg/day and taking B vitamins. I go back in a month (for the first time since seeing him – before it was always 2 or 3 weeks), but I’ll see how it goes after 2 weeks. I have a definite am/pm time schedule for taking everything now, one for weekdays and one for weekends. I’m also seeing my therapist twice a month and we wrote new goals — mostly dealing with anxiety and obsessiveness/compulsion to do things in various situations and time management.

    Everything else is so much better when the meds are effective (which is probably 95% of the time when I’ve taken them and for the amount of time they’re supposed to last) — motivation, ability to start things, a little with the compulsiveness, clarity of thought and communication, self-control, frustration level, less battle with myself, accomplishing tasks, depressed mood. It’s very predictable at 5 hours. The only problem is that there are enough hours in the day when it’s not effective and the extent to which that makes a big difference depends on where I am and what I’m doing. But I can manage it, and the anxiety/obsessiveness still when on the meds — at least that’s what I told my dr this last time.

    My only concern is that I don’t think I eat enough (which is not a new problem) – at least according to the # of servings. But I do eat healthfully and I do have a balance between the different foods — so I’m not sure what to change! I only eat whole grains, little sugar, minimal processed foods, mostly locally grown fruits and vegetables, and very soon will be switching to locally raised grass-fed beef and poultry. My transit :) last I checked was about 17 hrs.
    I get 8+ hours of sleep when I actually stop my obsessiveness and go to bed. I exercise at least 3 to 4 days a week and on my good weeks it’s 6 or 7 times. My resting hr on the meds at peak is about 68 to 74 bpm. My blood pressure – 100/70. I drink about 80 oz of water a day and only occasionally have coffee or alcohol. Oh, and my cycle is perfectly regular at the beginning of each month.

    So is this good? Will I really be better? I already am so much better than I was before, but I know I still have so far to go. Sometimes I wish I didn’t have any of these issues…and every now and then I worry about the meds stopping to work since I’ve heard and read sooo many such stories :/…and I definitely still really want to understand EVERYTHING and WHY. :)

    Comments? Encouragement? Suggestions? Thanks again for a wonderful resource. Your book and info were so very helpful along this way. It seems like it’s been a lot longer than 5 1/2 months!

    To better health,

    Theresa

    • http://www.CorePsychBlog.com Dr Charles Parker

      Theresa,
      Many thanks for your kind remarks, and you, my friend, are doing exemplary! My experience with the meds over years is simple: If you stay with your *metabolic maintenance* program you very likely will not need constant med changes – if you don’t, plan on more med visits and frustration.

      Good job on the TT [transit time]!! ;-) You are clearly on the right path… only variable I didn’t hit sufficiently in Rules is regular exercise.

      Eating enough can be helped by working on the protein breakfast piece – more details here on a previous CorePsych Blog post.

      Sounds like your doc is onto the details – always a plus!
      Be well, excellent job!
      cp

      • Theresa

        Thanks for the encouragement! :)
        I need it. I do try to make sure I get plenty of protein. I usually have oatmeal with plain peanut butter or wheat germ, or some concoction like yours, or some protein-rich concoction involving plain yogurt. The other night I made millet spoonbread (with 3 eggs, cheese, spinach, millet flour, whole wheat flour …yum) and although I didn’t figure out it’s nutritional content, I do know it has lots of protein! I didn’t even know what spoonbread was until after I stuck it in the oven and looked it up online. But it’s good and there are so many variations. Millet flour is sort of like cornmeal, so what I got was this cornmeal and quiche-like bread or dish.

        I hope my current regimen works well. It can be really hard in those off hours and I want to be easier like it is when I have the on hours….but if I can be able to think clearly and not have such resistance when its off, as well as learn how to tame my impulse and ocd tendencies (both on and off meds) without more medication, I’d prefer it. I’m not sure though — but I REALLY want to give it a try, so I desperately need to trust in that!!!! Even though I do also want the quick answer because I know now that it works and I’m not a very patient person…However, I know that if we were to go up, it would improve on one end, but the other would be significantly worse and require something new. So I don’t really want to do that (increase and add). Are there any other options (just in case, but I’m really going to work on it so hopefully I won’t need them)?

        Thanks so much — I really needed that reassurance!

        Theresa

        • http://www.CorePsychBlog.com Dr Charles Parker

          Theresa,
          Regrettably the only option without that specific look at evidence is kinda like Quick Draw McGraw on a moving target. Your doc may get it right, as I often have in the past, but the problem comes when things still don’t work out as expected. If that happens at least you have some very durable options.
          cp

          • Theresa

            right – but everything is working very predictably.

            1) I just don’t know what other medication or supplement choices there would be (that would not involve increasing the stimulant and adding an antidepressant — which is what I don’t want) that could help. (which testing could obviously guide one way or another depending on results…but I don’t even know overall other options)

            2) More importantly though, have you seen patients in similar circumstances work through those remaining issues w/o additional medication? I’m motivated, educated and well-read on these topics, understand the need in certain cases for testing as biomarkers, and pay attention to the details. I really want to believe that I can manage the rest without medication, and not only manage, but really actually improve it. But because I know the difference with the meds, I have a lingering doubt — and that lingering doubt is going to do nothing to help! So have you had experiences where someone is doing really well (since you said I was doing “exemplary” :) ) and is able to turn the other things around (or when meds are off) through commitment, hard work, therapy and good habits?

            • http://www.CorePsychBlog.com Dr Charles Parker

              Theresa,
              We can do a good job of * back then,* and, with solid evidence, a better job of *then and now* – but I cannot yet see into the future! I have seen folks go off the psych meds, certainly reduce them, but even with good behavior we don’t know what time will bring. Main focus now is self mastery with what you have, then later self mastery with those new variables.
              cp

  • Rankin Holloway

    Hello Dr. Parker. Thank you for such an informative website. I have a 10 year old daughter who we have been on a journey with since early infancy. She has been under the care of a Pediatric Psychiatrist since the age of 6 yrs. old and under the care of a Psychologist since the age of 5 yrs. old. Initially, she was diagnosed with a mood disorder and I do believe that is an accurate diagnosis. She is doing quite well after being placed on Lamictal (100mg.) at age 6 yrs. old, undergoing behavioral therapy, changing our parenting techniques, and changing nutrition. More recently though, since around entering grade 3, I began to suspect that she is struggling with ADHD as well. These symptoms are now affecting her academically and somewhat socially in 5th grade. She possesses the classic symptoms and I would classify her “Temporal Lobe” in Dr. Amen’s 6 types of ADHD. Though, when she was younger I would’ve classified her in the “Ring of Fire”. In any case, we tried stimulants (Adderall XR) but she could not handle the stimulants due to the mood issues. We are currently trying Intuniv and she is at the end of her first week on 2 mg. We have definately seen positive results but she is now experiencing fairly uncomfortable stomach pains so I am not sure we’ll be able to continue or we may have to back down to 1 mg. and I am not sure that dosage will be enough. My question is what is your opinion of Amantadine as an ADHD medication? I have inquired with our Pediatric Psychiatrist and have actually seen another as well but neither have much knowledge about it as an ADHD medication and/or are hestitant to prescribe it. Also, what is your opinion of the Quotient ADHD System as an accurate diagnostic tool for ADHD? I would love to be able to afford a SPECT scan for our daughter but do not forsee that as a possiblity in the near future. Any general insight you could provide would be very much appreciated. I look forward to exploring your website further and reading your books.

    • http://www.CorePsychBlog.com Dr Charles Parker

      Rankin,
      My strong recommendation, following the failure of stimulants, that your girl get an IgG and Neurotransmitter testing to delineate the actual neurotransmitter imbalances. My guess, based upon early refractory onset and anger that looks “temporal lobe” – that she is out the top on excitatory neurotransmitters secondary to immune challenges. My ‘belief system” hard evidence and no guessing. I don’t know the quotient system… if it close to functional great, if it’s just another descriptive process it would not be on my have-to-do list.

      And remember – equating “Ring of Fire” with mood disorder is only extending the superficial analysis of brain function back into the DSM 4 - thereby limiting further investigation into the actual cellular function – which will tell you much more – and is aggravating the ADHD picture.
      cp

  • Donald Ense

    Hello Dr. Parker:
    I was a patient of yours at the Peninsula Hospital in 1992.. I am a Native American from Ontario, Canada. You diagnosed my OCD back in 92 when I was there for treatment. If you recall, I had a difficult time admitting that I had the Disorder. It took a few days to convince myself that I needed to take the medication for my condition. You had prescribed Prozac at that time. It helped me to stabilzie my condition. I did not know that I had been living with this problem for many years. While I was there for “codependency issues”, there was a book you had published, it was entitled, “Deep Recovery.” I have been trying to find this book for many years ever since I left Peninsula. Is it possible to order the book from you directly? If you can send me the price of the book, I can send you a money order to cover the price and mailing of the book to me. I would greatly appreciate your help. Thank you.
    Don

    • http://www.CorePsychBlog.com Dr Charles Parker

      Donald,
      Thanks for asking! That was such a long time ago, as only shortly after that I began to see the limitations of Prozac clinically… and if you look around here on the blog, you will see why.

      Yep, we have some copies here at CorePsych – drop an email to Sarah on the Services page and she can hook you up. Also stay tuned for news about a forthcoming rewrite. It sold very well for a first time pub with little specific promotion… but it was a book before it’s time. About 4 yrs later I did a presentation at a national addictions conference and everyone just loved the perspective with specifics on how to achieve relationship balance.

      Good to hear from you again!
      Best in recovery, and be well,
      cp

  • ML

    Hello Dr. Parker,
    I just found you on the internet.
    I am a female in my mid 50′s. I work as a flight attendant and I fly internationally for many years.
    I was diagnosed w/ADD in 1995 after quitting drinking. I’ve been sober for 17 years.
    I’ve had food sensitivities, anxiety, adrenal burnout. lousy sleep – just not the best health my entire life.
    Over the last few years I’ve developed Vitiligo. Seems like I have been plagued by immune system issues.
    In addition, I’ve had an accumulation of work, family and financial related stresses over the last several years.
    Now let’s add Hormone issues in my 50′s on top of my unmedicated ADD. Wow – I think I’m ready for medication again.
    I was on Dexedrine for 5 years and felt horrible. I’ve been off for over 10 years. I’m very sensitive to everything especially medication. I’ve been reading several recently published books on ADD and believe Strattera might be good for me.
    Any chance I could get a referral for a good ADD Psychiatrist in the Midwest?
    I’d also be interested in a phone consulation with you if possible.
    Thanking you in advance for your help.
    Sincerely,
    ML

    • http://www.CorePsychBlog.com Dr Charles Parker

      ML,
      You sound, on the positive side, quite typical, if those treating are aware of the underlying situation… Immune issues – especially with the bowel – always, read my lips, always create medication sensitivity issues. Without a careful review the meds just don’t work predictably and the pt continues to feel like a failure.

      Do give Sarah a call at the number on this page - Honestly, don’t know a soul in the Midwest on this path, but they will be by next year’s end with planned CoreBrain training initiatives. Look forward to getting this straight with you!
      cp

  • eileen lynch

    Dr Parker
    You were my daughter’s psychiatrist at Amen Clinic in Reston. She has RAD, mood disorder NOS, pdd NOS, etc. She has rages causing her meds to move from Trileptal to the antipsychotics. I’ve gotten her off those and she just started on amantadine. Results were immediate and dramatic – rages decreased significantly. Whether this will keep up, I don’t know. What are your thoughts of the use of amantadine for kids (my daughter is now 10)
    Appreciate your input!
    Eileen

    • http://www.CorePsychBlog.com Dr Charles Parker

      Eileen,
      Don’t know how familiar you are with the blog here, but have been taking a new, more informed approach to these matters and now do considerable testing for neurotransmitters and immune dysfunction – as a routine workup for your kind of girl. The Amen tour was great with the outstanding team we developed there, and I still do SPECT scans as indicated, but find this new evidence more affordable and indeed more practical when trying to figure out what-to-do-next with meds and neurotransmitter precursors – it’s the way everyone will be working in the next 5-10 yrs unless they are invested in traditional psychoanalysis!

      Amantadine is not contraindicated, will often work well, but if the underlying cause is not completely investigated and corrected you will be back to the same-ol in the future. Take a look at this page on Neuroscience details to get a start on what’s available over on the new brain measurement side.

      Thanks for reconnecting!
      cp

  • Joan McCalla

    Dr Parker, we talked on Thursday the 30th to review my son’s food and urine test. Question, if the the food sensitivity is in the low range are they off limits? Or are they ok in small quantities? Gluten is in the moderate range as is cheese so they are what we should avoid completely?

    Thanks!

    Joan

    • http://www.CorePsychBlog.com Dr Charles Parker

      Joan,
      Often you can skip the low results if you have significant high & moderate results. I don’t have the chart, and would have to review the entire scene, so ask me when I see you. Bottom line: Low range is often OK unless the families are frequently present e.g. many milk related items. Also you can look a the quantitative findings inside the results to see how bad they are – a further indicator.
      cp

      • Joan McCalla

        Hi Dr. Parker,

        Thank you for your quick response. We went to Whole Foods yesterday and got a lot of things gluten free, we’ll see how that goes. I’m going to order the supplements sometime next week. I look forward to meeting you, hopefully I can get up there in the next month or so. When is your DC office opening and are you going to split the time equally between VA and there? I think DC would be alot easier to get to, but I really don’t care where we see you.

        • http://www.CorePsychBlog.com Dr Charles Parker

          Joan,
          Yes, looks like the first week of November, Wed will be the first day in the CorePsych DC office. I will try to get a brief blog out about it this weekend with maps and scheduling details.
          For now best to simply coordinate with Sarah until we have that software grid up and running – will be doing computer based appointments there. Look forward to our conversations.
          cp

          • joan McCalla

            Hi Dr. Parker,

            Ok, great. I think we’ll just coordinate with Sarah and see you in the Va Beach office. My husband has alot of friends that live in that area, so it will be a nice trip. I told a friend about you yesterday and she was very impressed with all of the testing that you do to get to the “root” of the problem. I gave her your website and she’ll most likely be contacting you.

            • http://www.CorePsychBlog.com Dr Charles Parker

              Thanks Joan,
              See you soon.
              cp

  • Matthew Picardo

    Dr Parker,
    I am still having much difficulty trying to find the proper medication for my ADHD, with poor impulse control. I am taking Adderall XR and seem to do ok for a couple hours and then I notice a change, like the medication isn’t potent enough. I tried Ritalin which led me to do some very bad impulsive things, was extremely irritable and it didn’t do much for my ability to focus. I was then placed on the Adderall XR and have gone from 10 -20 mgs. My psychiatrist tried me on Strattera and I couldn’t sleep and was again very irritable. The 20mgs of Adderall doesn’t seem to be working and my wife wants me to try the Vyvanse as she is hoping it will have less side effects. She believes I am emotionally withdrawn, and aloof, which I am but I am constantly willing to exercise, watch and play sports with no problem, having anxiety when I am not doing something stimulating. I also feel like my brain is tired. Any recommendations would be appreciated. I drink a diet coke in the morning and one in the afternoon. My wife shared how that can make things worse. I can’t seem to get the stimulation seeking and impulse control under control. My wife also thinks I have anxiety issues as I bit my nails frequently and have to have peanut butter every night. Low serotonin she says. I know you can’t figure me out, but I was hoping for some direction when I see my psychiatrist. Thanks
    Matt Picardo

    • http://www.CorePsychBlog.com Dr Charles Parker

      Matthew,
      You do likely need more medical attention, and a better workup for comorbid issues than appears to be under current consideration. Your therapeutic window appears too small, and gets that way with immune dysregulation. Your diet is not contributory to your improvement, and it sounds like breakfast needs more attention with specific protein attention. Your wife could be right about the serotonin, but you also may have an elevated PEA which makes stimulant meds ineffective as it creates an ADHD picture that can only be corrected by correcting that specific elevation. All of these considerations are measurable and treatable – more info can be found in my book: ADHD Medication Rules, and this CorePsych Neuroscience Page.
      cp

    • Matthew Picardo

      Dr Parker,
      Thank you for your quick reply. I am seeing the psychiatrist this coming week and was wondering what I should tell her as in where to go from here. Is there a blood test that can help identify which medication would be helpful for the ADHD and can I take an SSRI if indeed my serotonin levels are low, along with the stimulant medication. I want to know what to advocate for when I see the psychiatrist so I find the correct medications, that won’t worsen the poor impulse control. My wife wants me to try the Vyvanse and inquire about an SSRI. Can that be taken with ADHD medications?
      Thanks for any feedback
      Matthew Picardo

      • http://www.CorePsychBlog.com Dr Charles Parker

        Matthew,
        We provide those reviews through CorePsych, and can review your materials long distance without an office visit – Just call Sarah at services for a consult. In the meantime read the first pdf file on this Neuroscience page here at CorePsych.
        cp

  • M. Roy

    Hello Dr Parker,
    I enjoyed our conversation a few weeks ago about my son. We received our supplemants and he started taking them this week. Unfortunately, things have been really tough this week. He seems wilder (more hyper) than ever. I noticed that the supplement Calm PRT states it can cause excitability in some people (I do give the 3 pills at a time as it suggests). Do you think that this could be the cause? Should I discontinue it and start a different calming supplement (you mentioned travecore during our conversation) or should I push through this week and see what happens. He does naturally run on the manicy side (dx include Tourettes with mood disturbance and ADHD). I am in the process of getting out food allergy testing done. Also, I noticed some people have done neurotransmitter testing with both urine and saliva samples but we only received urine test kit. Did we miss somthing we should be doing? Thanks-your advice is much appreciated.

    • http://www.CorePsychBlog.com Dr Charles Parker

      M. Roy,
      As I likely indicated [often do] the kids with metabolic challenges react poorly to supplements and to meds. Rather than discontinue the Calm PRT I would drop it down to 1 at the time recommended. If still agitated on one, hold it and set up a call so we can get all the variables straight. TravaCor, if recommended by the findings will likely be helpful, – but with metabolic issues it also might prove counterproductive.

      Hang in there – with these findings I can almost guarantee that your guy will show significant food allergies on IgG testing.
      cp

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  • A.J. Mayorga

    Dr. Parker
    Just started taking (Day 2) of the Vyvanse prescription you gave – and Day 1, about 2 hours after taking my first dose, I actually stopped in my tracks and said “My God its quiet!”. For the first time in as long as I can remember the raging storm of thoughts and tangents, maddening impulses, and anxieties are quiet. My mind has gone from an incessant cacophony to nocturne the clarity of everything is Amazing. I’m not experiencing any side effects as yet and hope it stays this way. I just really wanted to say THANK YOU! so much and am looking forward to working with you further

    A.J.

    • http://www.CorePsychBlog.com Dr Charles Parker

      AJ –
      Glad it worked so well, one can never be sure about dosage – thus my inclination to go lower and slower than might be expected.
      Love that ‘nocturne of clarity’ picture!
      cp

  • http://www.livinlong.org Faye Bass

    What is the best way to recommend you to two people I know. One with a teenage child diagnosed with Aspburgers and two others with adult children that I think have been diagnosed with bi-polar syndrome.

    • http://www.CorePsychBlog.com Dr Charles Parker

      Faye,
      We do virtual/phone consults anywhere in the world. If the person needs meds they do have to come into the Va Beach office if they want me to write for those meds. I can recommend testing, read testing, and recommend supplements anywhere as they are not controlled, and we are far more precise in our measurements and assessments than most are in the first place.

      Best to drop an email to our Admin person here at CorePsych.
      Thanks, hope we can pitch in!
      cp

  • Liz M

    Dr. Parker,

    I’m a big overwhelmed and lost with the sheer magnitude of your articles, price lists, comments, video clips, etc. Very imformative but going on hour 38 of a migraine…just not processing. However Hamada Sensei & I go way back- I worked for him as a tutor in highschool and even went to Japan as the ‘Group Leader’, such an amazing man!

    The ‘summary’ of my questions:
    - I have migraine/cluster headaches. I have some sort of headache almost every day of my life with averaging of 2 full blown migraines that bring me to my knees. Seen more neurologists than I care to with almost no improvement despite the numerous different types of meds I’ve tried. Have been a ‘headache’ sufferer now going on 15 years and to the point that I’m extermeley alarmed by how much pain med I’m having to take just to survive.

    -That being said what is the overview of the process that I would need to undergo for this speific type of problem and is it a specific course with a begining or ending or more of a therapy approach with ongoing sessions. What type of fees am i looking at as I’m guessing this is not covered by insurance.

    - How is this specific work different than neurofeedback/eeg therapy?

    Thanks for the help!

    -

    • http://www.CorePsychBlog.com Dr Charles Parker

      Liz,
      All of these questions depend upon just how much testing you need and what insurance you have for the testing. If you have Optima, it will be more expensive simply because they are so completely penurious on any testing, unless it is for acute, live or die conditions. If your regular MD helps with the referral over to my office, and requests the testing below specifically that might help with those testing fees, but I doubt it with Optima. BC/BS and any other significant insurance will pay for most testing. Optima is ridiculous.

      Regarding the other fees please call Caitlin at X203 on the Admin page and she can discuss fees with you.

      The main reason for your inquiry has a more interesting answer. Migraines, already reviewed by neurologists as not having a more ominous origin, are often directly related to a mix of neurotransmitter challenges [measurable], hormones [measurable], and immune dysfunction [measurable].

      I hope it works out to see you, and as much as I would like to, won’t spend a lot of your time on Sensei, Dr Hamada.
      Talk soon,
      cp

  • Douglas J Hadsock

    Dr Charles Parker,
    I saw a very interesting doccumentary on HBO , concerning the research being done on panic disorder,
    I always thought it may be due to excess stress and problems with neurotransmitters, but they are finding that
    some how the CO2 receptor in the brain may be sending signals to the thymus gland to release the fight or flight hormones
    causing the panic attack. This may be a more organic type problem than a simple stress related problem.

    I remember when I was EMT we worried about sudden death in infants that can occur due to a underactive CO2 sensor, this was thought to be triggered by a virus infection or maybe genetic, I wonder if there’s a trigger for the onset of panic attacks due to a viral infection in the brain.

    They also showed dramatic changes in the brain the is controled by the thymus, it was evident in the brain images they did.
    Doug

    This documentary involved several of the large Neurology Colleges and their research.
    This would be useful for people who suffer chronic panic disorder to understand its possible something beyond their control.

    • http://www.CorePsychBlog.com Dr Charles Parker

      Doug,
      Thanks for the update, will be interested to have the connection for our readers, and will look forward to checking it out. – So many interesting paths… we just need to keep them all straight.
      cp

  • Diane Lindenberger

    Do you do phone consultations? You were recommended by the man who owns Jigsaw Health in Scottsdale, Arizona.

    I am searching for someone who is qualified to help in the areas of anxiety and depression. I have been in touch with Hyla Cass, but feel she is just out to sell her products.

    Regards,
    Diane Lindenberger

    • http://www.CorePsychBlog.com Dr Charles Parker

      Diane,
      Yes we do consult by phone, but only treat with an office visit. Will reply with additional details offline.
      cp

  • Steve Marvel

    Hey Doc Parker, This is Steve from Tulsa Oklahoma. I just want to say thank you. You are a blessing and a terrific help as well. So much so that, My Psych, highly respected, in Tulsa is now handing out your piece on “The Theraputic Window” to each new ADD/ADHD patient that comes to his practice. He said you were right on with your ideas. Way to go. Your a Good Man and much appreciated.

    With much Respect,

    A long time follower,

    Steve Marvel
    Tulsa, Ok

    js_marvel@cox.net

    • http://www.CorePsychBlog.com Dr Charles Parker

      Steve,
      I am really thrilled he likes it and very much appreciate your taking the time to drop me a note on the Window. I am vigorously writing away all weekend, and if he like that one, he will love the book….
      Thanks so much!
      cp