I would like to thank Dr. F. Allen Walker (http://www.louisvilleadhd.com/) and his patients for allowing me to sit in with them yesterday during their regular follow ups. Dr. Walker is a board certified psychiatrist in Louisville, Kentucky that specializes in working with patients that struggle with ADHD.
I feel very fortunate to have met Dr. Walker and to have him as a resource for myself and my patients here in Louisville that struggle with behavior, concentration, and focus disorders. It was obvious to me after watching him with his first patient yesterday that he is meticulous and compassionate when it comes to "diagnosing" his patients; and that he is also not a practitioner that simply throws out a prescription for a drug to bandaid a complex set of symptoms. Dr. Walker knows that the lifestyle components for patients are a crucial piece of the puzzle for a truly holistic and lasting improvement in the overall quality of life.
Here is what Dr. Allen Walker wrote about his treatment philosophy on his website:
What is clear is that stimulant ADHD medications can be helpful, at least in the short term . While the ADHD medications can allow changes to take place, the effect wears off when the ADHD medication wears off. The ADHD medications do not improve academic skills or increase knowledge, however ADHD medications can help people pay better attention and see their work to completion. The ADHD medications only control the symptoms however they do not address the root cause of Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms and quite honestly scientists do not know precisely how the medications work . ADHD medications are like glasses or allergy medications. The ADHD medications don’t cure the disorder they only temporarily control the symptoms.
I specialize in the treatment of ADHD and combine the use of medications along with identification and modification of underlying issues associated with ADHD. I deal with these issues first or simultaneously before rushing into a course of ADHD medications. For lasting improvements, I recommend and utilize consistent behavioral and organizational therapy along with medications. The use of emotional counseling, practical support, healthy diet, daily exercise and good sleep hygiene further assist to diminish the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder. As in most psychiatric diagnoses there is no magic bullet and typically long-lasting change involves consistent investment into practicing lifestyle and behavioral changes. (http://www.louisvilleadhd.com/my-philosophy.php)
It is refreshing for me to know Dr. Walker is here in Louisville. There are conventionally trained medical doctors in Kentucky that are open and embracing a more holistic approach to health and wellness. Bit by bit, we are on the right track.
