Ankenman said his treatment is cheaper and far more effective than standard medications because it targets adrenaline — the hormone in the body’s “fight or flight” reaction to perceived danger. Hyperactivity is a problem in nearly 9 percent of American children, and another 2 percent suffer conduct disorders such as uncontrolled rage, according to a recent study.
Sam Rosengarten of Beavercreek says Ankenman’s therapy brought his son, Michael, “back into the world.” Michael, now 24, has a mild form of autism. At 14, his impulsive behavior became so dangerous doctors said he would have to be institutionalized.
But within weeks of trying the adrenaline-blocking therapy, Michael grew calmer and less withdrawn, his father said.
Dr. Floyd Sallee isn’t convinced, warning that the therapy hasn’t been tested in double-blind randomized clinical trials. Although prescribing drugs for new uses is a relatively common practice, it can pose risks, especially to children, said Sallee, a research psychiatrist at the University of Cincinnati.
But Dr. Gary Onady, an expert on evidenced-based medicine at Wright State University, said Ankenman may be onto something. Therapies based on an informed understanding of how physiology and medications interact “can have a good outcome” for patients, he said.
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