Who We Are
Silicon Valley Medical Associates is a small group of dedicated medical doctors and staff who diagnose and treat Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). It is all we do. Of course, we are licensed by the State of California and the California State Medical Board. Our Medical Director, Roger Washington, MD FAAFP is a Stanford-trained physician with 2 decades of experience.
SVMA is here to help
Ours is a positive and alternative approach to ADD. We clearly state that those with ADD are not abnormal. In an absolute sense, ADD thinking is as much an asset as it is a hindrance.
We point out that ADDers focus much better than average under pressure. And typically, ADDers feel as if they are in their 'zone' when there is an element of pressure or danger related to what they are doing. It would seem that Attention Deficit Disorder is a poor and inadequate characterization of their patterns of thinking especially when you consider that when they are interested in a subject or activity they can focus hours and hours on what would usually bore others. Writing code, solving puzzles, video gaming, hunting, fishing, driving, piloting aircraft and X-sports come immediately to mind.
Being in the minority does not in and of itself qualify as being abnormal, no more than would having large feet or hazel eyes. Function and the lack of it would make a more useful criterion to render judgment about what is abnormal.
We suppose that having 'ADD thinking and behavior' causes ADDers to have issues and problems coping in a Non ADD world in the same way that someone with extraordinary intellect and knowledge would have trouble coping in a society designed by, and for, people of lesser means.
Medication makes a difference
Principally, we prescribe various forms of stimulant medications that are safe and effective in helping our clients with ADD (ADDers) to live what they consider to be healthier, happier lives.
Safety
Our primary directive is to do no harm as we strive to help those with ADD to live healthier, happier lives. No one is prescribed medication unless we agree that medication is likely to be both safe and effective for you. Therefore, what we don't do is prescribe stimulants to anyone who has had:
- any history of ticks
- abnormal thoughts or visions
- hears abnormal sounds
- any history of seizures
- high blood pressure or
- anyone who has had an issue with substance abuse
The prescription medication Strattera, may help those with complicating medical issues that make them poor candidates for the use of stimulants.
What We Will Do
We will help you evaluate whether it seems reasonable that the issues you want less of are related to having ADD and whether medication is likely to help. Once your evaluation is complete, we will decide which particular stimulant medication is likely to be beneficial. Thereafter, we'll have continued meetings to check your progress. To start, they'll be weekly, then monthly, and then as infrequently as safety and progress allows.
Working together we can manage the potential side effects of the reasonable use of the medications.
Safety requires that we have a strong policy regarding early refills to replace lost medication.
Stimulants are controlled substances by the FDA because of their potential for abuse, tolerance, addiction, and mental or physical side effects. With professional guidance this powerful tool is safe and effective. While no professional would promise results, it's likely we can help you improve your function and quality of life.
We adhere to strict guidelines that govern the amount of medication we provide. Diversion of the medication or any other use of the medication other than that for which it was prescribed will not be tolerated.